U.S. patent application number 11/734920 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-09 for suture loop anchor.
This patent application is currently assigned to DEPUY MITEK, INC.. Invention is credited to Karl S. Reese.
Application Number | 20070185494 11/734920 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34435688 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070185494 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Reese; Karl S. |
August 9, 2007 |
SUTURE LOOP ANCHOR
Abstract
A suture anchor is provided having a body with at least one
suture-receiving channel that extends distally from a proximal end
of the body. The suture-receiving channel can include a cavity
formed in a distal-most end of the body, or it can terminate at a
transversely-extending bore formed through the body. The suture
anchor can also include a suture loop that is positioned within the
suture-receiving channel and cavity or bore, and that includes a
proximal portion that extends proximal of the proximal end of the
body.
Inventors: |
Reese; Karl S.; (West
Roxbury, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NUTTER MCCLENNEN & FISH LLP
WORLD TRADE CENTER WEST
155 SEAPORT BOULEVARD
BOSTON
MA
02210-2604
US
|
Assignee: |
DEPUY MITEK, INC.
325 Paramount Drive
Raynham
MA
02767
|
Family ID: |
34435688 |
Appl. No.: |
11/734920 |
Filed: |
April 13, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10713788 |
Nov 14, 2003 |
7217279 |
|
|
11734920 |
Apr 13, 2007 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
606/232 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2017/0414 20130101;
A61B 2017/0437 20130101; A61B 2017/06042 20130101; A61B 2017/0412
20130101; A61B 17/0401 20130101; A61B 2017/0458 20130101; A61B
2017/0427 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/072 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/58 20060101
A61B017/58 |
Claims
1. A suture anchor adapted to be disposed within bone, comprising:
an elongate body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a
transversely-extending suture tunnel formed in a proximal portion
of the body such that the distal end of the body has a
substantially solid distal tip; at least one bone-engaging surface
feature formed thereon; a continuous suture-receiving channel
formed therein and extending proximally from the
transversely-extending suture tunnel, the suture-receiving channel
being adapted to seat a suture therein; and a first loop of suture
thread freely-slidably disposed around the elongate body within the
suture-receiving channel.
2. The suture anchor of claim 1, wherein the suture-receiving
channel is adapted to seat the suture loop flush or sub-flush with
an outer surface of the body.
3. The suture anchor of claim 1, wherein the substantially solid,
elongate body includes a plurality of bone-engaging surface
features formed thereon.
4. The suture anchor of claim 3, wherein at least one of the
plurality of bone-engaging surface features is disposed proximal to
the transversely-extending suture tunnel and at least one of the
plurality of bone-engaging surface features is disposed distal to
the transversely-extending suture tunnel.
5. The suture anchor of claim 1, wherein the at least one
bone-engaging surface feature is longitudinally extending.
6. The suture anchor of claim 5, wherein the at least one
longitudinally extending bone-engaging surface feature extends
substantially between proximal and distal ends.
7. The suture anchor of claim 5, wherein the at least one
longitudinally extending bone-engaging surface feature has a
substantially triangular cross-section.
8. The suture anchor of claim 7, wherein the triangular
bone-engaging surface feature has a height that increases in a
distal-to-proximal direction.
9. The suture anchor of claim 1, wherein the suture-receiving
channel is adapted to seat and engage the suture loop, yet allow
slidable movement of the suture loop.
10. The suture anchor of claim 1, wherein the suture-receiving
channel includes a substantially concave cavity formed in a
distal-most end of the body, the cavity being adapted to seat a
knot formed in the suture loop.
11. The suture anchor of claim 10, wherein the cavity is adapted to
seat the knot flush or sub-flush with an outer surface of the
body.
12. The suture anchor of claim 10, wherein the cavity has a
substantially hemi-spherical shape.
13. The suture anchor of claim 1, wherein the at least one
bone-engaging surface feature comprises at least one ridge.
14. The suture anchor of claim 1, wherein the at least one
bone-engaging surface feature comprises at least one discrete
pyramid-shaped surface feature.
15. The suture anchor of claim 1, wherein the elongate body is
substantially cylindrical and includes a distal tip portion that
tapers in a distal direction.
16. The suture anchor of claim 1, further comprising a
driver-receiving element formed in the proximal end of the elongate
body.
17. A suture anchor adapted to be disposed within bone, comprising:
an elongate body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a
substantially concave cavity formed in a distal-most end of the
body; first and second suture-receiving channels formed therein and
extending proximally from the concave cavity along opposed sides of
the elongate body, the suture-receiving channels being adapted to
seat a suture therein; at least one bone-engaging surface feature
formed thereon and extending parallel to the suture-receiving
channels; and a first loop of suture thread freely-slidably
disposed around the elongate body within the suture-receiving
channels.
