One-Way Loop Locking Suture Assembly for Bone Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suture systems for orthopedic surgeries, particularly in veterinary practices, are cumbersome and expensive, and lack a simple apparatus for effectively looping pins together, which complicates the repair of joints like the stifle in dogs and other surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A one-way loop locking suture assembly with suture material forming a lumen, where a terminal portion enters and exits through a medial portion, forming a loop that narrows when tightened, preventing loosening, and is used in conjunction with bone screws to securely couple bones like the femur and tibia.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pin insertion method is used to hold bones together, then the bones can be kept hinged together, but the apparatus becomes cumbersome and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of bone stabilization from complex pin insertion apparatus and implements it through a simple suture loop system. The suture loop with locking mechanism provides the necessary stabilization without requiring elaborate insertion tools or complex apparatus, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture loop assembly is designed as a disposable, inexpensive alternative to expensive reusable pin insertion apparatus. The suture material and locking loops can be discarded after use, eliminating the need for complex sterilization and maintenance of expensive equipment, thus reducing both device complexity and cost while achieving reliable bone stabilization.
2Ease of operation
If a simple looping apparatus is used, then the task is eased, but the loop may loosen under tension
Solution Approach 1:
The suture loop incorporates a self-locking mechanism where the suture material passes through itself to form locking loops. When tension is applied, the suture automatically locks in place without requiring additional apparatus or complex operations. This self-service locking mechanism maintains reliability while keeping the operation simple and easy to perform.
3Reliability
If existing suture systems are used, then bones can be coupled, but the system is cumbersome and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The suture system is segmented into distinct functional components: the suture material, the initial loop, and the locking loops formed during tightening. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliable bone coupling. The modular nature of the segmented suture system reduces complexity compared to integrated existing systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A one-way loop locking suture assembly, that includes suture material, defining a lumen, with the suture material being comprised of a first terminal portion extending from the first end to a first broaching point, a medial portion extending from the first broaching to a second broaching point and a second terminal portion extending from the second broaching point to the second end. The first terminal portion enters into the lumen of the medial portion at the second broaching point, extends through the lumen of the medial portion and exits the lumen of the medial portion through the first broaching point, thereby forming a loop, wherein the medial portion includes the first terminal portion extending through the lumen of the medial portion. Accordingly, when the loop is tightened about a pair of pins, the lumen of the medial portion narrows, thereby retaining the first terminal length and preventing loosening.