Self-adjusting suture construct with single-end anchor coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suture constructs often result in less desirable fixation, compromised bone stock, and excess suture at the implantation site due to the need for both ends of the suture to be coupled to the anchor, leading to anchor malfunctions and reduced fixation security.
Innovation Solution
A self-adjusting suture construct that allows only the active end to be coupled to the anchor, featuring a suture with a loop portion and aperture, enabling the formation of a small loop for secure fixation without requiring both ends to pass through the anchor, thus allowing for a smaller anchor and preserving bone stock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If both ends of the suture are coupled to the anchor, then the suture construct provides fixation, but the anchor size increases and bone stock is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The suture construct is segmented into two distinct ends: an active end that is coupled to the anchor and a passive end that is not coupled to the anchor. This segmentation allows the suture to provide fixation functionality while reducing the required anchor size, as only one end needs to be secured to the anchor rather than both ends.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive end of the suture is extracted from the anchor coupling system. By removing the requirement for the passive end to be coupled to the anchor, the design eliminates unnecessary complexity and reduces the anchor size needed, while still maintaining effective fixation through the active end.
2Strength
If both ends of the suture are coupled to the anchor, then the suture construct provides fixation, but excess suture remains at the implantation site
Solution Approach 1:
The passive end of the suture is extracted from the anchor coupling system and configured to terminate without requiring passage through the anchor. This eliminates the excess suture material that would otherwise need to be managed at the implantation site, while the active end maintains secure fixation to the anchor.
3Strength
If both ends of the suture are coupled to the anchor, then the suture construct provides fixation, but anchor malfunctions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The passive end of the suture is extracted from the anchor coupling system, eliminating potential sources of malfunction such as suture fraying, knot slippage, or anchor overload that could occur with dual-end coupling. The active end alone provides sufficient fixation while reducing mechanical stress and failure points in the anchor system.
4Strength
If the loop size is reduced for secure fixation, then fixation security improves, but suture manipulation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The suture construct employs dynamic loop configuration where the loop size can be adjusted during implantation. The passive end terminates without anchor coupling, allowing the loop to be formed and manipulated to an appropriate size for secure fixation, while the active end provides the anchoring function. This dynamic configuration enables both ease of manipulation during surgery and secure fixation once implanted.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-adjusting suture construct can include a suture extending from a passive end to an active end. The passive end can include a first loop that the active end can be passed through to form a second loop. The active end can then be pulled to tighten the second loop around a portion of a patient's anatomy. The active end can be passed through an anchor and the anchor can be implanted to lock the tightened second loop.