Knotless Suture Locking Anchor with Tapered Set Screw
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for stabilizing bone fractures and reinforcing ligaments are inadequate, particularly in cases of pelvic and ankle instability, where existing anchor assemblies and fixation systems often cause tissue abrasion and are not easily reversible.
Innovation Solution
A knotless suture returning and locking system that uses anchors with a self-tapping flute and a set screw with opposing tapered threads to create an interference fit, allowing for secure suture tensioning and reversible locking without causing suture damage, and includes a driver feature for counter-torque stabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional anchor assemblies and fixation systems are used for bone fracture stabilization and ligament reinforcement, then stabilization function is achieved, but tissue abrasion and damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical anchor assemblies with a suture-based fixation system that uses soft tissue interlocking mechanisms. The suture construct engages with bone and ligament through controlled cutting edges and interlocking geometries rather than aggressive mechanical anchors, reducing tissue abrasion while maintaining stabilization function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material and geometric parameters of the fixation system by using flexible suture material with specific cross-sectional dimensions and controlled sharpness parameters. The suture's geometric parameters (cross-sectional size, sharpness) are optimized to create effective cutting edges that minimize tissue damage while achieving reliable bone and ligament engagement.
2Reliability
If traditional fixation systems are used, then bone fracture stabilization is achieved, but reversibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The suture construct provides dynamic adjustability during the fixation process, allowing the surgeon to tension and position the suture before final locking. The system transitions from a flexible, adjustable state during insertion to a locked state providing stable fixation, and can be reversed by cutting the suture material, offering controlled reversibility for revision surgery.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If knotless fixation is implemented, then suture integrity is improved, but locking mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the knotting function from the fixation mechanism, eliminating the need for surgical knots that can damage sutures. Instead, the suture ends are secured through direct engagement with bone cutting edges and interlocking geometries, providing a knotless fixation that reduces suture damage risk while maintaining secure locking.
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 effective bone fracture stabilization and ligament reinforcement with reduced risk of tissue abrasion and damage, allowing for multiple locking and unlocking cycles to achieve optimal fixation while maintaining suture integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a set screw with opposing tapered threads to create an interference fit
Implementation Method 2
anchors with a self-tapping flute
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure provides devices and methods of use pertaining to extra joint stabilization. Embodiments include a number of suture returning and locking anchors that feature both a suture return element and a suture locking feature that employs an interference fit between a flexible synthetic strand, a receiver of the anchor, and a set screw, where the receiver and the set screw each have a number of gradual, opposing tapers to facilitate gradual proximal-to-distal gripping and releasing of the flexible strand to achieve an optimal locking force while preventing severing of the flexible strand. Embodiments also include a counter-torque anchor driver configured to resist torsional forces generated during and translated to the anchor during set-screw insertion. Further embodiments include extra joint reinforcement, stabilization, and attachment constructs formed using the disclosed devices. Other embodiments are disclosed.