Prosthesis Pre-formed Passages for Suture Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for anchoring the rotator cuff during shoulder replacement surgery are complex and time-consuming, often requiring imprecise drilling into the humerus or risking damage to sutures, which can lead to complications such as suture pull-through or the need for prosthesis removal.
Innovation Solution
A system involving a prosthesis with pre-formed passages for suture anchoring, eliminating the need for bone anchors, where sutures are passed through the prosthesis and anchored using a deformable suture anchor that forms a locking profile, reducing surgical complexity and bone removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pre-drilling holes in the humerus for suture anchors is performed, then suture anchoring can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and removes unnecessary bone
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is designed with pre-formed passages and integrated anchor receptacles that are prepared in advance during prosthesis manufacturing. These passages are precisely positioned to align with the bone anatomy, eliminating the need for time-consuming intraoperative drilling and positioning of separate anchors.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture anchoring function is merged with the prosthesis structure itself. The prosthesis incorporates both the passage for suture routing and the anchor receptacle as integrated components, eliminating the need for separate drilling and anchor insertion steps.
2Reliability
If sutures are placed within the recess created in the humerus prior to prosthesis implantation, then tissue repair can be performed, but the prosthesis implantation process may damage or cut the sutures
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is designed with pre-formed passages that guide suture placement. The passages are positioned and sized to protect sutures from damage during prosthesis implantation, and the sutures are routed through these protected pathways before the prosthesis is fully implanted.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-formed passages in the prosthesis serve as an intermediary protective structure between the sutures and the implantation process. The passages shield the sutures from being cut or damaged by surgical instruments and bone edges during prosthesis insertion.
3Ease of manufacture
If sutures are anchored by the humeral prosthesis within the recess, then anchoring is achieved, but the sutures may be too loosely anchored resulting in pull-through or complications
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis incorporates localized anchor receptacles with specific geometric features (such as threaded portions, ridges, or interference-fit structures) that provide enhanced mechanical engagement with the sutures. These localized features concentrate the anchoring force and prevent suture pull-through while maintaining overall prosthesis simplicity.
4Reliability
If imprecise drilling is performed dependent on bone quality, then multiple or larger holes must be drilled, but this removes unnecessary bone and increases surgical time
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is manufactured with pre-formed passages at precisely positioned locations determined during prosthesis design and manufacturing. These passages are positioned to optimize suture anchoring without requiring intraoperative drilling, thereby eliminating precision drilling challenges and unnecessary bone removal.
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
This approach simplifies the surgical process, reduces surgical time, and minimizes bone damage by allowing precise suture placement and anchoring, thereby lowering surgical costs and reducing complications.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable suture anchor that forms a locking profile
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for tissue repair are illustrated and described. One such system optionally includes any one or combination of: one or more sutures, a suture anchor configured to couple with the one or more sutures and a prosthesis. The prosthesis can optionally be configured to be inserted in a bone of a patient. The prosthesis can have a first surface and at least one passage therein. The at least one passage can have a first opening at the first surface and a second opening. The suture anchor can be configured to couple with the prosthesis at one or more of the first surface or the at least one passage. The one or more sutures can be configured to pass through the prosthesis via the at least one passage.