SINGLE STRAND SELF-LOCKING SUSPENSION DEVICE FOR MEDICAL USE

Abstract

An implantable suspension device (1) for fixing an elongated flexible implant (G) or tissue (B) in a desired position, comprising a suspension plate (100) and a single suture element (200) engaging with the suspension plate (100) such that the suture element (200) forms an adjustable suspension loop (300) for connecting said implant (G) or tissue (B) to the suspension plate (100), wherein the single suture element (200) comprises a free first end section (201) and a second end section (202), and wherein the single suture element (200) comprises a stopper (20) arranged on the second end section (202), and wherein the suture element (200) forms a locking loop (40) for pressing the first end section (201) against the suspension plate (100) and thereby locking the first end section (201) of the suture element (200) with respect to the suspension plate (100).

Claims

1. An implantable suspension device (1) for fixing an elongated flexible implant (G) or tissue (B) in a desired position, comprising: a suspension plate (100) and a single suture element (200) engaging with the suspension plate (100) such that the suture element (200) forms an adjustable suspension loop (300) for connecting said implant (G) or tissue (B) to the suspension plate (100), wherein the single suture element (200) comprises a free first end section (201) and a second end section (202), and wherein the single suture element (200) comprises a stopper (20) arranged on the second end section (202), and wherein the suture element (200) forms a locking loop (40) for pressing the first end section (201) against the suspension plate (100) and thereby locking the first end section (201) of the suture element (200) with respect to the suspension plate (100).

2. The implantable suspension device according to claim 1, characterized in that the suspension loop (300) is configured to be shortened by pulling on a first pulling section (211) formed by a portion of the first end section (201) of the suture element (200), which first pulling section (211) protrudes out of the locking loop (40).

3. The implantable suspension device according to claim 1, characterized in that a force loaded on the suspension loop (300) is proportionally related to a force applied on the first pulling section (211), and/or a change in length of the suspension loop (300) is proportionally related to a displacement of the first pulling section (211).

4. The implantable suspension device according to claim 1, characterized in that for reducing a loosening force (F.sub.loosening) on the first pulling section (211) and supporting a self-locking of the suspension loop (300), the suspension loop comprises deflection points (P, P′).

5. The implantable suspension device according to claim 1, characterized in that the suspension plate (100) comprises a front side (100a) and a rear side (100b), which rear side (100b) faces away from the front side (100a).

6. The implantable suspension device according to claim 5, characterized in that said suspension plate (100) comprises a plurality of through-holes (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16), each through-hole (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) extending from the front side (100a) to the rear side (100b) of said suspension plate (100), wherein said suture element (200) extends through said through-holes (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16).

7. The implantable suspension device according to claim 6, characterized in that said plurality of through-holes (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) is formed by six through-holes.

8. The implantable suspension device according to claim 6, characterized in that the suture element (200) is inserted into a first through-hole (11) of said plurality of through-holes (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) with the first end section (201) ahead such that the stopper (20) butts against the suspension plate (100) to prevent the suture element (200) from being completely pulled through the first through-hole (11) of the suspension plate (100).

9. The implantable suspension device according to claim 8, characterized in that the suture element (200) is furthermore successively inserted into a second through-hole (12), a third-through hole (13), a fourth through-hole (14) and a fifth through-hole (15) of said plurality of through-holes such that the adjustable suspension loop (300) is formed on the front side (100a) of the suspension plate (100) and/or such that the locking loop (40) is formed on the rear side (100b) of the suspension plate (100), wherein the first end section (201) of the suture element (200) is further inserted into the locking loop (40) for clamping the first end section (201) of the suture element (200) by means of the locking loop (40) to the rear side (100b) of the suspension plate (100) with a locking force (F.sub.L).

10. The implantable suspension device according to claim 1, characterized in that the suspension loop (300) comprises a first loop (301) and a second loop (302) formed by the suture element (200).

11. The implantable suspension device according to claim 2, characterized in that the suture element (200) is inserted such into said through-holes (11, 12, 13, 14, 15) that a pulling force (F) applied to the first pulling section (211) of the first end section (201) of the suture element (200) and transferred to the suspension loop (300) is at least amplified by a factor of four, and/or particularly such that said locking force (F.sub.L) is a friction force with a pressing force at least twice as large as said pulling force (F) on the first pulling section (211) of the suture element (200).

