Suture Anchor System for Direct Labrum Re-attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current minimally-invasive procedures for treating hip joint pathologies, particularly re-attaching the labrum to the acetabulum, face challenges due to the hip joint's constrained geometry and limited access, leading to difficulties in maneuvering instruments and achieving direct attachment, often resulting in indirect force application and potential damage to the articular surface.
Innovation Solution
A novel suture anchor system comprising an elongated body with a distal end reservoir and a suture with an enlargement, allowing for precise placement and expansion to secure the labrum directly to the acetabular rim, reducing trauma and avoiding contact with articulating surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally-invasive procedures are used to treat hip joint pathologies, then patient trauma is reduced and recovery is faster, but instrument maneuvering becomes difficult and direct attachment of the labrum to the acetabulum cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a novel suture anchor system that changes the dimensional approach by using an elongated body with a lumen that can be inserted through a minimally-invasive path, then expanded radially within the acetabulum to achieve secure attachment. This dimensional transformation allows the instrument to access the constrained hip joint space and perform direct labrum reattachment without requiring open surgical exposure.
2Reliability
If traditional suture anchor systems are used, then the labrum can be re-attached, but indirect force application occurs and the articular surface may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the elongated body with specific regional characteristics: a distal end reservoir for suture storage, a lumen for suture passage, and an enlarged proximal end for secure anchoring. The suture is locally configured with an enlargement that engages within the lumen, creating a localized mechanical interlock that applies force directly at the labrum-acetabulum interface without compromising the articular surface.
3Ease of operation
If the hip joint's constrained geometry is accommodated, then minimally-invasive access is maintained, but direct attachment of the labrum to the acetabular rim cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates dynamics by designing the elongated body to be insertable in a compressed or collapsed state through the minimally-invasive access path, then expandable radially within the acetabulum to achieve secure anchoring. The suture system dynamically transitions from a stored configuration in the distal reservoir to an engaged configuration that pulls the labrum directly onto the acetabular rim, achieving precise alignment despite the constrained joint geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for securing a first object to a second object, the apparatus comprising: an elongated body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end, the lumen comprising a first section and a second section, the first section of the lumen being disposed distal to the second section of the lumen, and with the first section of the lumen having a wider diameter than the second section of the lumen; at least one longitudinally-extending slit extending through the side wall of the elongated body and communicating with the lumen, the at least one longitudinally-extending slit having a distal end and a proximal end, with the distal end of the at least one longitudinally-extending slit being spaced from the distal end of the elongated body; and an elongated element extending through the lumen of the elongated body.