Extra joint stabilization construct
Inventors
Fallin, T. Wade • Taber, Justin • Karam, Matthew • Phisitkul, Phinit
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12343002-B2
Publication Date
2025-07-01
Expiration Date
Abstract
The disclosure provides devices and methods of use pertaining to extra joint stabilization. Embodiments include a number of suture returning and locking anchors that feature both a suture return element and a suture locking feature that employs an interference fit between a flexible synthetic strand, a receiver of the anchor, and a set screw, where the receiver and the set screw each have a number of gradual, opposing tapers to facilitate gradual proximal-to-distal gripping and releasing of the flexible strand to achieve an optimal locking force while preventing severing of the flexible strand. Embodiments also include a counter-torque anchor driver configured to resist torsional forces generated during and translated to the anchor during set-screw insertion. Further embodiments include extra joint reinforcement, stabilization, and attachment constructs formed using the disclosed devices. Other embodiments are disclosed.
Core Innovation
The disclosed joint stabilization constructs include suture returning and locking anchors configured to use a set-screw/receiver interference-fit locking mechanism. A flexible synthetic strand is locked in a reversible, knotless manner, while opposing gradual tapers provide controlled gripping and releasing of the flexible synthetic strand. This interference-fit approach is described as reducing a risk of severing the flexible synthetic strand during the locking process.
A counter-torque anchor driver is provided to resist torsional forces generated during set-screw insertion into an anchor. The driver engages with driver features on the anchor so that, when the driver is rotated to rotationally drive the anchor into bone, the engagement supports rotational driving, while, when the driver is held stationary during tensioning and set-screw locking, the engagement counters torsional forces. The intent is to maintain an original insertion alignment of the anchor within the bone while tensioning the flexible synthetic strand via a rotational input to a set screw.
The disclosure further describes anchor/suture routing structures for directing the flexible synthetic strand into and out of the anchor. It also describes optional anchor structures including a two-piece anchor with a removable return insert, and receiver/set screw features that employ an interference-fit behavior for locking the flexible synthetic strand.
Claims Coverage
Independent claim clm-00001 covers a counter-torque driver that rotationally drives an anchor into bone while resisting torsional forces during set-screw-based tensioning and strand locking. The provided dependent-claim refinements specify structural and interference-fit details for the driver, anchor, and strand locking system.
Counter-torque driver resisting torsional forces while rotationally driving an anchor
A counter-torque driver rotationally drives an anchor into bone, and when held stationary during tensioning and set-screw locking, counters torsional forces generated by rotational input to a set screw so as to maintain original insertion alignment of the anchor within the bone.
Driver structural refinements including handle and cannula in the axial through hole
The counter-torque driver includes a handle at the proximal end of its longitudinal body, and its axial through hole includes a cannula.
Defined suture pathway via clearances when tabs are seated
When opposing tabs are fully seated in opposing slots of the anchor, first and second clearances are defined so that a suture extends through the first clearance into the anchor and exits the anchor through the second clearance.
Knotless reversible strand locking with threaded receiver and rotational set screw
An external construct locks the second end of a flexible synthetic strand by rotationally inserting a threaded set screw into a threaded receiver.
Progressively increasing and decreasing interference fit of the threaded set screw for strand locking
The threaded set screw achieves a progressively increasing interference fit about the flexible synthetic strand at proximal portions and a progressively decreasing interference fit at distal portions, such that the interference fits lock the flexible synthetic strand relative to the anchor.
Overall, the claim set centers on a counter-torque driver that rotationally drives an anchor while resisting torsional forces during set-screw-based tensioning and locking, combined with threaded receiver/set screw strand locking described using a reversible knotless interference-fit behavior and a progressively varying interference-fit profile.
Stated Advantages
Resists torsional forces generated during tensioning and set-screw locking.
Maintains an original insertion alignment of the anchor within the bone.
Reduces a risk of severing the flexible synthetic strand during the locking process.
Provides reversible knotless locking of the flexible synthetic strand.
Documented Applications
Pelvis fracture stabilization including pubic symphysis and anterior-posterior compression fracture stabilization.
Sacroiliac joint stabilization.
Ankle ligament reinforcement involving deltoid complex ligaments and ATFL/PITFL/AITFL/PTFL reinforcement.
Soft-tissue repair and tenon reattachment constructs.
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