12. The implantable suspension device according to claim 6, characterized in that said plurality of through-holes (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) comprises a second through-hole (12), wherein the suture element (200) is inserted into the second through-hole (12) so that the locking loop (40) is formed on the rear side (100b) of the suspension plate (100).

13. The implantable suspension device according to claim 6, characterized in that said plurality of through-holes comprises a third through-hole (13), wherein the suture element (200) is inserted into the third through-hole (13) so that the first loop (301) of the suspension loop (300) is formed on the front side (100a) of the suspension plate (100).

14. The implantable suspension device according to claim 6, characterized in that said plurality of through-holes comprises a fourth through-hole (14), wherein the suture element (200) is inserted into the fourth through-hole (14).

15. The implantable suspension device according to claim 6, characterized in that said plurality of through-holes comprises a fifth through-hole (15), wherein the suture element (200) is inserted into the fifth through-hole (15) so that the second loop (302) of the suspension loop (300) is formed on the front side (100a) of the suspension plate (100).

16. The implantable medical suspension device according to claim 15, characterized in that said first end section (201) protruding out of the fifth through-hole (15) is inserted into said locking loop (40), wherein the portion of said first end section (201) of the suture element (200) protruding out of the locking loop (40) forms said first pulling section (211) of the suture element (200) for pulling on the suture element (200) so as to shorten the suspension loop (300).

17. The implantable medical suspension device according to claim 16, characterized in that said plurality of through-holes comprises a sixth through-hole (16), wherein said first end section (201) of the suture element (200) protruding out of the locking loop (40) is insertable into said sixth through-hole (16) to form a second and a third pulling section (212, 213) extending from the sixth through-hole (16), respectively, for pulling the suspension device (1) through a bone tunnel (T).

18. The implantable medical suspension device according to claim 1, characterized in that the stopper (20) comprises at least one knot (21) formed in the second end section (202) of the suture element (200).

19. The implantable medical suspension device according to claim 18, characterized in that the stopper (20) comprises a portion (22) of the suture element (200) arranged adjacent the at least one knot (21), which portion (22) is formed out of merged fibers (23) of the suture element (200).

20. The implantable medical suspension device according to claim 1, characterized in that the suspension device (1) comprises an adapter (50) plate, wherein the adapter plate (50) comprises a recess (51) for receiving the suspension plate (100) in a form fitting manner.

21. The implantable medical suspension device according to claim 1, characterized in that the suspension device (1) comprises a plate member (70), wherein the plate member (70) comprises recesses (71, 72, 73, 74) through which the suspension loop (300) extends.

22. The implantable medical suspension device according to claim 1, characterized in that suspension device comprises (1) a first plate member (80), wherein the first plate member (80) comprises recesses (81, 82) through which the first loop (301) of the suspension loop (300) extends, and wherein the suspension device (1) comprises a second plate member (90), wherein the second plate member (90) comprises recesses (91, 92) through which the second loop (302) of the suspension loop (300) extends.

23. A tool (3) for use with an implantable medical suspension device (1), wherein the tool (3) comprises: a handle (33; 33c) for holding the tool (3), a guide bar (30; 30b) extending from said handle (33), at least a first slot (31; 31b) formed into said guide bar (30; 30b) for receiving a suture element (200), and a distance probe (34; 34b) slidably arranged in the guide bar (30; 30b).

24. The tool according to claim 23, characterized in that the tool (3) comprises a second slot (32) extending parallel to the first slot (31) and formed into said guide bar (30) for receiving the suture element (200).

25. The tool according to claim 23, characterized in that the tool (3) is configured to clamp a first pulling section (211) of the suture element (200) in the first slot (31).

26. The tool according to claim 24, characterized in that the tool (3) is configured to clamp a second and a third pulling section (212, 213) of the suture element (200) in the second slot (32).

27. The tool according to claim 23, characterized in that the tool (3) comprises a first actuating element (35) that can be actuated to clamp the first pulling section (211) of the suture element (200) in the first slot (31), and/or wherein the tool (3) comprises a second actuating element (36) that can be actuated to clamp the second and the third pulling section (212, 213) of the suture element (200) in the second slot (32).

28. The tool according to claim 23, characterized in that the tool comprises a force indicator (37) for indicating a pulling force exerted onto the first pulling section (211) of the suture element (200) via the tool (3).

