Tigon Medical Button System for Soft Tissue Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current orthopedic fixation techniques for securing soft tissues to bones are limited in versatility and effectiveness, leading to prolonged recovery times and potential complications.
Innovation Solution
A flexible tether-based tension fixation system using a rigid, elongated anchor button that can be introduced through a bone tunnel and rotated to secure tissues, combined with surgical tools and modular components made from various materials like titanium, chrome cobalt, and 3D printed materials, allowing for secure attachment and reduced recovery time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fixation buttons are used to secure soft tissue to bone, then the tissue can be anchored, but the recovery time is prolonged and complications may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the fixation system by using a flexible tether instead of rigid sutures, allowing the button to be drawn tightly against the bone surface. This creates intimate contact between the button and bone, improving fixation reliability while reducing recovery time through enhanced initial stability
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static rigid fixation to dynamic flexible fixation. The flexible tether allows the button to adapt its position and maintain constant contact with the bone surface, optimizing the anchoring effect throughout the healing process and potentially reducing recovery time
2Reliability
If existing suture anchor designs are used, then tissue can be secured, but versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal fixation system where the combination of button and flexible tether can be applied to various soft tissues (tendons, ligaments, capsules) and bone structures. The system's adaptability is enhanced by the ability to use different materials and configurations while maintaining the core mechanism, thus improving both reliability and versatility
3Reliability
If conventional fixation methods are used, then tissue attachment is achieved, but complications may arise
Solution Approach 1:
By changing from rigid to flexible tether material, the system reduces stress concentrations and potential points of failure. The flexible nature allows for more uniform force distribution, reducing the risk of suture cut-through, bone tunnel enlargement, and other complications while maintaining strong attachment
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are improved methods, apparatus and/or systems for securing and/or anchoring tissue structures to bones, including unicortical soft tissue fixation.