Suture Assembly with Opposite-Wound Struts for Bone Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suture anchors face difficulties in securing to bone, including complex installation processes, potential failure, migration into joints, inadequate holding power, and size limitations, especially in delicate anatomical structures.
Innovation Solution
A novel suture assembly comprising two lengths of suture that are wound in opposite directions to form a highly defined, reproducible structure, transforming from a longitudinally-expanded, radially-contracted configuration for insertion into a bone hole to a longitudinally-contracted, radially-expanded configuration for secure anchoring, using an inserter assembly and cannulated drill guide for deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid suture anchor body is used to securely attach suture to bone, then holding strength is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of installation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The suture anchor is divided into multiple segments or struts that can be independently positioned and interconnected. This segmentation allows the anchor to achieve high holding strength through distributed load bearing while simplifying installation, as each segment can be sequentially deployed and connected without requiring complex single-piece anchor insertion mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture anchor segments are designed to nest within one another during insertion, similar to nested dolls. The struts are configured to fit inside each other in a compressed state for easy insertion through small incisions, then expand outward to form a stable, high-strength structure once deployed in the bone, thereby achieving both high holding strength and simplified installation.
2Reliability
If traditional suture anchors are used, then secure attachment to bone is achieved, but migration into the joint may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The suture anchor features asymmetric geometry where the expansion direction and structural configuration are designed to preferentially engage with the bone surface while presenting a profile that resists migration into the joint space. The struts are oriented and dimensioned to provide anchoring strength in the insertion direction while minimizing protrusion into the adjacent joint, thereby ensuring secure attachment without causing harmful migration.
3Strength
If larger suture anchors are used to increase holding power, then strength is improved, but the ability to scale down for delicate anatomical structures is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The suture anchor is designed with dynamic scalability, allowing the same basic strut-based architecture to be manufactured in various sizes and configurations. The modular strut design enables the anchor to be scaled down for delicate anatomical structures while maintaining the same mechanical principles that provide high holding strength in larger applications, thereby achieving both strength and adaptability across different anatomical sites.
4Reliability
If complex installation procedures are used for suture anchors, then secure attachment is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The suture anchor segments are pre-configured and pre-positioned in a compressed, nested state within an insertion device. This preliminary preparation allows the surgeon to simply advance the pre-assembled anchor through a small incision and into the bone, where it then automatically expands and interconnects to form the secure, high-strength structure. This eliminates the need for complex step-by-step assembly procedures during surgery, thereby achieving secure attachment with greatly improved ease of operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A suture assembly is provided having a first, generally U-shaped suture including a first arm, a second arm, and a bridge connecting the first arm to the second arm, and a second suture including a first arm, a second arm, and a bridge connecting the first arm to the second arm. The first arm of the second suture is wrapped around the first arm of the first suture in a first direction. The second arm of the second suture is wrapped around the second arm of the first suture in a second, opposite direction. The suture assembly is capable of assuming a longitudinally-extended, radially-contracted first configuration, and a longitudinally-contracted, radially-expanded second configuration. Also provided is an apparatus and method for attaching the suture assembly to an anatomical structure such as bone.