29. The tool according to claim 23, characterized in that the tool (3) comprises a distance indicator (38) for indicating a distance measured with the distance probe (34).

30. The tool according to claim 23, characterized in that the distance probe (34b) comprises a distance probe handle (33b) at an end of the distance probe (34) for moving the distance probe (34b) with respect to the guide bar (30b).

31. The tool according to claim 23, characterized in that the distance probe (34b) is configured to contact a suspension plate (100) of the suspension device (1) so as to provide a user feedback about a current position of the suspension plate (100) in a bone tunnel (B).

32. The tool according to claim 23, characterized in that the tool (3) comprises a rotatable distance measuring wheel (38b) configured to measure a displacement of the suture element (200) with respect to the tool (3).

33. The tool according to claim 23, characterized in that the tool comprises a force indicator (37b) that is configured to receive and indicate a force exerted by the suture element (200), when the distance probe handle (33b) is moved to tension the suture element (200).

34. The tool according to claim 32, characterized in that the distance measuring wheel (38b) and the force indicator (37b) are mounted to the guide bar (30b) such that the suture element (200) is laced between the distance measuring wheel (38b) and the force indicator (37b) when received in the first slot (31b).

35. The tool according to claim 23, characterized in that the tool (3) comprises a self-locking clamp (35b) for clamping the suture element (200) when the suture element (200) is received in the first slot (31b).

36. An implantable suspension plate (100) comprising a front side (100a) and a rear side (100b) facing away from the front side (100a), wherein the suspension plate (100) comprises six through-holes (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16), wherein each through-hole (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) extends from the front side (100a) to the rear side (100b), and wherein the first, second, third and fourth through-hole (11, 12, 13, 14) are arranged on the corners of a quadrangle, the first, second, third and fourth through-holes (11, 12, 13, 14) being further arranged between the fifth and the sixth through-hole (15, 16), the fifth through-hole (15) facing the sixth through-hole (16) in the direction of a longitudinal axis (L) of the suspension plate (100), and the first through-hole (11) and the second through-hole (12) being arranged adjacent the fifth through-hole (15), and the first through-hole (11) facing the second through-hole (12) in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L) and the third through-hole (13) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L), while the fourth through-hole (14) is arranged diagonally to the first through-hole (11).

37. A method for building an implantable suspension device (1) comprising the steps of: providing a suspension plate (100) comprising a front side (100a) and a rear side (100b), which rear side (100b) faces away from the front side (100a), and wherein said suspension plate (100) comprises six through-holes (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16), which through-holes extend from the front side (100a) to the rear side (100b) of said suspension plate (100), providing a single elongated and flexible suture element (200) comprising a free first end section (201) and a second end section (202), and providing a stopper (20) on the second end section (202).

38. The method according to claim 37, wherein the method further comprises the step of inserting the suture element (200) into a first through-hole (11) of said six through-holes with the first end section (201) of the suture element (200) ahead such that the stopper (20) butts against the suspension plate (100) to prevent the suture element (200) from being completely pulled through the first through-hole (11) of the suspension plate (100).

39. The method according to claim 38, wherein the method further comprises the step of inserting the suture element (200) into a second through-hole (12) of said six through-holes so that a locking loop (40) is formed on the rear side (100b) of the suspension plate (100).

40. The method according to claim 39, wherein the method further comprises the step of inserting the suture element (200) into a third through-hole (13) of said six through-holes so that a first loop (301) is formed on the front side (100a) of the suspension plate (100).

41. The method according to claim 40, wherein the method further comprises the step of inserting the suture element (200) into a fourth through-hole (14) of said six through holes.

42. The method according to claim 41, wherein the method further comprises the step of inserting the suture element (200) into a fifth through-hole (15) of said six through-holes, wherein the suture element (200) is inserted into the fifth through-hole (15) so that a second loop (302) is formed on the front side (100a) of the suspension plate (100), which second loop (302) forms a suspension loop (300) together with the first loop (301) on the front side (100a) of the suspension plate (100).

43. The method according to claim 42, wherein the method further comprises the step of inserting said first end section (200) protruding out of the fifth through-hole (15) into said locking loop (40) so that a portion (211) of said first end section (201) of the suture element (200) protruding out of the locking loop (40) forms a first pulling section (211) of the suture element (200) for pulling on the suture element (200) so as to shorten the suspension loop (200).

