Knotless Suture Construct Single Stepped Bone Tunnel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current techniques for attaching soft tissue to bone require two tunnels in a bone, which is inefficient and can lead to bone damage.

Innovation Solution

A knotless suture construct that uses a single stepped bone tunnel, eliminating the need for multiple tunnels by employing an all-suture, tensionable implant with a securing material that acts as a bridge for tensioning and final fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two bone tunnels are created to attach soft tissue to bone, then secure fixation is achieved, but bone damage increases and surgical complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation securityVSAvoidbone damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single bone tunnel: the tunnel serves both as the passage for the suture construct and as the containment structure for knot tying. The securing device performs multiple functions including acting as a bridge across the tunnel, providing a surface for knot tying, and securing the suture construct within the tunnel, all through a single tunnel rather than requiring separate structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The securing device acts as an intermediary element that bridges the single bone tunnel and provides the necessary surface for knot tying. This intermediary structure allows the suture construct to be secured within the tunnel while eliminating the need to create additional bone tunnels or extend the tunnel further into the bone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If two bone tunnels are created for soft tissue fixation, then reliable knot tying is enabled, but device complexity and surgical steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveknot fixationVSAvoidnumber of bone tunnels

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple bone tunnels into a single tunnel by using a securing device that provides both the structural bridge and the knot-tying surface within that single tunnel. This consolidation reduces the number of surgical steps and structural elements required while maintaining the reliability of knot fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The securing device is designed with multi-functionality: it serves as a bridge across the bone tunnel, provides a surface for knot tying, and acts as an anchor for securing the suture construct. This universal design eliminates the need for separate structures that would otherwise be required to perform each of these functions individually.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If a traditional two-tunnel technique is used, then soft tissue to bone attachment is achieved, but surgical time and bone loss increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue to bone attachmentVSAvoidsurgical time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple surgical steps and structural requirements into a single bone tunnel procedure. By using a securing device that provides both bridge and knot-tying surface functions within one tunnel, the surgical procedure is streamlined, reducing the time required while maintaining reliable soft tissue to bone attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4537767A1Single tunnel tissue repairs

Publication Date: 2025.04.16 ARTHREX INC

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AI summary

Knotless constructs and methods of tissue repairs are disclosed herein.