Polymer Tissue Graft Anchor With Expanding Prongs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current soft tissue anchoring methods in orthopedic surgery are complex, costly, and lack simplicity, requiring intricate installation and often using metal materials, while there is a need for a secure, easy-to-install, and inexpensive solution for fixing soft tissue grafts to bone.
Innovation Solution
A soft tissue graft anchor comprising a plurality of prongs with a fin and barbs, forming an inner cavity, which expands upon insertion of a fixation member to securely engage the graft with the bone, made from non-metal materials like polymers and manufactured via injection molding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional metal anchors with complex installation instruments are used, then reliable fixation of soft tissue grafts is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor is divided into multiple functional prongs (first prong with fin, second prong with barbs, third prong) that can be independently designed and manufactured. This segmentation allows each prong to perform a specific function (engagement, anchoring, structural support) while simplifying the overall manufacturing process and reducing the complexity of the complete anchor system
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor design enables self-installation through its inherent features: the fin automatically engages with the drill guide during insertion, the barbs provide automatic anchoring in the bone, and the prongs naturally expand to secure the graft. This eliminates the need for complex installation instruments and reduces surgical complexity while maintaining reliable fixation
2Reliability
If traditional metal anchors are used, then secure anchoring is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor is designed as a disposable, single-use component that can be manufactured at low cost using injection molding of biocompatible polymers. This eliminates the high manufacturing costs associated with metal anchors while maintaining sufficient anchoring security for the intended application. The disposable nature also eliminates the need for expensive sterilization and inventory management infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter from metal to biocompatible polymer, which dramatically reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining the necessary mechanical properties for secure anchoring. The polymer material can be molded into complex shapes with integrated features (prongs, fins, barbs) in a single low-cost manufacturing step, whereas metal anchors require multiple expensive machining or fabrication steps
3Strength
If metal anchors are used, then structural strength is achieved, but risk of metal-related complications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor uses biocompatible polymer materials that combine the necessary structural strength for bone anchoring with biocompatibility to avoid metal-related complications. The polymer can be formulated with specific mechanical properties while being inherently corrosion-resistant and free from metal allergy risks, thus maintaining strength while eliminating harmful metal-related factors
Solution Approach 2:
By using disposable polymer anchors instead of reusable metal anchors, the invention eliminates long-term metal retention in the body, thereby removing the risk of metal corrosion, ion release, and allergic reactions. The polymer material provides sufficient strength for the anchoring function without the harmful side effects associated with metal implants
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 anchor provides secure, trouble-free anchoring of soft tissue grafts to bone with ease of installation and reduced manufacturing costs, suitable for various ligament reconstructions, while minimizing the risk of metal-related complications.
Implementation Method 1
expands upon insertion of a fixation member to securely engage the graft with the bone
Implementation Method 2
A soft tissue graft anchor comprising a plurality of prongs with a fin and barbs, forming an inner cavity
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a soft tissue graft anchor. The anchor includes a plurality of prongs, each prong including a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the prongs are coupled at their distal ends to form an inner cavity having an opening, at least one of the prongs including a fin, the fin extending perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the prong and including a pointed end. A tissue graft anchor assembly, a method for tissue repair, and instrumentation for use therewith are also disclosed.