Full-Suture Loop Plate Assembly for Stable Ligament Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for ligament reconstruction, such as suture anchors and looped titanium plates, cause bone damage, loosen fixation, and risk secondary damage due to friction, and existing flexible materials lack sufficient fixation strength and stability.
Innovation Solution
A full-suture repair assembly with a flexible suture fixing loop plate and loop ring, utilizing a flexible ring structure that transforms into a flat disc after deformation, featuring self-locking knots and non-return structures formed by threading a traction line, to enhance fixation strength and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If looped titanium plates are used for extraosseous suspension fixation, then fixation strength is improved, but bone damage and compressive fractures occur due to contact with hard bone surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid metallic looped plates with flexible suture materials to perform suspension fixation. The suture loop plate can deform and adapt to the bone surface without causing compressive fractures, while still providing sufficient fixation strength through its flexible structure and knotting mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a flexible suture loop plate as an intermediary between the fixation system and the bone surface. This intermediary distributes the fixation forces over a larger area and prevents direct contact between hard fixation elements and the bone cortex, thereby avoiding compressive fractures and cortical damage.
2Reliability
If preoperative drilling of large-diameter bone tunnels is performed, then fixation is achieved, but significant bone damage occurs leading to fixation loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses small-diameter bone tunnels instead of large-diameter tunnels, applying only the necessary minimal invasion required for suture passage. This partial action approach achieves sufficient fixation reliability while minimizing bone damage and preventing fixation loosening.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If flexible materials are used instead of metallic materials, then secondary damage to bones is reduced, but fixation strength and stability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction by combining multiple suture strands, knots, and loop structures to create a flexible fixation system that achieves metallic-level strength without the harmful effects of metal. The layered suture configuration and knotting patterns work together to distribute and bear loads effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the dynamic properties of flexible suture materials that can adapt, deform, and distribute forces dynamically under load. This allows the flexible material to maintain fixation strength comparable to rigid metals while avoiding stress concentrations and secondary bone damage.
4Adaptability or versatility
If suture anchors and full-suture anchors are used for intraosseous fixation, then soft tissue and bone fixation is achieved, but cruciate ligaments of knee joints, tibiae and fibulae, and acromioclavicular joints cannot be repaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal suture loop plate system that can be applied to various joints including knee, tibia, fibula, and acromioclavicular joints. The flexible suture construction and adjustable loop configuration provide multi-functional capability to repair different ligament structures while maintaining reliable fixation for each specific application.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a full-suture repair assembly for joint ligaments, including a suture fixing loop plate and a suture fixing loop ring. The suture fixing loop plate is a flexible full-suture loop plate, is of a ring structure in an initial state, and closes and contracts radially under traction to form a flat disc structure with a closed inner ring. The suture fixing loop ring is formed by back-and-forth threading of a traction line on upper and lower surfaces of the suture fixing loop plate in a thickness direction, and includes tightening segments, a non-return structure, and self-locking knots.