Knotless Orthopedic Button Assembly for Self-Locking Suture Fixation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bone and soft tissue repair methods rely on secondary fixation elements like knots or hardware, which can fail and cause complications, and knotless systems compromise strength or stability for ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A knotless stabilization system with a self-locking mechanism using a base member and tensionable fixation members, such as sutures, that securely fasten bone or soft tissue without additional fixation elements, maintaining tension through compression and friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If secondary fixation elements (knots, screws, hooks) are used to secure the suture, then the fixation reliability is improved, but the device complexity and risk of complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the secondary fixation element (knot, screw, hook, or staple) from the system entirely. The suture loop is configured to self-lock within the button assembly through its own structural design, eliminating the need for separate fixation components and reducing device complexity while maintaining fixation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The suture loop's locking function is merged with the button assembly structure. The suture loop engages directly with the button's internal geometry to provide fixation, combining what were previously separate functions (suture tensioning and secondary fixation) into a single integrated system
2Strength
If knots are tied to hold suture tension, then the fixation strength is improved, but the tension is lost due to knot relaxation and the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The button assembly is pre-configured with an internal locking mechanism that automatically secures the suture loop when inserted. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming knot-tying operations during surgery, as the locking action occurs immediately upon insertion of the suture loop into the button
Solution Approach 2:
The suture loop self-locks within the button assembly through its own structural design without requiring external intervention or manual knot-tying. The system performs its own fixation function automatically, eliminating time loss associated with knot tying and ensuring consistent tension maintenance
3Reliability
If traditional suturing techniques are used close to blood vessels and nerves, then the repair effectiveness is improved, but the risk of injury to vital structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The button assembly serves as an intermediary device that provides secure fixation without requiring direct manipulation or tying of knots near vital structures. The suture loop engages with the button's internal locking mechanism, allowing tensioning and fixation to be performed away from blood vessels and nerves, thereby reducing the risk of injury to these critical structures
4Ease of operation
If knotless systems are used to eliminate secondary fixation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the strength and stability of the construct are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The button assembly features an asymmetric internal locking geometry that creates a secure mechanical interlock with the suture loop. This asymmetric design ensures that once the suture loop is inserted and tensioned, it cannot slip or detach, maintaining construct strength while preserving the ease of operation benefits of knotless fixation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides safer, faster, cheaper, and more reliable repairs by eliminating the need for knots and secondary fixation, reducing complications and ensuring stable tissue fixation.
Implementation Method 1
The locking element and base member have complementary surfaces that form a locking interface to capture and hold the tensionable fixation member under tension
Implementation Method 2
maintaining tension through compression and friction
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopedic button assembly providing the ability to perform a soft tissue repair or bone repair using a method for securing sutures or fixation members in a knotless manner is described. The orthopedic button assembly of the present disclosure is designed in a manner to as to not rely on an additional component to perform the locking. The orthopedic button assembly of the present disclosure includes the ability to optimally tension the repair by pulling the tensionable fixation members (e.g. sutures) in the tensioning direction and prevent slippage of the tensionable fixation members in the opposite direction by capturing the tensionable fixation members in a manner such that pulling on the tensionable fixation members in the direction opposite of the tensioning direction (e.g., if connected tissue or bone were to attempt to “pull away” from the button assembly under tension) actually increases the tension, resulting in a tighter locking interface to increase the security of the repair.