Orthopedic Button Suture Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing button suture devices for orthopedic stabilization often experience loss of suture tension over time, and the process of tying knots during surgical procedures is cumbersome and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
An orthopedic stabilization device comprising a first button, a second button, a locking member, and a suture, where the suture extends between the buttons and is arranged such that tensioning causes the locking member to move into a clamping position, restricting the distance between the buttons and securing them in place without the need for knots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional knotted assemblies are used to stabilize bone segments, then the bone segments can be held in tension, but the suture tension is lost over time and knot-tying is burdensome during surgery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the knot-tying function from the suture assembly by introducing a separate locking member that performs the locking function mechanically. The locking member engages with the suture and buttons to maintain tension without requiring surgical knots, thereby eliminating the burdensome knot-tying step while maintaining reliable tension over time
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member serves as an intermediary component between the suture and the buttons. It mediates the tensioning function by mechanically engaging with the suture and buttons to maintain the desired tension without requiring direct knotted connections, thus improving both ease of operation and reliability
2Reliability
If knotted assemblies are used to secure buttons, then the bone segments can be stabilized, but the surgical procedure becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed to be pre-assembled with the buttons and suture before surgery. During the surgical procedure, the pre-assembled unit is simply inserted and activated by tensioning the suture, which automatically engages the locking mechanism. This preliminary preparation eliminates time-consuming knot-tying steps during surgery while maintaining reliable bone segment stabilization
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to maintain suture tension, then tension stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member introduces localized complexity only where needed - at the tension maintenance interface between the suture and buttons. The rest of the device (buttons and suture) remains simple. The locking member's geometry is designed to provide stable tension through its interaction with the elongated loop opening, achieving tension stability without substantially increasing overall device complexity
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 device effectively maintains suture tension over time, reducing the risk of loosening and simplifying the surgical procedure by eliminating the need for knot-tying, thereby enhancing stability and reducing surgical burden.
Implementation Method 1
a suture extending between the first button and the second button, with a portion of the suture being frictionally retainable between the locking member and the loop
Data Source
AI summary
An orthopedic stabilization device is provided having a first button, a second button and a suture extending therebetween. The first button has a base portion and a depending loop having an elongated loop opening therethrough. A locking member extends through the elongated loop opening and is retained with the loop when in a retained orientation and insertable or removable when in an unretained orientation. A portion of the suture is frictionally retainable between the locking member and the loop to thereby tie the first button to the second button when the locking member is in a clamping position.