Multi-Drive Interference Screw Head for Secure Tendon Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current interference screws for anchoring tendons or ligaments in bones have limited configurations for insertion and removal, making them difficult to remove if the primary engagement feature becomes stripped, potentially causing complications during revision or repair surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A multiple drive interference screw with a screw body featuring a head having multiple insertion features, including an internal hexalobe, external hex, and external sprocket features, as well as an internal groove for use with a hook-shaped instrument, allowing for various engagement options to facilitate secure insertion and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single engagement feature is used on the interference screw head, then the device structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the reliability of insertion and removal is reduced when the feature becomes stripped or unusable
Solution Approach 1:
The interference screw head is designed with multiple engagement features (internal hexalobe, external hex, external sprocket, and internal groove) that can be used for both insertion and removal operations. This multi-functionality ensures that if one feature becomes stripped or unusable, alternative features remain available, thereby improving reliability without requiring multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The head is segmented into multiple distinct engagement features, each with a specific function. The internal hexalobe handles internal drive, the external hex handles external drive, the sprocket feature handles sprocket-driven tools, and the internal groove accommodates hook instruments. This segmentation allows selective use of appropriate features based on the surgical situation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple engagement features are added to the screw head, then the versatility for insertion and removal is improved, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple engagement features are merged into a single integrated head structure. The internal hexalobe, external hex, external sprocket, and internal groove are all formed as part of the same head component, allowing one device to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require several separate devices or features.
Solution Approach 2:
The head features are designed to be universally applicable across different surgical scenarios. The same multi-featured head can accommodate various driver types (hex keys, sprocket drivers, hook instruments) for both insertion and removal, providing universal versatility that reduces the need for multiple specialized devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple drive interference screw device with a head having multiple insertion features. The screw component has a tubular body with a first end and a closed second end, and the head is positioned at the first end and configured to engage with a driver to advance the screw into the bone A penetrating tip is positioned at the second end. The head of the screw component has at least three insertion features, such as a hex shaped insertion feature around the major diameter of the head and a hexalobe shaped insertion feature within the hex shaped insertion feature, and a sprocket shaped insertion feature positioned exterior to the hex shaped insertion feature.