Segmented Scaffold Repair for Torn Ligament Vascularization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intra-articular tissues such as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), meniscus, and articular cartilage fail to heal after injury due to the absence of a fibrin clot formation within synovial joints, leading to joint arthrosis and osteoarthritis, and current treatments like ACL reconstruction damage proprioceptive nerve fibers and require grafts that may not withstand physiologic forces over time.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple small, biodegradable scaffolds positioned along a containment device, such as a suture, to repair injured ligaments or tendons without connecting end to end, which are anchored to bones outside the ligament insertion sites, promoting healing by allowing the body to develop a vascular network and forming around the torn ligament.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single continuous scaffold is used to repair ligament, then structural strength is improved, but the ability to promote vascularization and healing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single continuous scaffold into multiple discrete scaffold segments that are positioned along the suture. These segments create gaps that allow vascular ingrowth and promote healing, while collectively providing the necessary structural support. The segmentation principle resolves the contradiction by showing that multiple smaller structures can collectively achieve both strength and healing promotion better than a single continuous structure.
2Strength
If ACL reconstruction with tendon graft is performed, then gross stability is restored, but proprioceptive nerve fibers are damaged and long-term durability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful aspect of traditional ACL reconstruction by eliminating the need for tendon graft harvest and extensive ligament removal. Instead of replacing the ligament with a graft, the invention uses scaffolds that work with the remaining ligament tissue, preserving proprioceptive nerve fibers while still restoring stability through the scaffold-ligament-bone construct.
3Reliability
If multiple discrete scaffolds are used, then healing promotion is improved through vascularization, but structural strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete scaffolds along with the patient's own ligament tissue and bone to create a composite construct. The scaffolds work together collectively to provide structural support, while the gaps between them promote vascularization. The merging of scaffold, ligament, and bone creates a unified structure that achieves both healing promotion and adequate strength.
4Stability of the object's composition
If end-to-end ligament connection is attempted, then structural continuity is improved, but further damage to ligament tissue occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces scaffolds as intermediary structures between the bone and ligament tissue. These scaffolds serve as mediators that restore structural continuity without requiring direct end-to-end ligament connection, thereby avoiding further damage to the already injured ligament tissue. The scaffolds bridge the gap and provide the necessary structural support.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for the repair of a tom or injured ligament or tendon are provided. The methods include the use of multiple scaffolds, e.g., beads. The multiple scaffolds may be positioned along a suture or other device such that they are moveable with respect to one another or the injured tissue.