Labral Anchor Suture Tensioning Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing labral anchors lack the ability to re-tension sutures effectively, leading to potential loosening or overtightening, and may interfere with bone engagement, compromising healing and stability during shoulder repair procedures.
Innovation Solution
A suture anchor system with an elongate cylindrical body, eyelet, and driver tool that allows for adjustable suture tensioning and secure anchoring without knots, featuring a pinch slit and ribbed exterior for push-in insertion and friction locking, enabling precise control and stability during soft tissue attachment to bone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing labral anchors pre-tension suture by trapping it between outer threading and adjacent bone, then suture attachment without knots is achieved, but suture tension cannot be adjusted or re-tensioned and may loosen or overtighten
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor incorporates a dynamic suture tensioning mechanism with a movable suture contact surface that can be adjusted along the anchor body. This allows the suture tension to be dynamically adjusted and re-tensioned after implantation, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation (knotless attachment) and adaptability (tension adjustment capability).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary suture tensioning mechanism between the suture and the bone interface. This intermediary structure provides a controlled interface for suture attachment that enables both knotless fixation and adjustable tensioning, mediating between the simplicity of knotless attachment and the need for tension control.
2Strength
If suture is pre-tensioned and trapped against bone by the anchor, then initial suture tension is achieved, but the suture may interfere with engagement between anchor ribs and bone leading to poor fit and compromised healing
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor design segments the suture interaction into distinct zones: a suture tensioning zone with movable contact surfaces and a bone engagement zone with ribs. This segmentation allows the suture to be tensioned independently without interfering with the rib-bone engagement, resolving the contradiction between achieving suture tension and maintaining anchor-bone engagement stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary suture contact mechanism that mediates between the suture tensioning requirement and the anchor-bone engagement. This intermediary structure allows suture tension to be applied through a controlled interface that does not interfere with the mechanical interlocking between anchor ribs and bone, ensuring both suture strength and engagement reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the anchor is screwed in to secure the suture, then suture attachment is achieved, but the suture tension may loosen or overtighten with no means to re-tension
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the suture tension to be modified after the initial screw-in assembly. The movable suture contact surfaces can be repositioned along the anchor body to adjust tension, providing ease of repair and re-tensioning while maintaining the simplicity of the initial assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary adjustment mechanism that enables post-assembly suture re-tensioning. This intermediary structure allows surgeons to adjust suture tension after the anchor is screwed in, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture (simple assembly) and ease of repair (re-tensioning capability).
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 enhanced suture tensioning and secure anchoring, reducing the risk of loosening or pullout, and improves healing outcomes by allowing for precise control and stability during shoulder repair procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a surface of the interior chamber comprises a ramp structure that tapers towards the distal opening
Implementation Method 2
featuring a pinch slit and ribbed exterior for push-in insertion and friction locking
Data Source
AI summary
A suture anchor system includes an anchor having an elongate cylindrical body extending between a proximal end and a distal end, and an eyelet traversing a portion of the elongate cylindrical body, a drill guide having an interior chamber in fluid communication with a distal opening, an elongate anchor inserter having a distal surface configured to interface with a proximal surface of the anchor, and an elongate drill member having a distal drilling tip. The interior chamber is configured to at least partially house the elongate anchor inserter and the elongate drill member.