Patellar Tendon Graft Augmented with Suture Tape
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Solution Overview
Problem
Graft rupture and incomplete function remain significant challenges in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgeries, necessitating reinforcement techniques to enhance graft stability and strength.
Innovation Solution
The use of a patellar tendon graft augmented with cross-linked suture tape, combined with cortical buttons and bone anchors for fixation, to improve graft stability and strength during ACL reconstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard patellar tendon graft is used for ACL reconstruction, then the surgical procedure is relatively simple, but the graft is prone to rupture and incomplete function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining patellar tendon graft with suture tape to create an augmented graft construct. The suture tape is wrapped around the tendon graft in a spiral pattern and secured with knots, forming a composite structure that leverages the strength of both materials to prevent graft rupture while maintaining functional performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The augmentation technique segments the reinforcement process into distinct steps: wrapping the suture tape around the tendon graft, tying securing knots at intervals, and creating a segmented reinforcement pattern. This segmentation allows for controlled distribution of stress along the graft length and facilitates the construction process.
2Strength
If graft reinforcement techniques are implemented, then graft strength is enhanced, but the surgical procedure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The suture tape is prepared and measured before the actual graft insertion procedure. The tape is pre-cut to appropriate length and pre-formed with the necessary knots and wrapping patterns, allowing the surgeon to simply attach the pre-prepared augmentation to the graft during surgery, thereby enhancing strength while minimizing procedural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally pertains to methods and kits for preparing an ACL repair surgical implant, the method including drilling femoral and tibial bone plugs of a tendon graft to create medial to lateral holes, and passing a braided suture around the tendinous portion of the tibial end, through soft tissue, and out the tibial end. Next, an anterior to posterior femoral hole is drilled, and a flat-braided suture is passed through the femoral medial to lateral hole and, using a bent needle, passed through junctions of the femoral bone plug and the tendinous portion and out through junctions of the tibial bone plug and the tendinous portion on both sides of the graft. Ends of the flat-braided suture are crisscrossed through the medial to lateral tibial hole. A bone-to-bone fixation suture assembly is passed through the anterior to posterior femoral hole.