18. The suture anchor of claim 17, wherein the elongate body
includes a plurality of discrete bone-engaging surface features
formed thereon and extending parallel to the first and second
suture-receiving channels.
19. The suture anchor of claim 17, wherein the at least one
bone-engaging surface feature is longitudinally extending.
20. The suture anchor of claim 17, wherein the suture loop includes
a knot that is positioned within the concave cavity.
21. The suture anchor of claim 17, wherein the first and second
suture-receiving channels are adapted to seat the suture loop flush
or sub-flush with an outer surface of the body.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/713,788 filed on Nov. 14, 2003 and entitled
"Suture Loop Anchor," which is hereby incorporated by reference in
its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to suture anchors, and in
particular to a suture anchor having a suture loop for receiving an
operative suture.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Soft tissues, such as ligaments, tendons and muscles, are
attached to a large portion of the human skeleton. In particular,
many ligaments and tendons are attached to the bones which form
joints, such as shoulder and knee joints. A variety of injuries and
conditions require attachment or reattachment of a soft tissue to
bone. For example, when otherwise healthy tissue has been torn away
from a bone, surgery is often required to reattach the tissue to
the bone to allow healing and a natural reattachment to occur.
[0004] A number of devices and methods have been developed to
attach soft tissue to bone. These include screws, staples, cement,
suture anchors, and sutures alone. Some of the more successful
methods involve use of a suture anchor to attach a suture to the
bone, and tying the suture in a manner that holds the tissue in
close proximity to the bone. The tissue may be attached to the bone
during open surgery, or during closed (e.g., arthroscopic) surgical
procedures. While many conventional suture anchors are successful
in anchoring tissue to bone, they suffer from some disadvantages as
well. For example, many conventional suture anchors provide small
passageways through which the suture must be threaded, causing
difficulties or delays in threading the suture. Moreover,
attachment of the suture thread to the anchor, typically at the
distal end of the anchor, can result in disadvantageous movement or
twisting of the suture thread. Where two free ends of suture thread
are required or desired, unwanted tangling and knotting may occur
when two suture ends exit the anchor through a single hole in the
anchor body or on the same side of the anchor body. Other
disadvantages can result where the anchor is a screw-type anchor.
For example, the suture thread can be abraded or otherwise damaged
when the anchor is threaded into bone. Further, once the anchor is
implanted, slidable movement of the suture thread is often
prevented.
[0005] Accordingly, there remains a need for an improved system for
anchoring soft tissue to bone.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention generally provides a suture anchor
system for anchoring tissue to bone that includes an elongate body
having proximal and distal ends with a longitudinal axis extending
therebetween. In one embodiment, the body includes at least one
longitudinally extending bone-engaging surface feature formed
thereon, and a continuous suture-receiving channel or recess
extends distally from opposed sides of the proximal end of the body
around the distal end of the body. The suture-receiving channel is
adapted to seat a suture therein, preferably flush or sub-flush
with an outer surface of the body. In an exemplary embodiment, the
suture-receiving channel is adapted to seat and engage the suture
loop, yet allow sliding movement of the suture loop. In another
embodiment, the suture-receiving channel can include a
substantially concave cavity that is formed in a distal-most end
thereof. The cavity can be adapted to seat a knot formed in the
suture loop, and more preferably it can be adapted to seat the knot
flush or sub-flush with an outer surface of the body. In an
exemplary embodiment, the cavity has a substantially spherical
shape. The system also preferably includes a first loop of suture
thread freely-slidably disposed around the elongate body within the
at least one suture-receiving channel. A proximal portion of the
loop is positioned proximal to the proximal end of the body.
[0007] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a suture
anchor that is adapted to be disposed within bone is provided. The
anchor includes an elongate body having a proximal end, a distal
end, and at least one discrete bone-engaging surface feature formed
thereon and adapted to engage bone. First and second opposed
suture-receiving channels are formed in the body and they extending
distally from the proximal end of the body. The anchor also
includes a transversely-extending suture tunnel formed proximal to
the distal end of the body such that the distal end of the body has
a substantially solid, cavity-free distal tip. The opposed
suture-receiving channels preferably terminate at the suture tunnel
and/or they are in communication with the suture tunnel. A suture
loop can be disposed within the first and second opposed
suture-receiving channels and the transversely-extending suture
tunnel, and the suture loop can include a proximal portion
positioned proximal of the proximal end of the body. The suture
loop can also optionally include a knot that is positioned in the
transversely-extending suture tunnel.
