U.S. patent application number 13/416070 was filed with the patent office on 2012-07-19 for bioabsorbable suture anchor system for use in small joints.
This patent application is currently assigned to DePuy Mitek, Inc.. Invention is credited to Shelby L. Cook, Jose E. Lizardi, Karl S. Reese, Thomas A. Shepard.
Application Number | 20120184992 13/416070 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33418758 |
Filed Date | 2012-07-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120184992 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cook; Shelby L. ; et
al. |
July 19, 2012 |
BIOABSORBABLE SUTURE ANCHOR SYSTEM FOR USE IN SMALL JOINTS
Abstract
A bioabsorbable suture anchor for anchoring soft tissue to a
bone is provided. The suture anchor is configured to toggle and
anchor itself inside a bone cavity of a small joint. The anchor
comprises an elongate body defined by a longitudinal axis, a first,
leading end and a second, trailing end. The elongate body also has
two opposed surfaces between the first and second ends, and a
plurality of sidewalls extending between the two opposed surfaces.
Extending from one of the sidewalls is a flared portion that is
formed on the second end of the elongate body. A suture channel
extends between the two opposed surfaces. The suture channel is
formed in the elongate body for passage of a suture strand
therethrough, such that pulling on an attached suture strand
effects toggling of the anchor inside a bone cavity.
Inventors: |
Cook; Shelby L.; (Mansfield,
MA) ; Lizardi; Jose E.; (Franklin, MA) ;
Reese; Karl S.; (Boston, MA) ; Shepard; Thomas
A.; (Buford, GA) |
Assignee: |
DePuy Mitek, Inc.
Raynham
MA
|
Family ID: |
33418758 |
Appl. No.: |
13/416070 |
Filed: |
March 9, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10615625 |
Jun 27, 2003 |
8133257 |
|
|
13416070 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
606/232 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2017/0414 20130101;
A61B 17/0401 20130101; A61B 2017/0409 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/232 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/04 20060101
A61B017/04 |
Claims
1. A bioabsorbable suture anchor for anchoring tissue to a bone,
comprising: an elongate body defined by a longitudinal axis, a
first, leading end and a second, trailing end, the elongate body
comprising two opposed surfaces between the first and second ends,
and a plurality of sidewalls extending between the two opposed
surfaces; a flared portion formed on the second end and extending
from one of the sidewalls, the flared portion being adapted to
engage and anchor into bone tissue; and a suture channel formed in
the elongate body for passage of a suture strand therethrough, the
suture channel extending between the two opposed surfaces; wherein
the suture anchor is configured to toggle and anchor inside a bone
cavity.
2. The anchor of claim 1, wherein the length of the elongate body
is in the range of about 2 to about 6 mm.
3. The anchor of claim 1, wherein the width of the second trailing
end is about 1 mm to about 3 mm at its widest portion.
4. The anchor of claim 1, wherein the first, leading end is
tapered.
5. The anchor of claim 4, wherein the first, leading end extends
into a blunt tip having a continuous surface.
6. The anchor of claim 1, wherein the suture channel is bordered by
an opening on each of the two opposed surfaces.
7. The anchor of claim 6, wherein a center of the opening is
longitudinally offset with respect to the longitudinal axis of the
elongate body.
8. The anchor of claim 7, wherein the opening has a chamfered
rim.
9. The anchor of claim 7, wherein the opening has a smooth rim.
10. The anchor of claim 1, wherein the flared portion has a shape
effective to penetrate into bone.
11. The anchor of claim 10, wherein the flared portion includes a
sharp edge.
12. The anchor of claim 10, wherein the flared portion includes a
flat, bone-contacting face with a knife edge.
13. The anchor of claim 1, further including an insertion tool
engaging bore extending into the elongate body from the second
trailing end thereof.
14. The anchor of claim 1, wherein the elongate body is formed with
a blue dye for visualization.
15. A system for anchoring tissue to a bone, comprising: a
bioabsorbable suture anchor having: an elongate body defined by a
longitudinal axis, a first leading end and a second, trailing end,
the elongate body comprising two opposed surfaces between the first
and second ends, and a plurality of sidewalls extending between the
two opposed surfaces; a bore extending into the elongate body from
the second trailing end thereof; a flared portion formed on the
second end and extending from one of the sidewalls, the flared
portion being adapted to engage and anchor into bone tissue,
wherein the suture anchor is configured to toggle and anchor inside
a bone cavity; and a suture channel formed in the elongate body for
passage of a suture strand therethrough, the suture channel
extending between the two opposed surfaces; a loop of suture thread
attached to the suture anchor; and a suture anchor insertion tool,
the tool having an elongate member with a proximal, handle end and
a distal, attachment end.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the proximal, attachment end of
the suture anchor insertion tool includes an insertion tip
configured to provide an interference fit with the bore of the
suture anchor.
17. The system of claim 15, wherein the length of the elongate body
is in the range of about 2 to about 6 mm.
18. The system of claim 15, wherein the width of the second
trailing end is about 1 mm to about 3 mm at its widest portion.
