Joint Kinematic Reconstruction Using Suture Anchors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unstable joints due to significant disruption of articulating bones or surrounding soft tissues lead to joint instability, causing pain, dysfunction, accelerated bone loss, and premature arthritis, with existing surgical techniques failing to effectively restore joint kinematics.
Innovation Solution
The method involves fixating a graft to the articulating bones using sutures, with suture anchors placed strategically within the joint space, and sizing the graft based on measured distances between these anchors to ensure proper fit and fixation, allowing for improved joint kinematics through reconstruction techniques such as anterior or posterior capsular reconstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional surgical techniques are used to treat unstable joints, then the procedure can be performed, but joint kinematics are not effectively restored and instability persists
Solution Approach 1:
The reconstruction process is divided into discrete, measurable segments: anchor placement, distance measurement, graft sizing, and fixation. This segmentation allows for systematic restoration of joint kinematics through controlled reconstruction steps rather than attempting to restore the entire joint at once.
Solution Approach 2:
Suture anchors are placed and measured before graft implantation. The distances between anchors are measured and used to precisely size the graft before it is inserted into the joint space. This preliminary measurement and sizing ensures the graft will fit correctly and restore proper joint kinematics.
2Stability of the object's composition
If graft fixation is performed with multiple suture anchors, then joint kinematics improve, but the surgical procedure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple suture anchors serve multiple functions: they provide fixation points for the graft, serve as measurement references for graft sizing, and maintain joint stability during the reconstruction process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture anchors and measurement system are designed to be self-sufficient, with the anchors themselves providing the measurement references needed for graft sizing. The system serves its own purpose of guiding the reconstruction without requiring external measurement tools or additional complex components.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise graft sizing based on anchor distances is performed, then graft fit accuracy improves, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suture anchors are placed and their positions are established before any measurement occurs. This preliminary placement creates fixed reference points that can be measured directly, eliminating the need for time-consuming measurements during the graft insertion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture anchors act as intermediary measurement references. Instead of measuring the joint space directly or measuring the graft separately, the anchors provide a stable framework that allows direct measurement of the graft dimensions against known anchor positions, simplifying the measurement process.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for reconstructing a joint include fixating at least one suture inside a joint space, retrieving the at least one suture from inside the joint space, passing the at least one suture through a graft at a location external to the joint space, shuttling the graft into the joint space, and fixating the graft to bone using the at least one suture.