SUTURE ANCHOR
TECHNICAU FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to orthopedic surgery implants and, particularly, relates to a suture anchor system for attaching or reattaching soft tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, and muscles, to bone, and the application method thereof.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In human body, soft tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, and muscles may be attached to the surface of bones, particularly around the joints. In many clinical cases, it may be essential to attach or reattach the soft tissues to a bone surface. For instance, rotator cuff tear is considered as a common orthopedic problem which may be caused by an acute injury, such as a fall, or normal age-related wear and tear with degeneration of tendon. In most rotator cuff tears, one or more of rotator cuff tendons may be torn away from the bone. In such cases, it may be required to perform a surgery to reattach the tissue to the bone so that the stability and function of the joint may be restored.
[0003] A wide variety of devices and methods have been developed to help attaching soft tissues to associated bones. One of the most common and successful methods for attaching soft tissues to associated bones is utilizing a suture anchor. Suture anchors may be composed of an anchor, a suture, and an eyelet. The eyelet is an interface between the anchor and the suture. The anchor which may be made of a non-absorbable or absorbable material, may be inserted into the bone and may be fixed inside the bone by utilizing an anchoring mechanism.
[0004] The suture may be attached to the anchor by passing through the eyelet of the anchor. By tying the suture in a manner that holds the soft tissue in close proximity to the bone, an initial mechanical attachment may be achieved. This attachment may be followed by a strong biological attachment over time, caused by the natural healing process.
[0005] Anchors come in a large variety of designs, based on their anchoring mechanism. This may include the screw-in anchors, the press-fit anchors, the barbed anchors, the winged anchors, and the toggling or tilting anchors. Each of these types of anchors has its own characteristics in terms of the surgical procedure and instrumentation, surgery forgiveness, suitability for anatomical location (cortical or cancellous bone) and bone density, initial and final fixation strength, long-term loosening and migration, patient benefits, and cost.
[0006] The screw-in anchors, for instance, are well-established devices in surgical practice and have excellent clinical outcomes in general. However, they require an accurate, timely, and hardware demanding procedure for insertion into the bone, as the bone may be often pre-drilled with a diameter matching the inner diameter of the screw, and require a special screwdriver to be tightened. Moreover, they are not usually suitable for poor quality bones, in which their initial fixation stability may be insufficient for withstanding immediate post-surgery cyclic loads. Finally, as they do not fix biologically in the bone, due to their machined polished surface, they may become loose over time and may migrate into the joint space, which may cause serious complications.
[0007] The toggling or tilting suture anchors, which rely on a tilting mechanism for fixation into the bone, on the other hand are often made of absorbable polymers. As a result, their immediate post-surgery fixation into the bone may be weaker. However, they may form a strong biological fixation with the bone rapidly, and may decompose eventually.
[0008] From a surgical point of view, the currently available tilting anchors require accurate procedures and special inserter tools to tilt appropriately inside the drilled hole and provide a firm fixation. Moreover, they are most suitable for osteoporotic cancellous bones, or hollow cortical bones, in which a relatively free space may be accessible for tilting. There is, therefore, a need for a suture anchor that involves an easy surgical insertion procedure, is less hardware demanding and more surgically forgiving, can handle different bone densities, provides both an initial and an eventual firm fixation, and has a low cost.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0009] This summary is intended to provide an overview of the subject matter of the present disclosure and is not intended to identify essential elements or key elements of the subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to determine the scope of the claimed implementations. The proper scope of the present disclosure may be ascertained from the claims set forth below in view of the detailed description below and the drawings.
[0010] According to one or more exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure describes a suture anchor for attaching a soft tissue to a bone in human body. In an exemplary embodiment, the disclosed suture anchor may include a top surface, a bottom surface, a first side surface, a second side surface, a third side surface, a fourth side surface, an eyelet, and an insertion hole. [0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the top surface may be at a top end of the suture anchor. In an exemplary embodiment, the bottom surface may be at a bottom end of the suture anchor. In an exemplary embodiment, the first side surface may be extended between the top surface and the bottom surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the second side surface may be extended between the top surface and the bottom surface.