[0008] A method for anchoring suture in bone is also provided using
a suture anchor having a generally elongate body with proximal and
distal ends, a suture-receiving member formed on at least a portion
of the body, and a suture loop extending around at least a portion
of the body and positioned in the suture-receiving member such that
a proximal portion of the suture loop is positioned proximal of the
proximal end of the elongate body. The method includes the steps of
providing an operative suture, forming a bone cavity within a bony
structure, passing the operative suture through the proximal
portion of the suture loop, and implanting the suture anchor in the
bone cavity such that the operative suture extends from the cavity
and is freely slidable with respect to the suture loop.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The invention will be more fully understood from the
following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is distal-side perspective view of one embodiment of
a suture anchor in accordance with the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a proximal-side perspective view of the suture
anchor shown in FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of yet another embodiment
of a suture anchor in accordance with the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of a suture anchor in
accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0014] FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of yet another embodiment
of a suture anchor according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The present invention generally provides a suture anchor
that includes a body having proximal and distal ends with at least
one suture-receiving channel that extends distally from the
proximal end of the body. The suture-receiving channel can include
a cavity formed in a distal-most end of the body, or it can
terminate at a transversely-extending bore formed through the body.
The suture anchor can also include a suture loop that is positioned
within the suture-receiving channel and cavity or bore, and that
includes a proximal portion that extends proximal of the proximal
end of the body. In use, an operative suture can be passed through
the proximal portion of the suture loop to attach the operative
suture to the anchor. This is particularly advantageous in that the
operative loop is freely-slidable with respect to the suture loop,
thus facilitating attachment and/or positioning of the operative
loop with respect to tissue being anchored to the bone containing
the anchor. The use of a suture loop is also particularly
advantageous in that it provides a secure attachment of the suture
to the anchor, even if fractures or minor breakage occurs to the
anchor body during insertion into bone.
[0016] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate one embodiment of a suture anchor
10 in accordance with the present invention. As shown, the suture
anchor 10 includes a body 12 having proximal and distal ends 12a,
12b with a longitudinal axis L extending therebetween. The body 12
is preferably substantially solid and it can have a bullet-like
shape such that the body 12 has a substantially cylindrical
proximal portion and it includes a distal tip portion 14 that
tapers in a distal direction. The proximal end 12a of the body 12
can have a variety of shapes, but it is preferably substantially
planar and includes a driver-receiving element 16 (FIG. 2), such as
a blind bore, formed therein for receiving a driver tool that is
effective to drive the anchor 10 into bone. The driver-receiving
element 16 can have virtually any shape and size, and it is not
intended to be limited to a bore. The distal end 12b of the body 12
can also have a shape and size that varies, but preferably the
distal end 12b includes a cavity 18 formed therein, as will be
discussed in more detail below. In an alternative embodiment, not
shown, the distal end 12b can include a pointed and/or sharpened
distal tip to facilitate insertion of the anchor 10 into bone.
[0017] The body 12 can also include at least one, and preferably
several, bone-engaging surface features 20 formed on an outer
surface thereof. The surface features 20 are adapted to engage bone
to prevent removal of the suture anchor 10 once the anchor 10 is
implanted. While the surface features 20 can vary in size and
shape, in an exemplary embodiment the surface features 20 are in
the form of longitudinally extending ridges, as shown, that extend
from a position just proximal to the distal tip 12b and that
terminate at the proximal end 12a. Each ridge 20 preferably has a
substantially triangular cross-section, shown in FIG. 2, with a
height h that increases in a distal-to-proximal direction.
[0018] The suture anchor 10 further includes at least one
suture-receiving member formed thereon or therein for seating a
suture. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the suture-receiving member is
in the form of a continuous channel 24 that extends from opposed
sides of the proximal end 12a of the body 12 and around the distal
tip 12b. The shape and size of the suture-receiving channel 24 can
vary, but it is preferably adapted to seat a suture thread 26, as
shown in FIG. 1. The channel 24 also preferably has a size and
depth that is effective to seat the suture 26 flush or sub-flush
with an outer surface of the body 12. This will prevent the suture
26 from being engaged between the anchor 10 and bone when the
anchor 10 is implanted. Moreover, such a channel design will
prevent damage to the suture 26 during insertion. In an exemplary
embodiment, the suture-receiving channel 24 is adapted to engage
the suture thread 26, while still allowing sliding movement of the
suture thread 26 with respect to anchor 10. Engagement of the
suture 26 can be achieved by forming the channel 24 from a
partially spherical cutout having an opening 24a (FIG. 2) formed
therein that has a width w.sub.1 that is smaller than a width
w.sub.2 of the channel 24. This will allow the opening 24a to
retain the suture 26 within the channel 24, while allowing the
suture 26 to slide freely within the channel 24. A person skilled
in the art will appreciate that the channel 24 can have a variety
of other configurations, shapes, and sizes, and that while a
generally open channel 24 is shown, the channel 24 can optionally
be closed such that the channel 24 is in the form of a generally
longitudinally-extending bore formed in the anchor 10.
