Knotless Suture Anchor for Hip Labrum Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current minimally-invasive treatments for hip joint pathologies, particularly labrum re-attachment, 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 unnecessary trauma and suboptimal outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A novel knotless suture anchor system is introduced, which allows for the secure attachment of tissue to bone without the need for knots, utilizing a loop of suture passed through the labrum and slidably connected to a knotless anchor that is advanced into the acetabulum, tensioned, and locked in place to hold the labrum against the acetabulum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional anchors and knots are used for labrum re-attachment, then secure attachment is achieved, but trauma to the patient increases due to larger anchor size and knot tying requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the knot from the suture anchor system. The knotless suture anchor uses a sliding mechanism within the anchor body to secure the suture, removing the need for external knot tying that causes tissue trauma and requires additional space in the constrained hip joint environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the anchoring system from knot-based security to sliding mechanism-based security. The suture slides within the anchor body and is secured by a cam or wedge mechanism, transforming the method of achieving secure attachment while reducing trauma.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the hip joint's constrained geometry is addressed by using smaller anchors, then trauma is reduced, but instrument maneuvering becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the suture and locking mechanism are contained within the anchor body. The suture passes through a channel in the anchor, and the locking mechanism is housed within the same structure, allowing the entire system to be delivered through a single minimally invasive portal while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the suture anchor system into distinct functional components: the anchor body, the suture, and the locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and assembled through a minimally invasive approach, improving ease of operation in the constrained hip joint environment.
3Reliability
If knots are used to secure the suture, then reliable attachment is achieved, but the surgical procedure time increases due to knot tying requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-securing mechanism where the suture automatically locks within the anchor body through a cam or wedge action. As the suture is pulled tight, the sliding mechanism automatically engages the locking feature, eliminating the need for manual knot tying and reducing surgical procedure time while maintaining reliable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary action by pre-configuring the suture and locking mechanism within the anchor body before implantation. The suture is pre-threaded through the anchor, and the locking mechanism is pre-positioned, allowing for rapid deployment and securing during the surgical procedure without time-consuming knot tying.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for securing an object to bone, the apparatus comprising: an anchor, the anchor comprising: a body comprising an opening for receiving a filament therein; and a locking element movably mounted to the body for selectively locking the filament to the body; and an inserter for deploying the anchor in bone, the inserter comprising: a handle; an overtube extending distally from the handle; a carriage movably mounted to the handle; a shaft movably mounted within the overtube and connected to the carriage and releasably connected to the body of the anchor, the shaft being hollow; and a rod movably mounted within the shaft and connected to the locking element.