[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the third side surface may be extended between the top surface, the bottom surface, the first side surface, and the second side surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the third side surface may have a sinusoidal-like shape. In an exemplary embodiment, the third side surface may include a concave portion and a convex portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the concave portion may be at an upper part of the third side surface. [0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the upper part of the third side surface may be associated with the top end of the suture anchor. In an exemplary embodiment, the convex portion may be at a lower part of the third side surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the lower part of the third side surface may be associated with the bottom end of the suture anchor. In an exemplary embodiment, the suture anchor may form a protuberant section at the bottom end of the suture anchor.
[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the fourth side surface may be extended between the top surface, the bottom surface, the first side surface, and the second side surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the fourth side surface and the third side surface may be opposed to each other. In an exemplary embodiment, the fourth side surface and the top surface may be attached to each other at a first corner. In an exemplary embodiment, the first corner may include a first bone engagement section. In an exemplary embodiment, the first bone engagement section may be configured to make a mechanical engagement between the suture anchor and the bone in human body.
[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the eyelet may be extended between the first side surface and the second side surface and along a first axis. In an exemplary embodiment, the eyelet may be configured to receive a suture thread. In an exemplary embodiment, the insertion hole may be provided on the top surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the insertion hole may be configured to receive an insertion tool.
[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the eyelet may include a first fillet and a second fillet. In an exemplary embodiment, the first fillet may be provided at a first opening of the eyelet. In an exemplary embodiment, the second fillet may be provided at a second opening of the eyelet. In an exemplary embodiment, the second opening of the eyelet may be opposed to the first opening of the eyelet. In an exemplary embodiment, the first fillet and the second fillet may be configured to prevent damage of the suture thread and facilitate smooth gliding of the suture thread in the eyelet.
[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the eyelet may be provided in the protuberant section. In an exemplary embodiment, a main longitudinal axis of the eyelet may coincide with a main longitudinal axis of the protuberant section. In an exemplary embodiment, the suture anchor may be made of a metallic material. In an exemplary embodiment, the suture anchor may be made of pure titanium biocompatible titanium alloys, or a combination thereof.
[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the first bone engagement section may include a first plurality of engagement teeth arranged on the first bone engagement section. In an exemplary embodiment, the first plurality of engagement teeth may be configured to facilitate bone engagement between the suture anchor and the bone. In an exemplary embodiment, the convex portion may include a second bone engagement section. In an exemplary embodiment, the second bone engagement section may include a second plurality of engagement teeth arranged on the convex portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the second plurality of engagement teeth may be configured to facilitate bone engagement between the suture anchor and the bone.
[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the fourth side surface may have a first convex curvature at the first bone engagement section. In an exemplary embodiment, the first convex curvature may be configured to enhance engagement between the suture anchor and the bone at the first bone engagement section. In an exemplary embodiment, the third side surface has a second convex curvature at the second bone engagement section, the second convex curvature configured to enhance engagement between the suture anchor and the bone at the second bone engagement section. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present teachings, by way of example only, not by way of limitation. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.
[0021] FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a suture anchor for attaching a soft tissue to a bone in human body, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. IB illustrates a side view of a suture anchor for attaching a soft tissue to a bone in human body, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [0023] FIG. 1C illustrates a top view of a suture anchor for attaching a soft tissue to a bone in human body, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a suture anchor, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 2B illustrates a side view of a suture anchor, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 2C illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a suture anchor, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 2D illustrates a perspective view of the other embodiment of the suture anchor, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a suture anchor in a scenario in which a suture thread is inserted into an eyelet, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates a suture anchor in a scenario in which an insertion tool is inserted into an insertion hole, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [0030] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a suture anchor, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [0031] FIG. 6A illustrates a top view of a suture anchor, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 6B illustrates a perspective view of a suture anchor, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 7 A illustrates a side view of a suture anchor in a vertical configuration, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 7B illustrates a side view of a suture anchor in a tilted configuration, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a suture anchor, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0036] FIG. 9 illustrates a suture anchor, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0037] FIG. 10 illustrates a suture anchor, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0038] FIG. 11 illustrates a suture anchor, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0039] FIG. 12A illustrates a suture anchor in a scenario in which the suture anchor is being inserted into a bone hole, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0040] FIG. 12B illustrates a suture anchor in a scenario in which the suture anchor is inserted into a bone hole, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [0041] FIG. 12C illustrates a suture anchor in a scenario in which the suture anchor is being tilted in a bone hole, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [0042] FIG. 12D illustrates a suture anchor in a scenario in which the suture anchor is present in a bone hole, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0043] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth by way of examples in order to provide a thorough understanding of the relevant teachings. However, it should be apparent that the present teachings may be practiced without such details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and/or circuitry have been described at a relatively high-level, without detail, in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the present teachings. The following detailed description is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the methods and devices disclosed in exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. For purposes of explanation, specific nomenclature is set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not required to practice the disclosed exemplary embodiments. Descriptions of specific exemplary embodiments are provided only as representative examples. Various modifications to the exemplary implementations will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations and applications without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the implementations shown but is to be accorded the widest possible scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.
