Suture Anchor with Segmented Passages for Orthopedic Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current suture fixation devices for orthopedic surgery often experience significant friction between multiple sets of sutures or tape, leading to inefficiencies and excess wear during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A new suture fixation device with a metal or synthetic body featuring multiple suture passages and channels, designed to keep each set of sutures or tape separate while maintaining them close together at the drill tunnel site, thereby minimizing interference and friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sets of sutures or tape are passed through a single button with two holes, then the sutures can be secured together, but significant friction occurs between the sutures making it difficult for the suture to slide
Solution Approach 1:
The button is divided into multiple separate holes (first hole and second hole) instead of using a single hole. Each hole is dedicated to specific suture sets, segmenting the suture passage paths. This segmentation prevents friction between different suture sets while maintaining secure fixation, as each suture can slide independently through its own designated hole without contacting other sutures.
2Reliability
If two sets of suture or tape are passed through one hole and tied over separate holes in a button, then the sutures can be secured, but the sutures are tented at the hole location causing excess friction and wear
Solution Approach 1:
Different holes in the button are assigned different functions and suture types based on local quality requirements. The first hole is optimized for wider suture tape passage, while the second hole is optimized for suture strand passage. This local optimization ensures that each suture type passes through a hole sized and shaped appropriately for its specific characteristics, preventing tenting and reducing friction and wear at the hole locations.
3Reliability
If a simple screw or metal/plastic button with two holes is used to tie sutures around a post, then the sutures can be secured, but there is significant friction between the suture sets compromising efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The button design incorporates holes at different spatial dimensions and orientations. The first hole and second hole are positioned and oriented differently within the button structure, creating three-dimensional separation of suture paths. This dimensional arrangement allows multiple suture sets to pass through the same button without intersecting or contacting each other, eliminating friction while maintaining secure fixation and improving surgical efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A suture anchor comprising a footing with a base defining a first, a second, a third, and a fourth base suture passage, a first and a second primary suture passage aligned with a primary level and fluidly connected to the first and second base suture passage for a first suture, a suture channel aligned with a secondary level spaced further from the base than the primary level, and fluidly connected to the third and fourth base suture passages a second suture, and a suture course for the first suture along a tertiary level defined by a top that is spaced further from the base than the secondary level.