44. The method according to claim 43, wherein the method further comprises the step of inserting said first end section (201) of the suture element (200) protruding out of the locking loop (40) into a sixth through-hole (16) of said six through-holes to form a second and a third pulling section (212, 213) extending from the sixth through-hole (16), respectively, for pulling the suspension device (1) into a bone tunnel (T).

45. A method for forming stopper (20) on an end section (202) of a suture element (200), wherein the method comprises the steps of: providing a suture element (200) having a first and a second end section (201, 202), forming a portion (22) of merged fibers (23) of the suture element (200) by merging heated individual fibers (23) of the suture element (200) at the second end section (202) of the suture element (200), forming at least one knot (21) in the second end section (202) adjacent said portion (22) of merged fibers (23), inserting the suture element (200) with the first end section (201) ahead into a through-hole (61) of a plate (60), and pressing said at least one knot (21) towards said portion (22) of merged fibers (23) by pulling on the suture element (200) so that the at least one knot (21) is pressed against a surface of the plate (60) delimiting said through-hole (61).

Description

[0085] Further features and advantages of the invention shall be described by means of detailed descriptions of embodiments with reference to the Figures, wherein

[0086] FIG. 1 shows the working principle (B) of an embodiment of an implantable suspension device according to the present invention shown in (A),

[0087] FIG. 2 shows the components of an embodiment of an implantable suspension device according to the present invention, namely a single suture element (A), and a suspension plate (B),

[0088] FIG. 3 shows the step of building the embodiment of the suspension device shown in FIG. 4 by mounting the suture element to the suspension plate,

[0089] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of an implantable suspension device according to the present invention,

[0090] FIG. 5 shows connecting an implant, particularly in the form of a graft, to the suspension loop of the suspension device shown in FIG. 4,

[0091] FIG. 6 shows inserting the suspension device of FIG. 5 into a bone tunnel,

[0092] FIG. 7 shows remove of the second and third pulling section of the suture element from the sixth through-hole of the suspension plate of the suspension device of FIG. 5,

[0093] FIG. 8 shows shortening of the suspension loop of the suspension device of FIG. 5 by means of the first pulling section of the suture element,

[0094] FIG. 9 shows bringing the implant (e.g. graft) into a desired position using the first pulling section shown in FIG. 8,

[0095] FIG. 10 shows cutting off the first pulling section from the suture element after positioning of the implant,

[0096] FIG. 11 shows different views of an embodiment of a tool according the present invention, which tool is configured for pulling the pulling sections of the suture element with a controllable force and distance,

[0097] FIGS. 12-15 shows positioning of the implant using the tool shown in FIG. 11,

[0098] FIG. 16 shows a further embodiment of a suspension device according to the present invention for connecting two bones to one another or for applying tension to a bone,

[0099] FIG. 17 shows a further embodiment of a suspension device according to the present invention for connecting two bones to one another,

[0100] FIG. 18 shows an adapter plate for the suspension plate, and

[0101] FIG. 19 shows an embodiment of a method for forming a stopper on a second end section of a suture element.

[0102] FIGS. 20-22 show an alternative embodiment of the tool according to the present invention;

[0103] Particularly, according to an embodiment of a suspension device 1 according to the present invention as shown in FIG. 1 (A) comprises a suspension mechanism having a locking mechanism that is based on the reduction force of movable deflection points (schematically illustrated as pulleys in FIG. 1 (B)) with double force locking pressure on the free end section 201. Advantageously, according to an embodiment of the suspension device 1 according to the present invention, the latter comprises a one strand design, i.e., the device 1 particularly needs only one suture element 200. Here, the whole mechanism and procedure is achieved by only one suture element 200.

[0104] This leads to a better usability of the device 1, since only one strand (e.g. the first pulling section 211) needs to be pulled. The suspension device 1 according to the present invention is thus easier to use and the risk of a mis-use is considerably lower. The resulting design is more cost effective, as well as easier and faster to produce.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 1(A) an embodiment of the suspension device according to the present invention comprises a suture element 200 that has a first and a second end section, wherein the first end section is kept free and forms a pulling section and a stopper 20 is provided on the second end section.

[0106] As indicated in FIG. 1(A), the suture goes through the through-holes formed in a suspension plate 100 and is laid around the implant/tissue G so that the suspension loop 300 comprises two deflection points P (one on each loop 301, 302) movable with respect to the suspension plate 100 and a deflection point P′ fixed with respect to the suspension plate 100. This mechanically corresponds to two movable pulleys P and one fixed pulley P′, as shown in the schematical illustration of FIG. 1(B).

