Suture-Based Bone Stabilization Without Tendon Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for stabilizing bone segments post-trapeziectomy, such as LRTI and SSA, involve tendon harvesting, leading to complex procedures and prolonged recovery, and may disrupt the scaphotrapeziotrapeziod joint, causing carpal instability.
Innovation Solution
A suture construct with a loop arm, free arm, and suture loop is used to secure and draw together bone segments, eliminating the need for tendon harvesting by threading the suture construct through an interposition material to maintain stability and support the scaphotrapeziotrapeziod joint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If tendon harvesting is performed for ligament reconstruction or suture suspension arthroplasty, then bone segment stability is achieved, but procedure complexity and recovery time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of tendon harvesting (providing sutures for fixation) and replaces it with synthetic suture material. The suture construct is passed through drill holes in the metacarpal bones and tied to stabilize the CMC joint without requiring any tendon to be harvested from the patient's body, thereby eliminating the complexity and morbidity associated with tendon harvesting while maintaining joint stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an interposition material as a mediator between the first and second metacarpals. This material is placed in the trapeziectomy space and secured with sutures, serving as a spacer and stabilizer that maintains joint alignment and prevents bone-on-bone contact without requiring tendon harvesting or K-wire fixation
2Stability of the object's composition
If tendon harvesting is performed for ligament reconstruction or suture suspension arthroplasty, then bone segment stability is achieved, but recovery period is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the requirement for tendon harvesting and using synthetic suture material instead, the patent eliminates the need for patients to donate tendon tissue, thereby reducing surgical time, minimizing donor site morbidity, and accelerating postoperative recovery while still achieving stable fixation of the CMC joint
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs synthetic suture material and interposition material that can be easily implanted and removed or resorbed, replacing the need for long-term tendon harvesting and extensive rehabilitation. The materials are designed to provide temporary stabilization during healing without requiring prolonged recovery periods
3Stability of the object's composition
If K-wire fixation is used for bone segment stabilization, then immediate stability is achieved, but joint integrity and carpal stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an interposition material as a mediator between the first and second metacarpals, placed in the trapeziectomy space to maintain joint alignment and prevent bone-on-bone contact. This material provides stable fixation without the need for K-wires that penetrate the joint, thereby preserving joint integrity and avoiding carpal instability while still achieving immediate postoperative stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical K-wire fixation system with a soft tissue-based suture and interposition material system. This substitution eliminates the need for rigid metallic wires that penetrate bone and joint structures, reducing the risk of joint damage and carpal instability while providing adequate stabilization during the healing process
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are methods, constructs, and kits for positioning a first bone segment relative to a second bone segment within a subject's body, for example, in order to establish a reduced position of the first and second bone segments. The present disclosure provides, among other things, alternatives to traditional ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) and suture suspension arthroplasty procedures.