[0044] FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a suture anchor 100 for attaching a soft tissue to a bone in human body, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. IB shows a side view of suture anchor 100 for attaching a soft tissue to a bone in human body, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 1C shows a top view of suture anchor 100 for attaching a soft tissue to a bone in human body, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 1A, FIG. IB, and FIG. 1C, in an exemplary embodiment, suture anchor 100 may include a top surface 101 at a top end 102 of suture anchor 100. In an exemplary embodiment, suture anchor 100 may include a bottom surface 103 at a bottom end 104 of suture anchor 100. In an exemplary embodiment, suture anchor 100 may include a first side surface 105 extended between top surface 101 of suture anchor 100 and bottom surface 103 of suture anchor 100. In an exemplary embodiment, suture anchor 100 may include a second side surface 106 extended between top surface 101 of suture anchor 100 and bottom surface 103 of suture anchor 100. In an exemplary embodiment, suture anchor 100 may be made of a metallic material. In an exemplary embodiment, suture anchor 100 may be made of pure titanium, biocompatible titanium alloys, or a combination thereof.
[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, suture anchor 100 may also include a third side surface 107 extended between top surface 101 of suture anchor 100, bottom surface 103 of suture anchor 100, first side surface 105 of suture anchor 100, and second side surface 106 of suture anchor 100. As shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. IB, in an exemplary embodiment, third side surface 107 may have a sinusoidal-like shape. In an exemplary embodiment, third side surface 107 may include a concave portion 172 and a convex portion 174. In an exemplary embodiment, concave portion 172 may be placed at an upper part of third side surface 107. In an exemplary embodiment, concave portion 172 may be a hollow semicircle with a radius between one third and one half of a width of suture anchor 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper part of third side surface 107 may be associated with top end 102 of suture anchor 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper part of third side surface 107 may refer to a part of third side surface 107 which is closer to top end 102 of suture anchor 100 than bottom end 104 of suture anchor
100. [0047] In an exemplary embodiment, convex portion 174 may be placed at a lower part of third side surface 107. In an exemplary embodiment, the lower part of third side surface 107 may be associated with bottom end 104 of suture anchor 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the lower part of third side surface 107 may refer to a part of third side surface 107 which is closer to bottom end 104 of suture anchor 100 than top end 102 of suture anchor 100. In an exemplary embodiment, convex portion 174 may form a protuberant section 176 at bottom end 104 of suture anchor 100.
[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, suture anchor 100 may further include a fourth side surface 108. In an exemplary embodiment, fourth side section 108 may be extended between top surface 101, bottom surface 103, first side surface 105, and second side surface 106. In an exemplary embodiment, fourth side surface 108 and third side surface 107 may be opposed to each other. In an exemplary embodiment, fourth side surface 108 and top surface 101 may be attached to each other at a first comer 182.
[0049] FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of suture anchor 100, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2B shows a side view of suture anchor 100, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, in an exemplary embodiment, first corner 182 may include a first bone engagement section 202. In an exemplary embodiment, first bone engagement section 202 may include a first plurality of engagement teeth 222 arranged in a sawtooth arrangement. In an exemplary embodiment, first plurality of engagement teeth 222 may be arranged in such a way that their sharp tips are placed upwardly. In an exemplary embodiment, first plurality of engagement teeth 222 may be configured to facilitate bone engagement between suture anchor 100 and the bone in human body. In an exemplary embodiment, first plurality of engagement teeth 222 may be configured to avoid anchor from upward displacement after penetration into the bone. [0050] FIG. 2C shows a side view of another embodiment of suture anchor 100, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2D shows a perspective view of the other embodiment of suture anchor 100, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2C and FIG. 2D, in an exemplary embodiment, first bone engagement section 202 may include large size and perpendicularly oriented sawtooth 232. In an exemplary embodiment, large size and perpendicularly oriented sawtooth 232 may be used for very high-density cancellous bone applications.