[0019] The channel 24 can also optionally include a cavity 18
formed in the distal-most end 12b of the body 12, as shown in FIG.
1. The cavity 18, which can disrupt the continuous channel 24, or
which can optionally be separated from the channel 24 such that the
body 12 includes two separate channels, is preferably configured to
seat a knot 26a in a suture loop 26 to prevent interference by the
knot 26a during insertion of the anchor 10 into bone. Accordingly,
the cavity 18 preferably has a substantially hemi-spherical concave
shape. In an exemplary embodiment, the cavity 18 is adapted to seat
the knot 26a flush or sub-flush with an outer surface of the body
12.
[0020] The suture 26 that is disposed within the suture-receiving
channel 24 is preferably in the form of a suture loop. As
previously stated, the loop 26 can include a knot 26a, or
alternatively the loop 26 can be formed from a thread having ends
that are otherwise attached to one another through a bonding
technique. The suture loop 26 can also optionally be bonded or
otherwise attached to the anchor. The loop 26 should, however, have
a size that allows a proximal portion 26b of the loop 26 to extend
proximally from the proximal end 12a of the body 12. This allows
the proximal portion 26b of the loop 26 to form an attachment
mechanism for an operative suture thread 28 to be attached to the
bone anchor 10. The loop 26 also advantageously allows the
operative suture 28 to slide with respect to the loop 26, thus
facilitating attachment of tissue to bone.
[0021] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the body 12
of the bone anchor 10 can have a variety of shapes, sizes, and
configurations. By way of non-limiting example, FIG. 3 illustrates
an anchor 50 that is similar to anchor 10, but that is not
bullet-shaped. Rather, as shown, the anchor 50 is substantially
cylindrical and includes a flattened proximal end 50a and a
non-tapered distal tip 50b. Several bone-engaging surface features
52 are formed thereon and they extend from a substantial
mid-portion of the anchor 50 toward the proximal end 50a of the
anchor 50 such that the overall circumference of the anchor 50
increases in a distal-to-proximal direction.
[0022] In another embodiment of the present invention, shown in
FIG. 4, the bone anchor 100 can include opposed channels (only one
channel 112 is shown) that communicate with a bore 104 for
receiving a suture loop (not shown). The bone anchor 100 is similar
to bone anchor 10 described above with respect to FIGS. 1-2, and it
includes a body 102 that has a generally cylindrical shape and that
tapers from a proximal end 100a to a distal end 100b. The distal
tip 106 of the body 102 is preferably pointed to facilitate
insertion of the body 102 into bone.
[0023] The anchor 100 can also include at least one, and preferably
several, bone-engaging surface features 108 formed thereon,
preferably in the form of several discrete bone-engaging teeth. The
shape, size, and location of the teeth 108 can vary, but in an
exemplary embodiment the teeth 108 are substantially triangular or
pyramidal in shape. The teeth 108 are also preferably
longitudinally oriented to facilitate insertion of the anchor 100
into bone. In particular, as shown, the teeth 108 increase in width
w.sub.t and height h.sub.t from a distally positioned leading end
108a to a proximally positioned trailing end 108b. A person skilled
in the art will appreciate that the suture anchor 100 can include a
variety of other bone-engaging surface features formed thereon,
including ridges as previously described with respect to FIGS.
1-2.
[0024] Continuing to refer to FIG. 4, the suture anchor 100 also
preferably includes a suture-receiving member formed thereon for
seating a suture loop. The suture-receiving member can have a
variety of configurations, but in an exemplary embodiment it is in
the form of opposed suture-receiving channels 110, 112, similar to
suture-receiving channel 24 described above with respect to FIGS.