[0107] Because of the two movable pulleys P, the force F applied on the free pulling section 211 of the suture element 200 is amplified four times transferring to the suspension force applied on the graft G via the suspension loop 300 which comprises a first and a second loop 301, 302.

[0108] When releasing the free pulling section 211, the first free end section 201 is locked by the pressure with a locking loop 40. Particularly, the force on the locking loop 40 is twice as much as the force F on the free first end section 201.

[0109] Particularly, the locking force F.sub.L is transferred to the friction force. The loosening force F.sub.loosening (cf. also FIG. 5) equals the force on the first free end section 201 minus the system friction, which is mostly coming from the fixed pulley part P′, i.e. from friction between the suture element 200 and corresponding through-holes of the suspension plate 100. Therefore, the self-locking mechanism can be described as follows:

Locking Force F.sub.L (friction force with 2 F pressure)>Loosening Force F.sub.loosening (Force on free first end section 201 (F)−system friction force)

[0110] Generally, this mechanism can be generalized by adding loops (i.e. movable and fixed deflection points/pulleys) according to different indications. The more movable/fixed deflection points (pulleys), the higher the correlation ratio on the suspension force transferred from the pulling section 211.

[0111] The present invention thus differs significantly from known solutions in the prior art (see also above), where high friction is created by putting one suture through another suture's sleeve, or by using self-locking knots. In contrast thereto, the present invention particularly uses movable/fixed deflection points to reduce the loosening force on the free (first) pulling section 211, and particularly lock it with an overhead loop 40 pressed with double the force of loosening.

[0112] As indicated in FIG. 2, a suspension device 1 according to the present invention comprises two main components, one is an elongated and flexible (particularly pliable) suture element 200 shown in FIG. 2(A), and the other is a suspension plate 100 shown in FIG. 2(B).

[0113] Particularly, the suture element 200 has a free first end section 201 on the one side, and a stopper 20 on the other side, i.e. on a second end section 202.

[0114] Furthermore, in order to allow the suture element 200 to engage with the suspension plate 100, the latter comprises a plurality of through-holes 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 that are organized in a way which enables to use said movable and fixed deflection points to reduce the loosening force.

[0115] Furthermore, the suspension plate 100 particularly has six through-holes 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, particularly with smooth edges and surfaces, as shown in the FIG. 2(B).

[0116] Preferably, according to an embodiment, the six through-holes 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 may be arranged in the following way.

[0117] Particularly, the suspension plate 100 comprises a front side 100a and a rear side 100b facing away from the front side 100a, wherein each through-hole 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 extends from the front side 100a to the rear side 100b of the suspension plate 100. Particularly, the first, second, third and fourth through-holes 11, 12, 13, 14 are arranged on the corners of a virtual quadrangle, wherein the first, second, third and fourth through-holes 11, 12, 13, 14 are further arranged between the fifth and the sixth through-hole 15, 16, the fifth through-hole 15 facing the sixth through-hole 16 in the direction of a longitudinal axis L of the suspension plate (100), and the first through-hole 11 and the second through-hole 12 being arranged adjacent the fifth through-hole 15, and the first through-hole 11 facing the second through-hole 12 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L and the third through-hole 13 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L, while the fourth through-hole 14 is arranged diagonally to the first through-hole 11.

[0118] In order to build the suspension device shown in FIG. 4, the following steps are particularly conducted to mount the suture element 200 to the suspension plate 100, as shown in FIG. 3:

[0119] Put the free first end section 201 of the suture element 200 through the first through-hole 11 of the suspension plate 200 until the stopper 20 touches the first through-hole 11 or surrounding surface of the front side 100a of the suspension plate 100 (cf. FIG. 3(A)).

[0120] Put the first end section 201 of the suture element 200 from the rear side 100b through the second through-hole 12 of the suspension plate 100, and leave a small locking loop 40 for a later step (cf. FIG. 3(B)).

[0121] Put the first end section 201 of the suture element 200 through the third through-hole 13 of the suspension plate 100, to form a first loop 301 of a final suspension loop 300 to be formed (cf. FIG. 3(C)).

[0122] Put the first end section 201 of the suture element 200 back through the fourth through-hole 14 of the suspension plate (cf. FIG. 3(D)).