[0051] As further shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. IB, in an exemplary embodiment, suture anchor 100 may further include an eyelet 109 extended between first side surface 105 and second side surface 106 and along a first axis 192. In an exemplary embodiment, a main longitudinal axis of eyelet 109 may coincide with first axis 192. In an exemplary embodiment, eyelet 109 may be provided in protuberant section 176. In an exemplary embodiment, eyelet 192 may be configured to receive a suture thread. FIG. 3 shows suture anchor 100 in a scenario in which a suture thread 300 is inserted into eyelet 109, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, eyelet 109 may include a first fillet 194 at a first opening 196 of eyelet 109.
[0052] Similarly, in an exemplary embodiment, eyelet 109 may include a second fillet at a second opening of eyelet 109 which are obscured from the view in FIG. 1A. In an exemplary embodiment, first fillet 194 and the second fillet may be configured to prevent damage of suture thread 300 and facilitate smooth gliding of suture thread 300 in eyelet 109. In an exemplary embodiment, a size of eyelet 109 may be sufficiently large to allow the passage of several suture threads, in order to provide a higher suture breakage strength.
[0053] In an exemplary embodiment, eyelet 109 may be located at a center of convex portion
174 adjacent to bottom surface 103. [0054] As further shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1C, in an exemplary embodiment, suture anchor
100 may further include an insertion hole 110 on top surface 101 of suture anchor 100. In an exemplary embodiment, insertion hole 110 may be extended along a second axis 111. In an exemplary embodiment, a main longitudinal axis of insertion hole 110 may coincide with second axis 111. In an exemplary embodiment, insertion hole 110 may be configured to receive an insertion tool. FIG. 4 shows suture anchor 100 in a scenario in which an insertion tool 400 is inserted into insertion hole 110, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0055] FIG. 5 shows a side view of suture anchor 100, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5, in an exemplary embodiment, convex portion 174 may include a second bone engagement section 500. In an exemplary embodiment, second bone engagement section 500 may include a second plurality of engagement teeth 502. In an exemplary embodiment, second plurality of engagement teeth 502 may be arranged in a sawtooth arrangement. In an exemplary embodiment, medium size and oblique oriented sawtooth 222 and 502 may be used for moderate high-density cancellous bone applications. In an exemplary embodiment, second plurality of engagement teeth 502 may be arranged in such a way that their sharp tips are placed upwardly. In an exemplary embodiment, second plurality of engagement teeth 502 may be configured to facilitate bone engagement between suture anchor 100 and the bone in human body.
[0056] FIG. 6A shows a top view of suture anchor 100, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 6B shows a perspective view of suture anchor 100, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, in an exemplary embodiment, fourth side surface 108 may have a first convex curvature 602, specifically at first bone engagement section 202. In an exemplary embodiment, first convex curvature 602 may be configured to enhance engagement between suture anchor 100 and the bone at first bone engagement section 202. Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, third side surface 107 may have a second convex curvature 604, specifically at second bone engagement section 500. In an exemplary embodiment, second convex curvature 604 may be configured to enhance engagement between suture anchor 100 and the bone at second bone engagement section 500. In fact, this alternative design is employed for the cross section of suture anchor 100 to make its contact area with the cancellous wall of the bone hole larger. The sidewalls of the elongate body of suture anchor 100, especially at the proximal bone engagement surface and the distal bone engagement surface, have convex curvatures, along transverse axis Z. This geometry may convert the rectangular shape of the cross section of the elongate body into an oval-like shape, as shown in FIG. 6B, and may enable suture anchor 100 to purchase a larger area of the cancellous wall of the drilled bone hole, in order to increase the frictional effects further and prevent the anchor pull-out, once the suture thread is pulled by the surgeon.
