Threaded Suture Connector for Bone Plate Holes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for stabilizing bone fragments with sutures and bone plates are limited by the availability of suture attachment locations, especially after the plate has been secured to the bone, making it difficult to maintain fracture reduction and additional stabilization in cases of comminuted fractures.
Innovation Solution
A suture connection system comprising a suture connector with a threaded body that fits flush within bone plate holes, allowing for secure attachment and removal using a driver with engagement prongs, enabling sutures to be connected to the bone plate at various locations without obstructing the hole, thus providing additional stabilization for bone fragments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sutures are threaded through holes in the bone plate before the plate is secured to the bone, then suture attachment is possible, but the available suture attachment locations are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The suture connection system is divided into separate components: a suture connector that can be inserted into existing bone plate holes and a driver tool. This segmentation allows the suture attachment function to be added to the bone plate without requiring the entire plate design to be changed, thereby increasing adaptability while managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture connector acts as an intermediary component between the bone plate hole and the suture. It is inserted into the existing hole and provides a new interface for suture attachment, enabling versatile suture placement without modifying the original bone plate structure.
2Ease of operation
If the suture connector body extends past the bone plate surfaces, then suture attachment is easier, but it creates interference with surrounding tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The suture connector body is designed to nest within the bone plate hole, with its outer surface fitting substantially flush with the bone plate surfaces. This nesting approach allows the connector to be accessible for suture attachment while avoiding protrusion that would interfere with surrounding tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture connector has different local qualities: the body portion that interfaces with the bone plate hole is designed for flush fitting, while the proximal engagement portion provides specific engagement features for the driver. This local differentiation allows the connector to achieve both tissue compatibility and operational ease.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the suture connector is made removable and repositionable, then flexible suture attachment is enabled, but the insertion and removal process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The suture connector is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to be inserted, removed, and repositioned within the bone plate hole. The threaded engagement with the hole and the driver engagement features enable controlled movement while maintaining secure attachment when positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The bone plate hole is pre-configured with threading to receive the suture connector, and the driver is designed with pre-formed engagement features. This preliminary preparation simplifies the insertion and removal process, making the dynamic repositioning capability easier to achieve.
4Reliability
If the driver prong obstructs the through hole, then engagement with the suture connector is more secure, but suture passage through the hole is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The driver prong and proximal engagement portion are designed with asymmetric features: the prong includes a cutout that aligns with the through hole, creating an asymmetric engagement geometry. This allows the prong to securely engage the connector while leaving the through hole open for suture passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The driver prong has differentiated local qualities: the main body provides secure engagement with the connector, while the cutout region specifically accommodates the through hole to allow suture passage. This local differentiation resolves the conflict between engagement security and suture accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A suture connection system and method includes a suture connector having a body configured to be inserted into a hole in a bone plate, the body being threaded to secure the suture connector in to the bone plate. At least one recess extends inwardly from a sidewall of the suture connector to define a proximal engagement portion and a through hole configured to receive a suture extends through the proximal engagement portion and is open to the recess. A driver includes an elongate rod and an engagement element coupled to the distal end of the rod, the engagement element having at least one prong configured to engage the proximal engagement portion to insert the suture connector into the bone plate hole.