US 2018/0008256 A1 · EXTRA JOINT STABILIZATION CONSTRUCT

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.

Claims31

Dependent claims

A knotless returning and locking system for bone fracture stabilization and soft tissue repair and reinforcement, comprising:

a returning and locking anchor having a body with a proximal end, a distal end, and defining a longitudinal axis, the body forming an internal passage and a return feature, the internal passage having a threaded receiver located at the proximal end of the body and including a proximal portion, a mid portion, and a distal portion, the return feature located distal to the threaded receiver and in communication with the internal passage;
and
a threaded set screw having a proximal portion, a mid portion, and a distal portion, the threaded set screw configured for rotational insertion into the threaded receiver to achieve a progressively increasing interference fit about a flexible synthetic strand passing between the proximal portions and the mid portions of the threaded receiver and the threaded set screw and a progressively decreasing interference fit about the flexible synthetic strand passing between the mid portions and the distal portions of the threaded receiver and the threaded set screw, wherein the progressively increasing interference fit and the progressively decreasing interference fit combine to provide a locking feature that reversibly secures the flexible synthetic strand in relation to the returning and locking anchor.

A counter-torque driver for rotationally driving an anchor into bone, the anchor having a proximal end, a distal end, and a driver feature, the driver feature comprising two opposing slots formed in the proximal end of the anchor, the counter-torque driver comprising:

a longitudinal body extending from a proximal end to a distal end and defining a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal body including an axial through hole extending from the proximal end to the distal end along the longitudinal axis;
and
two opposing tabs extending from the distal end of the body, the two tabs centered about the longitudinal axis and configured to engage with the two opposing slots formed in the proximal end of the anchor, wherein:
when the two opposing tabs of the driver are engaged with the two opposing slots of the anchor and the driver is rotated, the suture anchor is rotationally driven into the bone;
and
when the two opposing tabs of the driver are engaged with the two opposing slots of the anchor and the driver is held stationary, each of the tabs provides a distal facing bearing surface to resist torsional forces generated when tensioning a flexible synthetic strand via a rotational input to a set screw inserted through the axial through hole of the driver into the anchor, thereby countering the torsional forces to maintain an original insertion alignment of the anchor within the bone.

3 more elements

An external construct for stabilizing a joint, comprising:

a flexible synthetic strand having first and second opposing ends;
a first fixation secured at the first end of the flexible synthetic strand;
a second fixation secured at the second end of the flexible synthetic strand, the second fixation comprising a locking anchor inserted into a bone portion, the locking anchor having a body with a proximal end, a distal end, and defining a longitudinal axis, the body forming an internal passage having a threaded receiver located at the proximal end, wherein:
the second end of the flexible synthetic strand enters the returning and locking anchor through the axial passage at the proximal end of the body;
the flexible synthetic strand is tensioned between the first and the second fixations;
and
the second end of the flexible synthetic strand is locked relative to the returning and locking anchor resulting in a continuous, uninterrupted length of the flexible synthetic strand extending externally across the joint between the first and the second fixations.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Extra joint stabilization construct

Life of this patent

Extra joint stabilization construct

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims31