Surgical Fixation Devices with Suture Bridge and Slot Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical fastening devices for acromioclavicular joint repair require large drill hole diameters, which can weaken bones and increase the risk of postoperative fractures, and are limited by the size of fasteners that can pass through, necessitating a more adjustable and secure fixation method.
Innovation Solution
A surgical fastening device featuring a first fastener preassembled with an adjustable suture loop and a second fastener with a slot that allows assembly without passing through a drill hole, utilizing a suture bridge to prevent loop migration, enabling smaller drill holes and larger fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large drill hole diameters are used to allow fastener shuttling, then fasteners can be securely positioned, but bone strength is reduced and risk of postoperative fractures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the fastening function into two separate components: a first fastener that is shuttled through the drill hole and a second fastener that is assembled externally. This segmentation allows the drill hole to be smaller (preserving bone strength) while still achieving secure fastening through the combined action of both fasteners and the suture loop
Solution Approach 2:
The suture loop is threaded through the first fastener and then through the second fastener, creating a nested configuration where the suture loop passes through both fasteners. The second fastener's slot receives the suture loop, and the suture bridge prevents migration, effectively nesting the suture loop within the fastener assembly to achieve secure fixation without requiring large drill holes
2Strength
If small drill hole diameters are used to preserve bone strength, then bone weakening is reduced, but fastener size is limited and secure fixation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the fastening function into two fasteners with different roles, the invention allows small drill holes to be used while maintaining fixation security. The first fastener provides initial anchoring, and the second fastener, assembled externally through the slot, provides additional security without requiring passage through the small drill hole
Solution Approach 2:
The suture loop acts as an intermediary element that connects both fasteners. It is threaded through the first fastener and received by the second fastener's slot, mediating the connection between the two fasteners and enabling secure fixation even when the drill hole is small and cannot accommodate larger fasteners
3Strength
If fasteners are made large to improve fixation strength, then anchoring capability is enhanced, but they cannot pass through small drill holes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the fastening system into two fasteners: the first fastener is designed to pass through the small drill hole, while the second fastener is designed with a slot for external assembly. This allows the use of larger overall fastening components without requiring a single large fastener to pass through the small drill hole
Solution Approach 2:
The second fastener introduces a new dimension of assembly by using a slot that receives the suture loop from the side rather than requiring passage through the drill hole. This dimensional change in the assembly approach allows for larger fastener components while maintaining small drill hole dimensions
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension fixation device includes a first fastener assembled to an adjustable loop of suture. The second fastener has a slot configured to allow the second fastener to be assembled to the suture loop once the suture loop has been passed through a drill hole. The second fastener further comprises a suture bridge formed through a post of the fastener for housing the suture loop while the slot is configured to prohibit the suture loop from migrating back out of the suture bridge.