Passing Loop Construct for Graft Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for coupling a suture construct to a graft during joint repair often result in the graft folding over, which hinders its passage through smaller bone tunnels, potentially damaging the graft and reducing the effectiveness of the suture construct's sliding mechanism.
Innovation Solution
The proposed method involves securing an adjustable loop construct to the graft using a passing loop construct, which is stitched through and around the graft at multiple locations to prevent folding, and linking a flexible strand of the passing loop to the adjustable loop construct, allowing the graft to be drawn through a bone tunnel without damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the graft is pulled through a smaller bone tunnel without proper preparation, then less bone needs to be removed, but the graft may fold over and get damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The passing loop construct is used to perform preliminary actions on the graft end before the graft is pulled through the bone tunnel. The construct is stitched through and around the graft at multiple locations to pre-shape and secure the graft end, preventing folding during insertion. This preliminary preparation ensures the graft maintains its integrity while allowing use of smaller bone tunnels.
2Device complexity
If the graft is secured to the suture construct without multiple stitching locations, then the coupling process is simpler, but the graft may fold over and hinder passage
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling process is segmented into multiple discrete stitching locations along the graft. The passing loop construct is stitched through the graft at several spaced-apart locations rather than a single point. This segmentation distributes the securing force, prevents folding, and ensures smooth passage through the bone tunnel while maintaining a systematic and manageable coupling process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the adjustable loop construct is used without preventing graft folding, then the loop can be adjusted for positioning, but the folded graft hinders sliding and adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The passing loop construct applies preliminary anti-action by preventing the graft from folding in the first place. Through multiple stitching locations and securing the graft end before insertion, the construct counteracts the tendency of the graft to fold during the adjustment and sliding process. This ensures the adjustable loop construct can slide freely along the graft for positioning without obstruction.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of coupling a suspensory fixation construct to a graft, to avoid graft folding while being drawn into a bone tunnel. The suspensory fixation construct may include an adjustable loop construct and a passing construct linked thereto. The method may include forming a running whipstitch along the graft and over a length of the adjustable loop construct such that the running whipstitch holds the adjustable loop construct length along and against the graft surface. The method may include coupling a portion of the passing construct to the adjustable loop construct after the suspensory fixation construct has been attached to the graft.