Knotless Suture Anchor for Hip Labrum Repair
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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 repairs and potential loss of the suction seal between the labrum and femoral head.
Innovation Solution
A novel knotless suture anchor system is introduced, which allows for the secure attachment of the labrum to the acetabulum without the need for knots, utilizing a loop of suture passed through the labrum and slidably connected to a knotless suture anchor that is advanced into the acetabulum, locking the loop in place to hold the labrum securely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional knot-based suture anchor systems are used, then the labrum can be secured to the acetabulum, but the procedure causes excessive trauma and requires large anchors that are difficult to maneuver in the constrained hip joint geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the knot component from the traditional suture anchor system. By using a knotless suture anchor with a looped suture configuration, the system removes the harmful element (knot) that causes tissue damage and requires excessive manipulation space, while maintaining the essential function of securing the labrum to the acetabulum
Solution Approach 2:
The suture loop acts as a flexible element that can be threaded through the knotless anchor body, allowing the system to adapt to the constrained geometry of the hip joint. The flexible suture configuration enables easy maneuvering through tight spaces while maintaining secure attachment capability
2Strength
If large anchors are used to secure the labrum, then the attachment strength is sufficient, but the anchor size makes it difficult to maneuver and implant minimally-invasively
Solution Approach 1:
The suture anchor system is segmented into distinct functional components: a compact anchor body for minimal-invasive implantation, a looped suture for tissue engagement, and a locking mechanism for secure fixation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, enabling small anchor size without compromising attachment strength
Solution Approach 2:
The looped suture is nested within the anchor body structure, with the suture passing through the anchor and securing itself through an internal locking mechanism. This nested configuration allows the system to maintain high attachment strength while minimizing the external footprint of the anchor, facilitating easy maneuvering during minimally-invasive surgery
3Reliability
If knots are used to secure the suture, then the labrum attachment is stable, but the knotting process adds complexity and potential for complications in minimally-invasive procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The knotless suture anchor system is self-servicing through its integrated locking mechanism. The suture loop automatically locks within the anchor body through a simple pulling motion, eliminating the need for external knotting operations. This self-service mechanism maintains attachment stability while dramatically reducing procedural complexity and potential complications
4Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally-invasive techniques are used, then patient trauma is reduced, but the constrained hip joint geometry limits instrument access and maneuverability
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible suture loop and compact anchor design enable the system to adapt to the constrained geometry of the hip joint. The thin, flexible components can be maneuvered through narrow instrument corridors and tight spaces, providing versatile access while maintaining the benefits of minimally-invasive techniques
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring large instruments to reach into the hip joint, the invention inverts the approach by using a small, adaptable anchor that can be delivered through minimally-invasive pathways. The suture is threaded through the anchor after implantation, reversing the traditional sequence and enabling access through constrained geometries
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for securing an object to bone, the apparatus comprising an anchor comprising a body comprising a passageway; and a movable element comprising a deformable portion; wherein the deformable portion is configured so that, (i) at a first level of force, the deformable portion restricts proximal movement of the movable element, and (ii) at a second, greater level of force, the deformable portion deforms and permits proximal movement of the movable element.