Knotless Suture Anchor System for Hip Labrum Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for minimally-invasive hip joint procedures, particularly for re-attaching the labrum to the acetabulum, face challenges due to the hip joint's constrained geometry and limited access, leading to difficulties in maneuvering instruments and securing the labrum effectively, often resulting in inadequate fixation and potential loss of the suction seal between the labrum and femoral head.
Innovation Solution
A novel knotless suture anchor system is introduced, which includes a loop of suture passed through the labrum and slidably connected to a knotless anchor, allowing tensioning to secure the labrum to the acetabulum without the need for knots, thereby reducing trauma and improving alignment for direct fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional suture anchors with knots are used to attach the labrum to the acetabulum, then the fixation strength is improved, but the surgical complexity and trauma increase due to knot tying requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the knot-tying step from the traditional suture anchor system. The suture is pre-configured with a loop structure that can be directly engaged with the anchor, removing the need for complex knot manipulation during surgery while maintaining secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture is divided into distinct functional segments: a loop portion for engagement with the anchor and free ends for tissue attachment. This segmentation allows the anchor to secure the suture through simple loop engagement rather than requiring complex knot tying, reducing surgical complexity while preserving fixation strength.
2Reliability
If traditional suture anchors requiring knot tying are used, then secure fixation is achieved, but the surgical time and procedure duration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The suture is pre-configured with a loop structure before surgery. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming knot tying during the procedure, as the loop can be directly engaged with the anchor in a single motion, significantly reducing surgical time while maintaining secure fixation.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional suture anchor methods are used in the hip joint, then attachment is achieved, but the precision and alignment are compromised due to constrained geometry and limited access
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring complex knot manipulation to achieve secure attachment, the invention inverts the approach by using a pre-formed loop structure that can be easily engaged with the anchor. This reversal of the traditional method allows for precise alignment and secure fixation despite the constrained geometry and limited access of the hip joint.
4Reliability
If traditional suture anchors are used, then fixation is achieved, but trauma to surrounding tissue increases due to knot tying and instrument manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the knot-tying step from the procedure, eliminating the associated tissue trauma from needle punctures, knot manipulation, and instrument handling. The direct loop engagement method requires fewer instrument manipulations and causes less trauma to surrounding tissues while maintaining fixation reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for securing a first object to a second object, the apparatus including an elongated body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal and proximal end; a window extending through the side wall of the elongated body and communicating with the lumen; an elongated element extending through the lumen; and a locking element mounted to the distal end of the elongated element and disposed in the lumen; whereby, when the elongated body is disposed in a second object, and the first object extends through the window, proximal movement of the locking element causes the locking element to capture the first object to the elongated body, whereby to secure the first object to the second object; wherein the elongated element comprises a pull line terminating in a loop; and wherein the locking element comprises at least one filament extending through the loop.