1-2. The channels 110, 112 preferably extend distally from the
proximal end 100a of the body 102, and they can terminate at a bore
104 that is formed through the body 102 of the anchor 100 at a
location that is proximal to the distal end 100b of the body 102,
and more preferably at a location that is proximal to a substantial
midpoint of the body 102. The bore 104 is preferably a
transversely-extending bore, but it can have any shape and size and
it can be positioned anywhere on the body 102. The bore 104 should
not, however, interfere with the structural integrity of the anchor
100. The bore 104 also preferably has rounded outer edges, e.g.,
edge 104a, to allow free slidable movement of a suture extending
therethrough without causing damage to the suture. By way of
non-limiting example, in other embodiments the bore 104 can extend
at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis l of the anchor
100, and/or it can extend along or axially outward from the
longitudinal axis l of the anchor 100. A person skilled in the art
will appreciate that the bore 104 can have virtually any
configuration.
[0025] As described above with respect to FIGS. 1-2, bone anchor
100 can also include a suture loop (not shown) coupled thereto. The
suture loop can be positioned within the channels 110, 112 and it
can extend through the bore 104. A proximal portion of the suture
loop should extend proximally of the proximal end 100a of the bone
anchor 100 to allow an operative suture to be passed therethrough
and coupled to the anchor. In an exemplary embodiment, where the
suture loop includes a knot formed therein, the knot is preferably
positioned within the bore 104 to prevent interference by the knot
during insertion of the anchor 100 into bone.
[0026] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the bone
anchors of the present invention can include any combination of
features described herein, as well as other features known in the
art. By way of non-limiting example, FIG. 5 illustrates another
embodiment of a suture anchor 150 having teeth 152 similar to teeth
108, yet the anchor 150 has a substantially cylindrical, elongate
shape, and it can include channels (only one channel 154 is shown)
that extend along the entire length of the body.
[0027] The suture anchor of the present invention can be used for a
variety of medical procedures. In an exemplary embodiment, the
suture anchor is used in the context of an arthroscopic shoulder
repair, and more specifically, for attaching a detached labrum (as
might result from a Bankart lesion or rotator cuff tear) to the
glenoid rim of a scapula. It will be understood, however, that the
methods and devices described herein are equally applicable to
connecting detached tissue in other contexts as well. Further, the
method described is merely exemplary of the steps involved in using
any of the embodiments of the anchors of the present invention.
[0028] With reference to FIG. 1 for convenience, the procedure,
following medically acceptable patient preparation and
anesthetization, generally requires a delivery guide (not shown),
e.g., a hollow guide tube, to be positioned at a desired implant
site in the vicinity of a joint. A tap, or more preferably, an awl
or a punch, is then inserted through the tube and rotated until the
depth mark reaches the cortical surface of the patient's bone. A
length of suture (e.g., the operative suture 28) is then threaded
through the proximal portion 26b of the suture loop 26 on the
suture anchor 10, and the remaining portion of the operative suture
28 can be passed through a driver tool. While virtually any driver
tool can be used, a typical driver tool includes an elongate shaft
having a proximal, handle portion and a distal end having a shape
that is configured to fit within the socket or blind bore 16 formed
in the proximal end 12a of the suture anchor 10. The driver tool
can also preferably include features formed thereon or thereon to
receive the operative suture 28 that is coupled to the suture loop
26 on the anchor 10.
[0029] Prior to insertion of the anchor 10 into bone, the free ends
(not shown) of the operative suture 28 extending proximally from
the driver tool can optionally be pulled to hold the suture anchor
10 on the distal end of the driver tool. The anchor 10 can then be
inserted into bone by removing the tap from the delivery guide and
introducing the driver tool with the anchor 10 attached thereto
through the delivery guide. A force can be applied to the driver
tool to insert the anchor 10 into the bone tunnel. The driver tool
can then be removed, thereby exposing the suture anchor 10 and the
sutures 28 extending therefrom. The surgeon can then approximate
the free end of detached labrum to the surface of the bone adjacent
to the suture anchor 10, and the operative suture 28 can then be
threaded through detached labrum and tied to secure the detached
labrum to the bone.
[0030] The suture anchors of the present invention can be formed
from a variety of materials, and can be formed from separate parts
which are mated to one another. Preferably, however, the suture
anchor is formed as a single unit from a material that is suitable
for human implantation, such as metal or plastic, and that is
somewhat resilient. Exemplary materials include, for example,
metals, metal alloys, absorbable polymers, such as, but not limited
to, polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, and blends and copolymers
thereof, non-absorbable polymers, such as, but not limited to,
polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, and acetal, and
bioceramic materials, such as blends of polymers containing
tricalcium phosphate, calcium sulfate, calcium carbonates, and
hydroxy appetite.
[0031] One skilled in the art will appreciate further features and
advantages of the invention based on the above-described
embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited by
what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated
by the appended claims. All publications and references cited
herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety.
* * * * *