Self-Twisting Suture Anchor for Bone Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suture anchors require tapping or twisting to secure into a pilot hole, which can displace bone and necessitate manual handling, lacking ease of use and stability, especially in softer bone types.
Innovation Solution
A pound-in suture anchor with self-twisting capability upon insertion into a drilled pilot hole, utilizing large helical threads that rotate upon malleting the driver handle, eliminating the need for manual twisting and enhancing pull-out strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If suture anchor is inserted by twisting or tapping into a pilot hole, then the anchor can be secured in bone, but bone displacement occurs and manual handling is required
Solution Approach 1:
The suture anchor is designed with self-twisting capability where the helical threads automatically rotate the anchor into the pilot hole upon malleting, eliminating the need for manual twisting by the surgeon. The anchor serves itself by converting linear malleting force into rotational motion through the helical thread geometry, thereby securing the anchor in bone without requiring manual handling while avoiding bone displacement
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and motion parameters of the anchor insertion process by using large helical threads with specific pitch and diameter ratios. This parameter change allows the anchor to convert linear impact force from malleting into rotational motion, enabling self-twisting insertion that secures the anchor in softer bone types without causing bone displacement or requiring manual twisting
2Ease of operation
If suture anchor uses conventional threads, then insertion is possible, but pulling out or backing out can occur reducing stability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes thread parameters by using large helical threads with increased pitch and diameter ratios compared to conventional anchors. This parameter change creates deeper thread engagement in the bone while maintaining smooth insertion, achieving both ease of operation and high pull-out resistance. The modified thread geometry increases the surface area of bone contact and mechanical interlocking, preventing backing out while allowing straightforward malleting insertion
3Reliability
If manual twisting is required for anchor insertion, then control over insertion is achieved, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suture anchor performs the twisting action itself through its helical thread design, automatically rotating into the pilot hole when subjected to malleting force. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for the surgeon to manually twist the anchor using a driver, simplifying the surgical procedure while maintaining reliable insertion control through the inherent mechanical properties of the helical threads
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 suture anchor is securely inserted without bone displacement, offers increased pull-out strength, and prevents backing out, particularly effective in softer bones with a smooth bone surface and reduced tissue damage.
Implementation Method 1
The suture anchor of the present invention is provided with threads that allow the anchor to be inserted within a pilot hole without tapping the pilot hole and without turning (or twisting) the driver handle. The suture anchor of the present invention is designed to twist by itself upon insertion into the drilled pilot hole, while malleting the driver handle.
Implementation Method 2
The suture anchor of the present invention is secured easily and effectively, especially in softer types of bone, without displacing a great amount of bone upon insertion. The pound-in or twist-in suture anchor of the present invention also has increased pull-out strength and prevents 'backing out' of the insertion site.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pound-in suture anchor that self-twists upon insertion into a drilled pilot hole. The suture anchor is provided with threads that allow the anchor to be inserted within a pilot hole without tapping the pilot hole and without turning (or twisting) the driver handle. The suture anchor of the present invention is designed to twist by itself as it is advanced into the pre-drilled pilot hole by malleting the driver handle. The suture anchor has an eyelet for receiving one or more suture strands for securing soft tissue to bone.