[0123] Put the first end section 201 of the suture element 200 through the fifth through-hole 15 of the suspension plate 100 to form the second loop 302 and therewith the combined suspension loop 300 (cf. FIG. 3(E)).

[0124] Put the first end section 201 of the suture element through the locking loop 40 (cf. also FIG. 3(B))), and shorten the locking loop 40, to form the single strand self-locking construct (cf. FIG. 3(F)).

[0125] Put the first end section 201 of the suture element 200 through the six through-hole 16 of the suspension plate 100 to form a second and a third pulling section 212, 213 of the suture element 200 (cf. FIG. 3(G)).

[0126] Particularly, the afore-mentioned assembly steps according to FIG. 3(A) to FIG. 3(G) are conducted outside the body of the patient, i.e., ex vivo.

[0127] An exemplary use of an embodiment of the suspension device 1 according to the present invention as shown in FIG. 4 is illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 10.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 4 the device 1 comprises a first and a second loop 301, 302 forming the actual suspension loop 300, which loops 301, 302 are arranged on a front side 100a of the suspension plate 100. Further, there are three pulling sections 211, 212, 213 extending on the rear side 100b of the suspension plate 100, wherein a first pulling section 211 is configured for shortening the loops 301, 302 (i.e. the suspension loop 300), while the other two pulling sections 212, 213 are configured for pulling the suspension device 1 through a bone tunnel T.

[0129] The graft G (or some other implant or tissue) is enlaced into the suspension loop 300 as shown in FIG. 5, wherein particularly both loops 301, 300 extend along one another are laid around a periphery of the graft G.

[0130] Particularly, when the first pulling section 211 is released, the tension force applied on the graft G (F.sub.graft) will be transferred to the pulling section 211 in the opposite direction of pulling, this force is defined as loosening force F.sub.loosening.

[0131] When the first pulling section 211 is released, the loop 300 has a tendency of loosening/elongating because of the tension force of the graft G. The stronger the tension of the graft G, the higher the locking force on locking loop 40. This establishes the self-locking mechanism.

[0132] In order to bring the graft into the bone tunnel T, tension is kept on the graft G and the latter is pulled into the bone tunnel by pulling on the second and third pulling section 212, 213 as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 6. In this way the whole suspension device 1 with graft G is brought into the bone tunnel T.

[0133] When the suspension plate 100 is outside the bone tunnel T as shown in FIG. 7, the second and the third pulling section 212, 213 are removed from the suspension plate as indicated by the arrows while keeping the tension on the graft G.

[0134] Then, to shorten the loops 301, 302, the first pulling section 211 is pulled in the direction of the arrow indicated in FIG. 8. This is done until the graft G reaches the desired position, shown in FIG. 9. Finally, the pulling section 211 can be cut off from the suture element 200. The graft G is now securely suspended within the bone tunnel T, as shown in FIG. 10.

[0135] Advantageously the above procedure can be conducted using only a single suture element achieving the whole function, without additional pulling sutures.

[0136] Furthermore, for shortening the loops 301, 302 (i.e. the suspension loop 300), only one pulling section 211 needs to be pulled, without worrying to pull equal force/distance on several strands, which simplifies the use of such a device significantly.

[0137] Finally, the suture element 200 can be secured by means of the locking loop in a knotless fashion securely assured by the self-locking mechanism.

[0138] The above-mentioned steps of using/operating a suspension device 1 according to the present invention are fully functional without the tool 3 provided by the present invention.

[0139] However, to pull the thin suture element 200 with high force always brings the risks of e.g. cutting off gloves and hurt the fingers of the user. This is a very common problem that every surgeon faces in every surgery. The current solution is to make a roll with a couple of gauzes to hold the suture to pull. It is working, but it takes some time, sometimes it slips and needs a redo.

[0140] Therefore, the present invention also provided a tool 3 to standardize the suture pulling in order to ease the handling. Particularly, the tool 3 according to the present invention is adapted be used with the suspension device according to the present invention.

[0141] An embodiment of the tool 3 is shown in FIG. 11. According thereto, the suture pulling tool 3 has a handle 33 that may comprise a cylindrical shape, and a guide bar 30 that protrudes from the handle, particularly perpendicular to a longitudinal axis or cylinder axis of the handle 33. The tool 3 comprises two suture slots 31, 32 going through the guide bar 30 and handle 33, which slots are used to host the pulling sections 211, 212, 213.

