Knotless Button-Suture Assembly for Orthopedic Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional knotted button-suture assemblies used in orthopedic procedures lose tension after the knot is tied, leading to inefficient placement and reduced precision during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A knotless orthopedic stabilization device featuring a button-suture assembly with a locking pin and tensioning members that automatically lock when tension is released, utilizing pinch points to maximize tensile strength and prevent tension loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a knot is tied to hold the tensioning member tight, then the bone can be secured, but tension is lost as the knot is completed and the tying mechanisms release their grip
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the knot from the system by using a button-suture assembly where the suture passes through a button with a locking mechanism. The knot is replaced by a button that secures the suture through friction and mechanical interlocking, preventing tension loss associated with knot tying and release.
Solution Approach 2:
The button-suture assembly provides self-service by automatically maintaining tension through the button's locking mechanism. The button's design with its specific geometry and friction characteristics allows it to self-regulate and maintain suture tension without requiring external tying mechanisms or risking tension loss from manual knot manipulation.
2Reliability
If conventional knotted button-suture assemblies are used, then bone stabilization is achieved, but precision and placement efficiency are reduced due to tension loss
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the knot from the system and replacing it with a button mechanism, the invention eliminates the source of tension loss and placement imprecision. The button provides a controlled, predictable method for securing the suture that maintains tension and allows for precise bone fragment positioning during surgery.
3Ease of operation
If tensioning members are locked using conventional knots, then the assembly is secured, but the loop of the knot springs back or relaxes before the assembly is secured
Solution Approach 1:
The button-suture assembly automatically maintains tension and prevents loop relaxation through its inherent locking mechanism. The button's geometry and friction characteristics create a self-regulating system that secures the suture in place without the spring-back effect associated with manual knot tying, ensuring accurate bone fragment positioning is maintained.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of knotless button-suture assemblies for orthopedic stabilization are disclosed. The button-suture assembly includes a button having a first opening, a second opening and a center opening. The assembly further includes a tensioning member having two tensioning member ends exiting from the first opening and the second opening of the button and disposed in the proximal direction. The assembly further includes a locking pin mated with the button through the center opening of the button in such a manner that allows a proximal movement of the tensioning member when a pulling force is applied to the tensioning member ends towards a proximal direction and prevents a distal move-ment of the tensioning member when the pulling force applied to the loose ends of the tensioning member ceases to exist.