Knotless Bone Fracture Repair System Using Locking Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tension band repairs for fractured bones, particularly patella fractures, have high revision rates due to implant-related symptoms and require the use of metal hardware or knot-tying techniques that can lead to complications such as knot failure and loosening.
Innovation Solution
A novel bone fracture repair system that allows for a knotless tension band construct using bone anchors, locking elements, and flexible tension members, which creates a secure and stable environment for bone healing by maintaining precise tension and avoiding metal hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stainless-steel wire is used for tension band repair, then the repair can be performed, but the revision rate is high due to implant-related symptoms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes metal hardware from the tension band repair system, extracting the harmful component that causes implant-related symptoms and high revision rates. The system uses bone anchors with locking elements and non-metallic tension members instead of traditional stainless-steel wires, eliminating metal-related complications while maintaining repair functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs resorbable tension members that degrade over time as bone healing occurs. These temporary, non-permanent components provide the necessary tension during the critical healing period and then naturally disappear, eliminating the need for long-term metal hardware and associated revision surgeries.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If tape is used as a substitute to stainless steel wires, then metal hardware is avoided, but knot failure occurs and the repair requires maintaining tension during knot tying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual knot-tying mechanical system with a locking element mechanism. The locking element secures the tension member within the bone anchor through a locking interface, eliminating the need for surgeons to tie knots and thereby eliminating knot failure risks while maintaining the ability to secure tension without metal hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element serves as an intermediary component between the bone anchor and the tension member. It provides a reliable locking interface that secures the tension member without requiring direct knot formation, thus maintaining reliability while avoiding both metal hardware and knot-related complications.
3Strength
If traditional tension band repair is performed, then fracture repair is achieved, but loosening occurs which causes distraction of the fracture site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic tension band system where the locking element can be adjusted to achieve and maintain optimal tension. The system allows for precise tensioning during surgery and maintains that tension through the locking interface, adapting to the healing process while preventing loosening and fracture site distraction that occur with traditional static repair methods.
Data Source
AI summary
A bone fracture repair system using a tension/compression lock configuration is described herein. In some embodiments, the bone fracture repair system includes one or more bone anchors, one or more locking elements configured to nest within the one or more bone anchors, and one or more flexible tension members configured to interact with the bone anchors and locking elements to securely hold fractured bone fragments in place for healing, while also creating a tension band construct that prevents displacement of the bone fragments by forces that tend to pull the bone fragments apart.