[0057] FIG. 7A shows a side view of suture anchor 100 in a vertical configuration, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 7B shows a side view of suture anchor 100 in a tilted configuration, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7A, in an exemplary embodiment, the geometrical design of suture anchor 100 may provide large horizontal offset 702 and vertical offset 704 between center of mass 706 of suture anchor 100 and a center 708 of eyelet 109. In an exemplary embodiment, with eyelet 109 and the indented lateral sidewall (third side surface 107) being at the same side, center of mass 706 of suture anchor 100 may be transferred towards fourth side surface 108. As a result, there may be a large horizontal offset 702 and a large vertical offset 704 between center of mass 706 of suture anchor 100 and center 708 of eyelet 109, even when suture anchor 100 is in its initial vertical configuration as shown in FIG.
7A. [0058] In an exemplary embodiment, this large horizontal offset 702 may produce a weight induced tilting moment in suture anchor 100, once the surgeon pulls out suture thread 300 passing eyelet 109 which may eliminate the need for manual positioning of suture anchor 100 into a tilted configuration as shown in FIG. 7B. In an exemplary embodiment, in order to make this mechanism more effective, suture anchor 100 may be made from a metallic material to make suture anchor 100 heavier and increase the weight induced tilting moment.
[0059] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of suture anchor 100, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, cutting teeth may be extended along the transvers axis Z. Implementing an engagement surface, rather an engagement edge, enables a large contact area to occur between the anchor and the cancellous wall, once the anchor is tilted. Also, by applying cutting teeth along the transvers axis Z and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Y, they prevent the upward sliding movement of the anchor along the longitudinal axis Y, and make the friction coefficient between the anchor and the cancellous wall larger. FIG. 9 shows suture anchor 100, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, the transversely extended cutting teeth 901 may transform the pull force along longitudinal axis Y, applied to suture thread 300 by the surgeon, into compressive penetrating force on the cancellous wall, enlarging the frictional forces further and preventing the anchor pull out.
[0060] FIG. 10 shows suture anchor 100, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 shows suture anchor 100, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, alternative designs of transversely extended sawtooth may be employed at the proximal engagement surface to enhance the performance of the anchor when engaging with cancellous bones with different densities. As shown in FIG. 10, large size and perpendicularly oriented sawtooth 1001 may be used for very high-density cancellous bone applications. Also, as shown in FIG. 11, in an exemplary embodiment, medium size and oblique oriented sawtooth 1101 may be used for moderate high-density cancellous bone applications.
[0061] Moreover, suture anchor 100 may include a distal bone engagement surface applied at the fillet of the outer wall of eyelet 109. The distal bone engagement surface may be also equipped with sawtooth penetrating and cutting features 1102, in which the cutting teeth are extended along the transvers axis Z, in order to enhance the mechanical engagement of suture anchor 100 and the cancellous wall of the drilled bone even further, in very high-density cancellous bone applications. In such case, the orientation of the sawtooth 1102 may be the opposite of that of the proximal bone engagement surface, in order to penetrate into the bore while suture anchor 100 is tilting and moving upward.
[0062] Referring to FIG. 5A to 5D, the geometrical design and the transvers cutting teeth of the suture anchor of the present disclosure make its insertion procedure simple and fast, with a minimum hardware demand. The suture anchor includes a small insertion hole 5 at the proximal facet 2, extended in the longitudinal direction Y, to receive a simple insertion tool 46. The insertion tool 46 is attached to the insertion hole 5 of the anchor, with a preferably slip-fit, in order to hold the anchor, place it in the pre-drilled bone and release it inside the hole, for the next steps of fixation process.
[0063] FIG. 12A shows suture anchor 100 in a scenario in which suture anchor 100 is being inserted into a bone hole 1202, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 12B shows suture anchor 100 in a scenario in which suture anchor 100 is inserted into bone hole 1202, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 12C shows suture anchor 100 in a scenario in which suture anchor 100 is being tilted in bone hole 1202, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 12D shows suture anchor 100 in a scenario in which suture anchor 100 is present in bone hole 1202, consistent with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0064] As shown in FIG. 12A, first, a surgeon may guide suture anchor 100 into bone hole 1202 by using insertion tool 400 while suture thread 300 has been passed through eyelet 109. Then, as shown in FIG. 12B, in an exemplary embodiment, the surgeon may place suture anchor 100 inside bone hole 1202 by using insertion tool 300 and may then remove insertion tool 400. Then, as shown in FIG. 12C, in an exemplary embodiment, the surgeon may apply a pull force 1205 to suture thread 300 which may generate a weight induced tilting moment and may tilt suture anchor 100 which may result in an initial mechanical engagement between first bone engagement section 202 and the cancellous wall of bone hole 1202.
