Screw Anchor with Transverse Aperture for Suture Securing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical methods for securing sutures to tissue or bone lack a suitable system for use in general, arthroscopic, endoscopic, and minimally invasive surgeries, as existing technologies do not provide an efficient means for inserting screws with sutures through transverse apertures while embedding the screws into bone.
Innovation Solution
A hand tool with a rotational driver and a screw design featuring a transverse aperture and channels in the screw head, allowing for the screw to be rotated into bone with a suture passing through, and a method for forming protuberances on sutures to securely engage with captures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional knot-tying method is used to secure suture, then the suture can be secured to tissue, but the procedure is time-consuming and difficult in arthroscopic surgery due to space limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the knot-tying function and replaces it with a pre-formed capture device that secures the suture through a simple insertion motion. The capture device is inserted through the suture loop and locked in place, eliminating the need for complex knot manipulation in confined arthroscopic spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The capture device serves as an intermediary between the suture and the tissue anchor. Instead of directly tying the suture to the anchor, the capture acts as a mediator that simplifies the connection process by providing a pre-formed securing mechanism that can be easily inserted and locked.
2Productivity
If a screw with transverse aperture is rotated into bone, then efficient insertion and countersinking is achieved, but sharp edges may engage and prevent suture movement through the screw
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating a specific smooth region within the transverse aperture of the screw. The internal surface of the aperture is finished to be smooth and non-abrasive, while the external countersinking edges remain sharp for efficient bone insertion. This localized differentiation allows the screw to perform both functions effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The screw design segments the functional zones: the external surface includes sharp countersinking edges for bone insertion, while the internal transverse aperture has a smooth finish for suture passage. This segmentation allows different parts of the same component to have different surface qualities optimized for their specific functions.
3Reliability
If captures are used to secure suture instead of traditional knots, then faster and more consistent holding strength is achieved, but a suitable system for general and minimally invasive surgery is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal system where the capture device can be used across multiple surgical applications including arthroscopic, endoscopic, and open procedures. The capture mechanism is designed to work with various suture types and can be inserted through different approaches, making it adaptable to general and minimally invasive surgery requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional knot tying on the surface to a three-dimensional insertion approach where the capture device is pushed through the suture loop and locked in place. This dimensional change allows for simpler manipulation and better adaptability to different surgical access methods.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method is disclosed for securing tissue to a bone comprising a novel screw anchor for insertion into a bone by a novel rotational driver. The screw anchor and rotation driver enables the screw to be completely embedded into the bone while permitting a suture to be threaded through a transverse aperture in the screw. The rotation driver facilitates insertion and engagement of a capture with one of a series of protuberance formed along a length of a suture. In addition, the method is disclosed of forming the series of protuberance.