Method for fixing traction threads to ends of a prosthetic ligament

• US 7,494,506 B2
• Filed: 01/21/2005
• Issued: 02/24/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 01/23/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: MOVMEDIX
• Original Assignee: L.A.R.S-Laboratoire d'Application et de Recherche Scientifique
• Inventors: Brulez, Bernard, Laboureau, Jacques-Philippe
• Primary Examiner(s): GHERBI, SUZETTE JAIME J
• Application Number:
  US10/586,362
• Publication Number:
  US 20070118217A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,495 Days
• Field of Search: 623 132- 1315, 606/86, 606/99
• US Class Current: 623/13.11
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/08 Muscles; Tendons; Ligaments sutures A61B17/04

Abstract

Method for production of a prosthetic ligament (1), for the replacement of a natural joint ligament, having a global cylindrical form and including a medial intra-articular section (3) between two intra-osseous end parts (2). The method includes a step of the rolling or folding on itself of a web of synthetic polymer fibers, followed by a step of installation of a traction thread (5) to each of the ends (4) of the ligament (1), then a step of placing a tip (6) on the ends (5), characterized in that the placing of the tip (6) includes producing a radial ligature (60) of the ligament (1) provided with the traction threads (5), by of a ligature thread (7).

Claims

1. A process for the creation of a prosthetic ligament (1) for the replacement of a natural articular ligament, with an overall cylindrical shape, and that includes an intra-articular middle part (3) between two intra-osseous end parts (2), where this process includes a stage for winding or folding a web of synthetic polymer fibres onto itself, followed by a stage for fitting a traction thread (5) to each of the ends (4)of the ligament (1), and then a stage for installation of a ferrule (6) on the ends (5) characterized in that the installation of the ferrule (6) consists of making a radial ligature (60) of the ligament (1) equipped with its traction threads (5) with a ligature thread (7).

2. A process according to claim 1, characterized in that the fitting of the traction thread (5) is effected according to the following sequence:

take a traction thread (5) and form a loop (50) without crossing the strands around the ligament (1) and position it around the ligament, at a certain distance from one end (4) of the latter;

in diametric opposition on the loop (50), insert the two free strands (51, 52) of the traction thread (5) into the thickness of the ligament (1) and draw them toward the end (4) concerned, parallel to the longitudinal direction of the ligament (1) toward the outside;

make a twist in the loop (50) so as to form a figure of eight whose base is anchored in the ligament (1) and pass the end (4) of the ligament (1) with the free strands (51, 52) of the traction thread (5) into the second loop (53), that is to say into the small part of the figure of eight;

bring the two loops (50, 53) to the point of introduction of the free strands (51, 52) into the ligament (1);

tighten by pulling on the strands (51, 52) of the traction thread (5).

3. A process according to claim 1, characterized in that after the fitting of the traction thread (5), at least one end stitch is formed on the section of the ligament (1) into which the two strands (51, 52) of the traction thread (5) pass.

4. A process according to claim 1, characterized in that the ligature (60) is created in accordance to the following sequence:

with a ligature thread (7), form an extended loop (70) and position it onto the ligament (1) which is laid flat, with the two strands of the thread (7) being parallel to the ligament (1) and emerging at the end (4) of the ligament (1) at which the ferrule (6) is positioned,

hold the loop (70) firmly against the ligament (1),

take one of the strands, which becomes the running strand (71), and simultaneously wind it around the ligament (1), around the dormant strand (72) and around the loop (70), starting from the end (4) of the ligament and moving in the direction of the intra-articular middle part (3), forming carefully adjacent turns,

pass the running strand (71) into the loop (70),

tighten hard by pulling on the dormant strand (72) and the running strand (71), taking care to keep the turns adjacent,

cut the two strands (71, 72) flush with the ligature.

5. A process according to claim 1, characterized in that the ligature thread (7) is chosen in the same material as that of the synthetic fibres constituting the web.

6. A ligament (1) for the replacement of a natural articular ligament, with an overall cylindrical shape and that includes an intra-articular middle part (3) between two intra-osseous end parts (2), equipped with traction threads (5) at its ends (4) which are capped by a ferrule (6), characterized in that this is achieved by implementation of the process according to claim 1.

7. A process according to claim 2, characterized in that after the fitting of the traction thread (5), at least one end stitch is formed on the section of the ligament (1) into which the two strands (51, 52) of the traction thread (5) pass.