Self-Anchoring Tendon Fixation Anchor Body

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tendon fixation devices for orthopedic surgery face challenges in achieving proper purchase and minimizing tendon damage during implantation, particularly due to the complexity of using multiple parts in a confined area and the difficulty of holding the anchor body in position without pinching the tendon.

Innovation Solution

An integrally formed self-anchoring anchor body with opposing concave and convex walls and ribs is designed to form a single tunnel in the bone, allowing for direct tendon engagement and fixation without additional mechanical devices, using a central channel for suture assistance and an impaction tool to secure the anchor body in place.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple parts are used in the anchor device, then the fixation security is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of implantation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation securityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functional components (anchor body, engagement surfaces, and fixation elements) into a single integrally formed anchor device. This eliminates the need for separate insertion members and reduces the number of parts that need to be assembled and implanted, thereby maintaining fixation security while reducing device complexity and implantation difficulty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single anchor device performs multiple functions: it provides engagement surfaces for tendon attachment, contains ribs for bone wall engagement, and incorporates a central channel for suture passage. This multi-functionality allows one component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive fixation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If tools are used to hold the anchor body in position, then the tendon pinching is reduced, but the implantation difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetendon pinchingVSAvoidimplantation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor device is designed to self-position and self-stabilize within the bone tunnel through its engagement surfaces and rib structures. The device's own geometric features provide the necessary positioning and stabilization without requiring external holding tools, thereby reducing tendon pinching while simplifying the implantation procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor body is pre-formed with specific engagement surfaces and rib configurations that automatically engage with the bone tunnel wall and tendon upon insertion. This preliminary design of engagement features ensures proper positioning occurs naturally during implantation, eliminating the need for additional tools to hold the device in position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If threaded insertion members are used to expand the anchor body, then the anchor purchase is improved, but the tendon damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchor purchaseVSAvoidtendon damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the threaded insertion member component entirely from the system. Instead of using a separate threaded device to expand and secure the anchor, the design relies on the integrally formed anchor body's own geometric features (engagement surfaces and ribs) to achieve secure fixation, thereby eliminating the source of tendon damage associated with threaded insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The complex mechanical expansion mechanism (threaded insertion) is replaced with a simpler geometric interlocking system. The anchor body's predefined engagement surfaces and rib structures provide secure purchase through direct mechanical interlocking with the bone tunnel wall, eliminating the need for threaded expansion that could damage the tendon.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If sharp tips are used to hold the tendon, then the implantation is assisted, but the tendon damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplantation assistanceVSAvoidtendon damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor device's central channel and engagement surfaces are designed to naturally receive and hold the tendon during implantation without requiring sharp tips or external holding tools. The tendon is secured through the geometric configuration of the anchor body itself, eliminating the need for sharp holding tips that could damage the tendon tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10080646B2Tendon fixation device

Publication Date: 2018.09.25 MCCARTY III L PEARCE

AI summary

Anchoring a tendon to a bone is achieved by forming a tunnel in the bone and employing a self-anchoring integrally formed anchor body. A portion of the tendon is wrapped around the anchor body and then the anchor body is driven into the tunnel to attach the tendon to the bone.