[0142] Further, the tool comprises a first and a second actuation element 35, 36 (e.g. in the form of buttons) which are arranged on the handle 33.

[0143] These actuation elements 35, 36 are used to control clamps in the suture slots 31, 32 that are configured to hold or release the respective pulling section 211 or 212, 213 arranged in the respective slot 31, 32.

[0144] Further, the tool 3 comprises a distance probe 34 embedded in the guide bar 30, which can slide in and out of the guide bar 30 in the extension direction of the guide bar 30 and is used to measure the distance between a tip of the guide bar 30 and soft tissue M of the patient, particularly during pulling. Furthermore, there are two indicators 37, 38 embedded on a side of the guide bar 30 facing away from said slots 31, 32, namely a force indicator 37 and a distance indicator 38 for indicating a distance measure by the distance probe 34.

[0145] An exemplary use of the tool 3 according to FIG. 11 is shown in FIGS. 12 to 15.

[0146] As shown in FIG. 12 the first pulling section 211 of the suture element 200 is arranged in the first slot of the tool while the second and the third pulling section 212, 213 are arranged in the second slot 32. The pulling sections 211, 212, 213 are clamped in the slots 31, 32 by operating the actuating elements 35, 36 in order to bring the suspension device 1 into the bone tunnel T. This step is correspondent with FIG. 6 without pulling tool 3.

[0147] When the suspension plate 100 is outside of the bone tunnel T as shown in FIG. 13, the second slot is operated with the second actuating element 36 to release the second and the third pulling section 212, 213. Further, these pulling sections 212, 213 are removed from the suspension plate 100 and the second slot 32 of the tool 3. This step is correspondent with FIG. 7 without pulling tool.

[0148] Then, as shown in FIG. 14, the tool 3 is moved towards the skin M of the patient until the distance probe 34 touches the skin M. The first slot 31 is operated using the first actuating element 35 to hold the single first pulling section 211. This step is correspondent with FIG. 8 without pulling tool 3.

[0149] Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the distance probe 34 is then held in position at the skin M and the tool 3 is pulled away from the skin M to shorten the loops 301, 302, i.e. the suspension loop 300. When the graft G reaches a desired position, the pulling is stopped and the suture element 200/pulling section 211 is released from the first slot 31. The force exerted via the pulling section 211 and the distance generated upon pulling can be indicated using said indicators 37, 38. This step is correspondent with FIG. 9 without pulling tool.

[0150] To control holding and release of the pulling sections 211, 212, 213, the respective actuating element 35, 36 can be operated manually by the user. According to another embodiment, a distance can be pre-set into the tool 3 according to the bone tunnel length, wherein the distance probe 34 is now configured to trigger a respective actuating element automatically according to the pre-set distance. With this function, the surgeon does not need to worry about when the suspension plate is outside the bone tunnel, or when need to pull which pulling section. As long as the bone tunnel distance is measured and imported into the suture pulling tool 3, the actuating element (e.g. switch) to control holding and release of the pulling sections from the slots can be triggered automatically. The surgeon just pulls the tool 3 to the end, the rest is handled by the tool 3 automatically.

[0151] Further, FIG. 20 shows in conjunction with FIGS. 21 and 22 a further embodiment of a tool 3 according to the present invention.

[0152] Here, the distance probe 34b is slidably arranged in a guide bar 30b of the tool 3, wherein the tool 3 further comprises a handle 33c connected to the guide bar 30b. The distance probe 34b further comprises a distance probe handle 33b arranged at an end of the distance probe 34b to move the distance probe 34b relative to the guide bar 30b or handle 33c. With help of the handle 33b, the distance probe 34b is inserted into the bone tunnel T. A tip 203 of the guide bar 30b should be in direct contact with the cortical bone. The resulting distance between an end of the bone tunnel B and the tip of the distance probe 34b is known and will help the user to get information about the insertion depth of the distance probe 34.

[0153] The first end section 201 of the suture element 200 (i.e. the three pulling sections 211, 212, 213) is then guided through the first slot 31b and laced between a distance measuring wheel 38b (e.g. a rotational wheel with distance measuring function) and a force indicator 37b (e.g. a spring loaded nub with force measuring function dependent on suture tension) arranged on the guide bar 30b, the pulling sections 211, 212, 213 can be clamped by means of a self-locking clamp 35b mounted to the distance probe 34b.

