Recurved Tine Soft Tissue Fixation Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for repairing torn tendon-to-bone and ligament-to-bone attachments in orthopedic surgery have high failure rates due to inadequate fixation and stress distribution, leading to recurrence of tears and poor healing outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a base with recurved tines that provide unidirectional traction and secure soft tissues to hard tissues, distributing stress across multiple attachment points, inspired by the grasping mechanism of python teeth, to enhance fixation and healing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple sutures are used to repair tendon-to-bone attachments, then the initial repair strength is increased, but the device complexity and surgical procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the fixation function into multiple recurved tines that independently engage the tendon, distributing the load across multiple points rather than relying on multiple separate sutures. This segmentation provides strong initial fixation while simplifying the overall device structure compared to multiple suture anchors and sutures.
Solution Approach 2:
The device merges the functions of multiple sutures into a single integrated structure with multiple recurved tines. This single device performs the fixation function that would otherwise require multiple separate suture elements, reducing device complexity while maintaining or improving initial repair strength.
2Ease of operation
If traditional suture techniques are used, then the surgical procedure is relatively simple, but gap formation occurs at the interface leading to poor healing
Solution Approach 1:
The recurved tines provide localized compression and engagement at multiple specific points along the tendon-bone interface. This localized quality of fixation prevents gap formation by ensuring uniform contact and compression across the entire interface area, improving healing outcomes while maintaining surgical simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from the linear, point-based fixation of sutures to a distributed, multi-point fixation system that engages the tendon across a broader area. This dimensional change from 1D (suture line) to 2D/3D (multiple recurved tines across the interface) prevents gap formation and improves healing while keeping the procedure simple.
3Strength
If strong fixation is applied to prevent tissue separation, then the initial repair strength is improved, but stress concentrations increase leading to tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation strength is segmented across multiple recurved tines that distribute the load along the tendon-bone interface. Instead of concentrating stress at a single suture line or anchor point, the stress is divided into multiple localized engagement points, providing strong fixation while reducing peak stress concentrations that could damage tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the stress distribution parameters by transitioning from concentrated suture forces to distributed tine engagement. The recurved geometry and multiple contact points modify the stress field, maintaining high fixation strength while reducing harmful stress concentrations through spatial distribution of the load.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for joining a first and second tissue in a patient are disclosed that include a base with a plurality of recurved tines oriented to a tine axis and extending from a first surface of the base. The tines provide unidirectional traction of the first tissue along the tine axis toward the first surface. The first tissue is secured to the first surface of the device at the plurality of recurved tines and the second tissue is secured to the device at a second surface opposite the first surface to join the first and second tissues.