[0065] As shown in FIG. 12D, by continuing the application of pull force 1205 to suture thread 300, suture anchor 100 may tilt further, due to the initial mechanical engagement between first bone engagement section 202 and the cancellous wall of bone hole 1202, enabling a mechanical engagement between second bone engagement section 500 and the cancellous wall of the bone hole 1202. In an exemplary embodiment, this process may continue until both first bone engagement section 202 and second bone engagement section 500 penetrate into the cancellous wall of the bone hole 1202, and a strong fixation is achieved.
[0066] For purpose of reference, it may be understood that by making suture anchor 100 from a metallic biocompatible material, the weight induced tiling moment may be sufficiently large to provide a strong mechanical engagement between first bone engagement section 202 and second bone engagement section 500 of suture anchor 100, and the cancellous wall of bone hole 1202, and may prevent suture anchor 100 pull-out, once suture thread 300 is pulled by the surgeon. In an exemplary embodiment, this strong engagement may facilitate the surgical procedure by eliminating the need for holding the bone anchor using an insertion tool such as insertion tool 400 and pulling a suture thread such as suture thread 300 simultaneously, during the insertion procedure of the suture anchor. More specifically, in an exemplary embodiment, suture anchor 100 may be produced from pure titanium or biocompatible titanium alloys, using an additive manufacturing technique. With proper surface treatments, such as sand blasting, an appropriate texture can then be produced on the surface of suture anchor 100. In an exemplary embodiment, this texture may help to enhance the initial mechanical fixation by increasing the friction between suture anchor 100 and the cancellous wall of the bone hole 1202. In an exemplary embodiment, it may also help to promote the bone ingrowth into suture anchor surface, in order to obtain a rapid and strong osseointegrated biological fixation, with no risk of anchor migration.
[0067] Also referring FIG. 12A, FIG. 12B, FIG. 12C, and FIG. 12D, in an exemplary embodiment, bone hole 1202 may be drilled with any diameter in a range between 1 mm and 3 mm larger than that of suture anchor 100, in order to enable initial tilting of suture anchor 100 under the weight induced tilting moment. The inexact dimension of the bone hole may facilitate the surgical procedure further. For purpose of reference, it may be understood that, suture anchor 100 may be produced in a wide range of sizes, depending upon the anatomical application and the relevant loads.
[0068] While the foregoing has described what are considered to be the best mode and/or other examples, it is understood that various modifications may be made therein and that the subject matter disclosed herein may be implemented in various forms and examples, and that the teachings may be applied in numerous applications, only some of which have been described herein. It is intended by the following claims to claim any and all applications, modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of the present teachings.
[0069] Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications that are set forth in this specification, including in the claims that follow, are approximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain.
[0070] The scope of protection is limited solely by the claims that now follow. That scope is intended and should be interpreted to be as broad as is consistent with the ordinary meaning of the language that is used in the claims when interpreted in light of this specification and the prosecution history that follows and to encompass all structural and functional equivalents. Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirement of Sections 101, 102, or 103 of the Patent Act, nor should they be interpreted in such a way. Any unintended embracement of such subject matter is hereby disclaimed.
[0071] Except as stated immediately above, nothing that has been stated or illustrated is intended or should be interpreted to cause a dedication of any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or equivalent to the public, regardless of whether it is or is not recited in the claims.
[0072] It will be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions with respect to their corresponding respective areas of inquiry and study, except where specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein. Relational terms such as "first" and "second" and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, as used herein and in the appended claims are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, encompassing a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements that does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “a” or “an” does not, without further constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.
[0073] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is not intended to be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various implementations. Such grouping is for purposes of streamlining this disclosure and is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed implementations require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed implementation. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.
[0074] While various implementations have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more implementations are possible that are within the scope of the implementations. Although many possible combinations of features are shown in the accompanying figures and discussed in this detailed description, many other combinations of the disclosed features are possible. Any feature of any implementation may be used in combination with or substituted for any other feature or element in any other implementation unless specifically restricted. Therefore, it will be understood that any of the features shown and/or discussed in the present disclosure may be implemented together in any suitable combination. Accordingly, the implementations are not to be restricted except in the light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.