Transverse Pin Suture Anchor for Abrasion Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suture anchors face issues with suture detachment due to weak attachment structures, exposure to abrasion, and the need for countersinking, which compromises mechanical strength and tissue abrasion prevention.
Innovation Solution
A threaded suture anchor with a transverse anchor pin inside the body, made of biocompatible metal, features a smooth and rounded proximal end and a tapered distal end for self-tapping, along with a hexagonally shaped opening for a drive head, securing sutures within a recessed area to prevent abrasion and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the suture is attached to the anchor using traditional structures (eyelet, axial opening, press-fitted disc), then the suture can be secured to the anchor, but the attachment structure is weak and prone to failure, allowing the suture to become detached
Solution Approach 1:
The suture attachment function is segmented from the drive head by introducing a separate transverse pin structure. The pin is positioned transversely within the anchor body, creating a distinct suture retention mechanism that is structurally independent from the drive head, thereby preventing failure propagation between these components.
Solution Approach 2:
The suture attachment mechanism transitions from axial configurations (eyelet, axial opening) to a transverse dimension. The transverse pin extends horizontally across the anchor body, providing suture retention in a different spatial orientation that enhances mechanical interlocking and prevents detachment.
2Ease of operation
If the suture is exposed to the bone canal walls, then the suture can be easily accessed and tied, but the suture is exposed to abrasion or cutting by sharp or rough areas along the bone canal walls
Solution Approach 1:
The suture is nested within the anchor body by passing it through the transverse pin and securing it internally. This nested configuration protects the suture from external abrasion by bone canal walls while maintaining accessibility through the proximal end of the anchor where the suture exits.
3Device complexity
If the eyelet or axial opening is formed as part of the drive head, then the structure is simplified, but the drive head is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The drive head and suture attachment functions are segmented into separate components. The drive head maintains its structural integrity for driving the anchor, while the transverse pin provides the suture attachment function, eliminating the need to compromise drive head strength for suture retention.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If recessed grooves are formed on the drive head to protect the suture or facilitate mating, then the suture protection and driver compatibility are improved, but the drive head must be made of larger diameter to recover mechanical strength
Solution Approach 1:
The suture protection function is extracted from the drive head and relocated to the transverse pin structure. This extraction allows the drive head to maintain its original diameter and mechanical strength while the transverse pin provides suture protection through its internal positioning mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A suture anchor has a pin that is disposed transversely within the suture anchor, over which one or more strands of suture is looped. The anchor body is threaded and has a tapered distal portion. The proximal end portion of the suture anchor body has a hexagonally shaped opening to accept a hexagonal drive head. The peripheral surface defining hexagonally shaped opening is rounded and smooth to prevent abrading sutures placed in contact therewith.