Interference Screw with Cannulation and Locking Barbs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing graft fixation methods in tissue reconstruction surgeries, such as ACL and PCL reconstructions, require separate fixation devices for the graft and reinforcement suture, leading to inefficiencies and potential instability.

Innovation Solution

A graft fixation system utilizing an interference screw with a cannulation and locking barbs that externally fixates a graft and internally locks a reinforcement suture, allowing for simultaneous securement of both components within a bone tunnel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate fixation devices are used for graft and reinforcement suture, then each component can be fixedated independently, but the surgical procedure becomes more complex and requires multiple devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation stabilityVSAvoidnumber of fixation devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interference screw integrates two separate fixation functions into a single device: external fixation of the graft via threads engaging the bone, and internal fixation of the reinforcement suture via locking barbs within the cannulation. This merging eliminates the need for separate fixation devices while maintaining reliable fixation of both components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The interference screw serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both an external fixation device for the graft and an internal locking mechanism for the reinforcement suture. The single device performs what previously required multiple specialized devices, simplifying the surgical procedure while ensuring stable fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate fixation devices are used for graft and reinforcement suture, then each component can be secured, but the surgical procedure time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation stabilityVSAvoidsurgical procedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By combining graft fixation and suture locking functions into a single interference screw insertion step, the surgical procedure is streamlined. The surgeon inserts one device that simultaneously achieves both fixation goals, eliminating the time required to implant and adjust multiple separate fixation devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The interference screw is designed with pre-configured locking barbs within the cannulation that automatically engage the reinforcement suture during insertion. This preliminary configuration of the locking mechanism eliminates the need for separate suture tying or additional fixation steps, reducing surgical time while ensuring reliable fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If a single interference screw is used for dual fixation, then the procedure is simplified, but the mechanical stability must be maintained for both graft and suture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical procedure simplicityVSAvoidmechanical stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The interference screw merges external thread engagement for graft fixation with internal locking barbs for suture security. This integration maintains mechanical stability for both components while simplifying the surgical procedure to a single insertion step.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the interference screw provide different fixation mechanisms: the external threads provide secure engagement with the bone for graft fixation, while the internal locking barbs within the cannulation provide localized locking for the reinforcement suture. This local differentiation of fixation qualities ensures both components are securely fixedated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If the reinforcement suture is tensioned separately from the graft, then independent tensioning is achieved, but the fixation system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent tensioning capabilityVSAvoidfixation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interference screw provides a universal fixation system that accommodates independent tensioning of both the graft and reinforcement suture. The internal cannulation with locking barbs allows the suture to be tensioned and locked separately, while the external threads simultaneously secure the graft, maintaining adaptability without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250107883A1Interference screws

Publication Date: 2025.04.03 ARTHREX INC

AI summary

Graft fixation systems and methods are provided for securing a graft within a bone tunnel. An exemplary graft fixation system may include an interference screw adapted for fixating both a graft and a reinforcement suture relative to bone.