[0154] As indicated in FIG. 21, as soon as the user feels a resistance during pulling on the pulling sections 211, 212, 213 of the suture element 200 by hand due to an interaction (e.g. contact) of the suspension plate 100 with the distance probe 34b, the user releases the second and third pulling sections 212, 213. Further, these pulling sections 212, 213 are removed from the suspension plate 100 to receive a single free (first) pulling section 211 coming from the suspension plate 100. After the first pulling section 211/first end section 201 is guided through the first slot 31b and laced between the distance measuring wheel 38b and the force indicator 37b it is clamped by means of the clamp 35b. Particularly, the clamp 35b can be formed as an (e.g. one-directional) self-locking cam cleat (cf. FIGS. 21 and 22).

[0155] If the distance probe handle 33b is now pulled in a lateral direction (i.e. away from the body/bone tunnel T) the suture element 200 will be tensioned resulting in compression of the force indicator 37b and indicating a certain force. If the force exceeds the total friction force (tool 3 friction and graft G friction within tunnel T) it will rotate the distance measuring wheel 38b and a displacement of the suture element 200 can be read off the wheel 38b. If the free first pulling section 211/first end section 201 is pulled, it will automatically flip the suspension plate 100 as soon as it reaches the outside of the bone B. The user can apply a certain pulling force on the handle 33b and read out if the force indicator 37b reaches a sufficient threshold. Finally, the user can cut the first pulling section 211/first end section 201 closely at the top of the bone B with a small rotating knife 204 which can be attached to the tool 3 and operated by a lever 205 hinged to the guide bar 30b or handle 33c.

[0156] Furthermore, besides ACL reconstruction, the present invention, particularly the embodiment shown in FIG. 16(A) (see also FIG. 4) can be used with a variety of different indications.

[0157] For instance, by adding a plate member 70 shown in FIG. 16 that may comprise two recesses 71, 72 (cf. FIG. 16(B)) or even four recesses 71, 72, 73, 74 (cf. FIG. 16(C) or 16(D)) two bones B, B′ can be connected to one another as shown in FIG. 16 (E) or tension can be maintained on a single bone B as shown in FIG. 16(F).

[0158] By adding a second and a third plate member 80, 90, wherein each plate member 80, 90 may comprise two recesses 81, 82 or 91, 92, the device 1 shown in FIG. 17 (A) can be used to keep the tension between two bones B, B′ as shown in FIG. 17(B). The further plate members 70, 80 or 90 can be pre-mounted with closed recesses (e.g. holes 71, 72; 73, 74, 81, 82, 91, 92), or can be mounted afterwards using open recesses as shown in FIGS. 16, 17. The potential indications are varus correction, lisfranc ligament repair, AC joint fixation, Syndesmosis repair, etc.

[0159] Furthermore, the shape of the suspension plate 100 can be adapted to the respective use/indication of the suspension device 1.

[0160] Particularly, according to a further embodiment of the suspension device 1 according to the present invention, which is shown in FIG. 18, the suspension device (cf. right hand side of FIG. 18) comprises an adapter plate 50, wherein the adapter plate 50 comprises a recess 51 for receiving the suspension plate 100 in a form fitting manner, particularly such that the through-holes 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 are accessible from the front side 100a and from the rear side 100b of the suspension plate 100 when the letter is arranged in said recess 51 of the adapter plate 50. The adapter plate 50 can be designed to fit into a special bone tunnel T in a form fitting fashion.

[0161] Finally, FIG. 19 indicates an embodiment regarding fabrication of the stopper 20 that is arranged on the second end section 202 of the suture element 200.

[0162] According to FIG. 19, a stopper 20 can be formed, by conducting e.g. the following steps: [0163] cutting off a stiff end of the suture element 200 at the second end section 202 so as to expose individual fibers 23, [0164] particularly separating the fibers 23, e.g. to form them into a “mushroom” like shape [0165] heating the fibers 23 to merge the fibers 23 into a closed portion 22, particularly end 22, of the suture element 200, [0166] making a knot 21 (e.g. one strand self hitch) next to said portion/end 22 [0167] putting the suture element 200 through a hole 61 of a plate 60 [0168] pulling the first end section 201 of the suture element 200 to compress the knot 21 [0169] removing the suture element 200 from the plate 60.