Hip Labrum Re-attachment Using Lateral Offset Dart Sutures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current minimally-invasive procedures for re-attaching the labrum in the hip joint are hindered by the joint's constrained geometry and limited access, making it difficult to pass sutures through the labrum and apply a direct draw force, often resulting in problematic re-attachment and loss of the suction seal.
Innovation Solution
A novel method and apparatus using darts and sutures with adjustable connections to facilitate passing the suture through the labrum with a lateral offset, applying a direct labral draw force to secure the labrum to the acetabulum, thereby re-establishing the suction seal, which includes the use of a guide pin, obturator, and bone anchors to ensure precise and anatomically appropriate re-attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional minimally-invasive procedures are used to re-attach the labrum, then the surgical approach is less invasive, but the constrained geometry and limited access make it difficult to pass sutures and apply direct draw force
Solution Approach 1:
The procedure segments the suture passage into two distinct phases: first passing the suture through the labrum using minimally-invasive techniques, then using an open approach to pass the suture through the acetabulum. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently, maintaining minimally-invasive benefits while enabling proper suture tensioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses bone anchors as intermediary devices that are first implanted through minimally-invasive techniques, then used to facilitate subsequent suture passage. The bone anchors serve as mediators that bridge the gap between the minimally-invasive approach and the need for direct force application
2Ease of manufacture
If sutures are passed through the labrum with traditional methods, then the procedure is simpler, but the re-attachment is problematic and loses the suction seal
Solution Approach 1:
The procedure performs preliminary actions by first passing the suture through the labrum and securing it to the femoral head, then preparing the acetabular site with bone anchors before completing the re-attachment. This preliminary positioning ensures proper alignment and tensioning before final fixation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a lateral offset in the suture passage through the acetabulum, creating a non-linear suture path that allows the suture to approach the labrum from an optimal angle. This dimensional change in the suture trajectory enables direct draw force application while maintaining the suction seal
3Reliability
If darts and sutures with adjustable connections are used, then direct labral draw force can be applied for superior re-attachment, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable suture connections that allow intraoperative adjustment of tension and positioning. The adjustable connections enable the surgeon to optimize the draw force and suture tension after implantation, ensuring optimal re-attachment while using a relatively simple dart and suture mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for re-attaching the labrum of a hip joint.