All-Suture Anchor Expansion Mechanism for Stable Bone Tunnel Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing all-suture anchors face issues with complex implantation mechanisms and instability due to varying friction forces, leading to potential detachment and unreliable knotting performance.
Innovation Solution
An all-suture anchor design featuring a suture cannula, pulling wire, outer tube, and inserter, where the suture cannula is pushed out and then retracted by the pulling wire, expanding to provide a fulcrum for fixation in the bone tunnel, enhancing stability and simplifying the implantation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-head cylindrical anchor with inner and outer tubes is used, then knotting stability is improved, but implantation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the inner tube from the traditional two-tube structure, retaining only the outer tube. This simplifies the implantation mechanism while maintaining the anchor's stability through the outer tube's interaction with the bone tunnel wall, eliminating the complex alternating action between inner and outer tubes
Solution Approach 2:
The outer tube is designed to perform multiple functions: serving as the implantation delivery mechanism, providing structural support during expansion, and creating the fulcrum effect through friction with the bone tunnel wall. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate inner and outer tubes
2Productivity
If a double-folded all-suture anchor is used, then implantation speed is improved, but fixing stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The suture cannula is pre-loaded and pre-positioned within the outer tube before implantation. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid deployment while ensuring proper positioning and expansion, combining the speed advantage of double-folded anchors with the stability of a controlled expansion mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and configuration of the suture cannula from a compressed, stored state to an expanded, deployed state during implantation. This parameter change enables the cannula to transition from a compact form for fast implantation to an expanded form that provides stable fixation through friction with the bone tunnel
3Device complexity
If double-folded anchor relying on friction is used, then structure simplicity is improved, but knotting reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface characteristics and friction properties to specific locations: the outer tube is designed with surface characteristics that generate sufficient friction with the bone tunnel wall to create a reliable fulcrum, while the suture cannula has localized friction zones that enhance knotting stability. This localized optimization of friction properties improves reliability without compromising overall structural simplicity
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 design improves stability and knotting success by utilizing the expanded suture cannula to cling to the bone tunnel, increasing axial pull-out resistance and ensuring secure fixation without complex tube interactions.
Implementation Method 1
the pulling wire is configured to pull the suture cannula pushed out of the outer tube, so that the suture cannula retracts, stacks and expands
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an all-suture anchor which includes a suture cannula, a pulling wire, an outer tube and an inserter, wherein the suture cannula is provided in the outer tube, the pulling wire goes through the suture cannula, the pulling wire wraps around the inserter, the suture cannula and the outer tube are both in plug-in fit with the inserter, both ends of the pulling wire pass through the suture cannula, respectively, and pass out of one end of the outer tube far from the suture cannula, the inserter is configured to push the suture cannula out of the outer tube, and the pulling wire is configured to pull the suture cannula pushed out of the outer tube, so that the suture cannula retracts, stacks and expands. The expanded suture cannula clings to the side wall of a bone tunnel to provide a fulcrum for fixing the anchor.