Re-tensionable Suture Anchor With Elastic Locking Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current knotless anchors in orthopedic tissue repair lack the ability to adjust tissue tension during and after the repair procedure, leading to under-tensioning or over-tensioning, which can result in repair failures, re-tears, and strangulation of blood supply due to limitations in adjusting tension without secondary anchors or additional systems.
Innovation Solution
A re-tensionable anchor system comprising an anchor with a locking element and a tensionable fixation member that allows for one-way passage and elastic compression, enabling secure fixation and adjustable tension through a release mechanism, allowing surgeons to optimize tissue tension based on biological needs without requiring secondary anchors or systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If knotless anchors are used to avoid knot impingement, then knot-related complications are eliminated, but the ability to adjust tissue tension is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor incorporates a dynamic tensioning mechanism with a movable locking element that can transition between locked and unlocked states. This allows the fixation member to be tensioned and locked, and subsequently re-tensioned if needed, providing dynamic adjustment capability while maintaining the knotless design benefits
Solution Approach 2:
A release member is introduced as an intermediary tool to interact with the locking element. This release member enables surgeons to unlock, tension, and re-lock the fixation member without requiring knots or secondary anchors, thus mediating the tension adjustment function while preserving the knotless architecture
2Ease of operation
If secondary anchors or additional systems are used to enable tension adjustment, then tensioning capability is restored, but device complexity and surgical cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tension adjustment functionality is merged into the single anchor body by integrating the locking element and its interaction mechanism with the fixation member. This combines what would traditionally require separate anchors or additional systems into one unified device, reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the anchoring device and the tensioning device. The same anchor body that secures the fixation member also provides the mechanism for tensioning and re-tensioning through the locking element and release member interaction, eliminating the need for specialized secondary devices
3Reliability
If fixation members are secured with one-way passage to prevent loosening, then repair stability is improved, but the ability to re-adjust tension is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element provides a dynamic rather than static one-way lock. It maintains stable fixation under normal loading conditions but can be deliberately unlocked using the release member, allowing re-tensioning when clinically indicated. This dynamic behavior provides both reliability and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a feedback mechanism where the surgeon can assess tissue healing and tension requirements over time, then use the release member to adjust tension accordingly. The one-way locking provides initial stability while the reversible unlocking capability allows feedback-driven adjustments based on tissue response
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 system provides a stable, tension-free repair by allowing for optimal tensioning and re-tensioning, reducing repair failures and operative time, while eliminating the need for additional devices, thus reducing surgical costs and improving repair outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
it traverses past by bending or deflecting out of the way a locking element within the anchor that will permit passage of the tensionable fixation member and will stay in contact with the fixation member via elastic compression that results from the elastic bending or deflection
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method comprising an anchor assembly including an anchor and a locking element, a tensionable fixation member (e.g., surgical suture, tape, etc.), and a release member, wherein the anchor further comprises a first end, second end and anchor body. The anchor is configured for implantation into bone. One end of a tensionable fixation member is configured for attachment to a tissue to assist with fixation of the soft tissue. Once the anchor has been seated in bone, the second end of the tensionable fixation member is pulled through a “one-way only” passage in the body of the anchor. When the tensionable fixation member enters passage, it traverses past the locking element positioned within the anchor by bending or deflecting the locking element out of the way to permit passage of the tensionable fixation member while maintaining contact with the tensionable fixation member via elastic compression that results from the elastic bending or deflection of the locking element but prevents the tensionable fixation member from passing back. This continuous locking on the tensionable fixation member creates fixation security, allows for optimal tensioning, and prevents loosening in the opposite direction. The release member may be used to bend or deflect the locking element to loosen the tensionable fixation member to enable an operator to readjust the tension in the tensionable fixation member to the operator's liking.