Systems, devices and methods for implanting suture buttons
Inventors
Evans, Peter • Laird, SR., David • Duman, Megan • Govey, Peter M. • Gray, Michelle • Rippe, Bradford H. • Anding, Donald • Majdic, Blaize • Nicaretta, Anthony
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12478365-B2
Publication Date
2025-11-25
Expiration Date
Abstract
A suture button system for fixing a syndesmotic injury comprises a flexible fixation implant and an inserter device used to deploy the implant across bones. The flexible fixation implant typically comprises a flexible connector and two suture buttons which interface with the bone surface or a bone plate or washer. The flexible connector comprises a plurality of suture strands. The buttons typically have a feature which allows them to interface with an instrument used to deploy the implant across the two bones. The inserter device is configured to interface with the flexible fixation implant and to position it across bones through a pre-drilled bone tunnel. The inserter device may comprise an cannulated insertion rod and a handle.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a suture button system for fixing a syndesmotic injury, including a flexible fixation implant and an inserter device for positioning the flexible fixation implant across bones. The flexible fixation implant comprises a first suture button and a second suture button connected by a flexible suture connector. The first and second suture buttons are configured for positioning relative to a first bone and a second bone, respectively.
The flexible suture connector includes a suture strand comprised of a plurality of braided suture strands. The flexible suture connector receives at least one free end of the suture strand through an aperture of the second suture button, and the free end is tensionable to shorten a length of the flexible suture connector between the first suture button and the second suture button. The at least one free end is pre-attached to the detachable proximal portion of the inserter device.
The inserter device is configured for inserting the first suture button through a bone tunnel. The detachable proximal portion comprises a first handle and a second handle removable coupled to the first handle, and the first and second handles are laterally disposed with respect to each other and removably coupled to a proximal end of a fixed distal portion. The fixed distal portion is a distal housing extending along a longitudinal axis.
Claims Coverage
The partial claim set provides one independent claim. The main inventive features are centered on a syndesmotic suture-button system with a flexible braided fixation implant, a tension-shortenable connector, and an inserter having a detachable proximal portion for positioning through a bone tunnel.
Syndesmotic suture button system with flexible fixation implant and inserter across bones
A suture button system for fixing a syndesmotic injury, comprising a flexible fixation implant and an inserter device for positioning the flexible fixation implant across bones, wherein the flexible fixation implant comprises a first suture button, a second suture button, and a flexible suture connector connected to the first suture button and the second suture button.
Braided flexible suture connector with aperture-received free end tensioning
The flexible suture connector comprises a suture strand comprised of a plurality of braided suture strands, wherein at least one free end of the suture strand is received through an aperture of the second suture button, and wherein the at least one free end is tensionable to shorten a length of the flexible suture connector between the first suture button and the second suture button.
Pre-attached free end to detachable proximal inserter portion for tensioning
The inserter device is configured for inserting the first suture button through the bone tunnel, wherein the at least one free end of the suture strand is pre-attached to the detachable proximal portion.
Detachable proximal inserter portion with laterally disposed first and second handles
The fixed distal portion is a distal housing extending along a longitudinal axis, and the detachable proximal portion comprises a first handle and a second handle removable coupled to the first handle, wherein the first and second handles are laterally disposed with respect to each other and are removably coupled to a proximal end of the distal housing.
The claim coverage is anchored in a flexible fixation implant with first and second suture buttons connected by a flexible braided suture connector. The connector includes at least one free end received through an aperture of the second suture button and tensionable to shorten connector length, with the free end pre-attached to a detachable proximal portion of an inserter device.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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