Tendon Repair Coupling for Repeatable Bone Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tendon repair systems for procedures like subscapularis repair during shoulder arthroplasty lack consensus on robust, simple, and repeatable methods for securing tendons to bone, leading to variability in surgical complexity and outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A tendon coupling system comprising a tendon coupling device, fastener, and flexible element, which secures the tendon to a bone coupling device through a bone tunnel, using mechanisms like barbed features and locking mechanisms to ensure stable attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If current tendon repair techniques are used, then surgical procedures can be performed, but the complexity and variability of surgical procedures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tendon repair system is divided into distinct modular components: a tendon coupling device with tendon-facing surface, a bone coupling device with bone-facing surface, and a flexible element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and assembled in a standardized manner, reducing surgical complexity while improving repeatability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tendon coupling system is designed as a universal repair mechanism that can be applied to various tendon-to-bone attachment sites. The standardized coupling devices and fasteners provide a multi-functional solution that works across different anatomical locations and surgical scenarios, reducing procedure variability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If secure tendon-to-bone attachment is achieved, then joint stability improves, but the risk of suture migration and tendon enlargement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates pre-formed coupling devices with integrated fasteners and locking mechanisms that are prepared before surgery. The fasteners are designed with preliminary engagement features that prevent migration during the healing process, and the coupling devices are shaped to distribute tension evenly to prevent tendon enlargement.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible element acts as an intermediary between the tendon coupling device and bone coupling device, providing a controlled tensioning mechanism. This intermediary component allows for precise adjustment of attachment tension, securing joint stability while preventing excessive force that could cause tendon enlargement or suture migration.
3Strength
If robust tendon securing mechanisms are used, then attachment strength improves, but the time required for surgical procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tendon coupling device and bone coupling device are designed to be combined with the flexible element in a single integrated assembly step. The fasteners and locking mechanisms are pre-configured to engage multiple components simultaneously, achieving robust attachment strength while minimizing the time required during surgery.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for coupling a tendon to a bone may include a tendon coupling device engageable with a tendon, a fastener to secure the tendon coupling device to the tendon, a bone coupling device, and a flexible element. The flexible element may include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the flexible element may be couplable with the fastener to securably attach the flexible element to the tendon. The bone coupling device may include a bone-facing surface engageable with a surface of the bone proximate a bone tunnel formed through the bone, and a hole formed through the bone coupling device. The second portion of the flexible element may be receivable through the bone tunnel and the hole formed through the bone coupling device to engage an opposing surface of the bone coupling device and securably couple the tendon to the bone.