Tenodesis Anchor With Fiber Loops for Bone Tendon Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current tenodesis procedures for tendon reattachment to bone using staples are irritating and occupy a large footprint, necessitating a less irritating and staple-free anchoring method.

Innovation Solution

A tenodesis anchor system with a series of slots and closable loops that capture a tendon, allowing the anchor to be configured for insertion through a bone hole and securely anchor the tendon without staples, utilizing an inserter with forked tines to form a hole in the bone.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If staples are used to reattach the tendon to the bone, then the tendon can be securely anchored, but the patient experiences irritation and the anchor occupies a large footprint

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetendon anchoring securityVSAvoidpatient irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces rigid metal staples with a flexible loop made of biocompatible material that can be woven through slots in the anchor member. This flexible loop conforms to the tissue and bone surface, eliminating the irritation caused by rigid staples while maintaining secure anchoring through friction and mechanical interlocking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor member is divided into multiple slots that accommodate individual loops, allowing the tendon to be secured at multiple points along its length. This segmentation distributes the anchoring force and reduces the footprint compared to a single large staple, while the modular loop structure allows for adjustable tension and secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If multiple staples are used in series to secure the tendon, then reliable anchoring is achieved, but the anchor occupies a large footprint

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetendon anchoring securityVSAvoidanchor footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple anchoring functions into a single integrated anchor member with multiple slots and loops. Instead of using several separate staples in series, the anchor member provides multiple attachment points in a compact configuration, reducing the overall footprint while maintaining the security of multi-point anchoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The loops are woven through the slots in a nested configuration, with each loop passing through multiple slots to create an interlocked structure. This nesting approach maximizes the anchoring security within a compact footprint, as the loops are contained within the boundaries of the anchor member rather than extending outward like multiple staples.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS20220061980A1Tenodesis anchor

Publication Date: 2022.03.03 CONMED CORP

AI summary

A tenodesis anchor having an anchor member coupled to at least one fiber loop. The anchor member is inserted into a bone and the loop closed about a tendon to be anchored to the bone. Closing the loops additionally deforms the anchor member so that it remains within the bone, thereby securing the tendon trapped in the loop to the bone without the use of a staple.