19. A method of attaching tissue to a bone in a patient's body,
comprising the steps of: providing a system for anchoring tissue to
bone, the system including a bioabsorbable suture anchor having an
elongate body defined by a longitudinal axis, a first leading end
and a second, trailing end, the elongate body comprising two
opposed surfaces between the first and second ends, and a plurality
of sidewalls extending between the two opposed surfaces, a flared
portion formed on the second end and extending from one of the
sidewalls, the flared portion being adapted to engage and anchor
into bone tissue, wherein the suture anchor is configured to toggle
and anchor inside a bone cavity, and a suture channel formed in the
elongate body for passage of a suture strand therethrough, the
suture channel extending between the two opposed surfaces, the
system further including a loop of suture thread attached to the
suture anchor; forming a bone cavity in the bone where the tissue
is to be anchored; securing the suture strand to a portion of
tissue to be attached to the bone; inserting the suture anchor at
least partially within the bone cavity; and toggling the suture
anchor such that the flared portion of the anchor penetrates into
an inner surface of the bone cavity.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of toggling the suture
anchor includes pulling on the attached suture strand.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not Applicable.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The invention relates generally to medical devices and
procedures. Particularly, this invention relates to a bioabsorbable
suture anchor system for attaching soft tissue to hard bone, and to
methods for attaching soft tissue to hard bone. More particularly,
the invention relates to a bioabsorbable suture anchor system
configured for use in hand and craniofacial surgery.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 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.
[0005] 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.
[0006] The tissue may be attached to the bone during open surgery,
or during closed (e.g., arthroscopic) surgical procedures. Closed
surgical procedures are preferred since they are less invasive and
are less likely to cause patient trauma. In a closed surgical
procedure, the surgeon performs diagnostic and therapeutic
procedures at the surgical site through small incisions, called
portals, using instruments specially designed for this purpose. One
problem encountered in the less invasive, closed surgical
procedures is that the surgeon has significantly less room to
perform the required manipulations at the surgical site. Thus,
devices and methods are needed which will allow a surgeon to
effectively and easily attach tissue to bone in the small spaces
provided by less invasive surgical procedures.
[0007] Suture anchors for reattaching soft tissue to bone are known
in the art. However, these suture anchors are typically sized and
dimensioned for use in large bone joints such as the patient's
shoulder or knee. Where there is a need to reattach tissue to a
relatively small bone in the patient's body, such as in the hand or
the skull, the anchors currently available would be too large for
the insertion depth desired. There is thus a need for a suture
anchor that is suitably dimensioned and configured for reattaching
soft tissue to bone in small joints of the patient such as in the
hand or skull.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention provides a system for anchoring soft
tissue to bone using a bioabsorbable suture anchor for anchoring
soft tissue to a bone of a small joint. The suture anchor is
configured to toggle and anchor itself inside a bone cavity of a
small joint. The anchor comprises an elongate body defined by a
longitudinal axis, a first, leading end and a second, trailing end.
The elongate body also has two opposed surfaces extending between
the first and second ends, and a plurality of sidewalls extending
between the two opposed surfaces. The first, leading end can be
tapered and extend into a blunt tip having a continuous surface,
while the second, trailing end can be wider than the first end such
that one of the sidewalls is flared. In one aspect of the present
invention, the blunt tip of the first, leading end can have a
smooth outer edge.
[0009] The suture anchor also includes a suture channel that
extends between the two opposed surfaces. The suture channel is
formed in the elongate body to allow the passage of a suture strand
therethrough, and it is preferably oriented to be transverse to the
longitudinal axis of the anchor. The suture channel is flanked, or
bordered on each side by an opening that is located on an opposed
surface. To enable the suture strand to glide smoothly around the
suture channel, the openings can be provided with rims that are
flared or chamfered so as to avoid snagging or cutting the suture
strand on a sharp edge of the opening as the suture strand passes
back and forth within the suture channel. The center of each of the
openings can be longitudinally offset with respect to the
longitudinal axis of the elongate body. The offset channel enables
a surgeon to toggle the suture anchor by pulling on an attached
suture strand while the anchor is inside a bone cavity.
[0010] Additionally, the suture anchor of the present invention can
also be provided with a bore extending into the elongate body from
the second, trailing end thereof. An insertion tool can be attached
to the bore of the anchor. Preferably, the bore and insertion tool
form a slip fit, or interference fit, with one another.
[0011] The suture anchor of the present invention is sized and
configured for insertion in a small bone such as would be found in
the hand or skull. The length of the elongate body can be in the
range of about 2 to about 6 mm, while the width of the second,
trailing end of the anchor is about 1 to about 3 mm at its widest
portion, tapering to a smaller width at the first, leading end.
[0012] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the flared
portion has a shape effective to penetrate into bone. For instance,
the flared portion can include a sharp edge for digging into bone
tissue. Additionally, the flared portion can include a flat,
bone-contacting face with a knife edge that is able to cut into
bone tissue and secure the suture anchor within a bone cavity.
[0013] Also provided is a system for anchoring tissue to a bone of
a small joint. The system includes a bioabsorbable suture anchor as
described above with a loop of suture thread attached thereto. A
suture anchor insertion tool can also be provided with the present
system. The insertion tool is an elongate member with a proximal,
handle end and a distal, attachment end that includes an insertion
tip configured to provide an interference fit with the bore of the
suture anchor.
[0014] Further features of the invention, its nature and various
advantages, will be more apparent from the accompanying drawings
and the following detailed description of the drawings and the
preferred embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The invention can be more fully understood from the
following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a suture anchor of the
present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2A is a side view of the suture anchor of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the suture anchor of
FIG. 2B along lines A-A;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
suture anchor of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 4A is a side view of the suture anchor of FIG. 3;
[0021] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the suture anchor of
FIG. 4B along lines B-B;
[0022] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate an exemplary method for inserting the
suture anchor of FIG. 1 in a patient; and
[0023] FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate yet another exemplary method for
inserting the suture anchor of FIG. 1 in a patient.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary suture anchor 10 of the
present invention is shown having an elongate body 12 extending
between a first, leading end 14 and a second, trailing end 16 for
defining a longitudinal axis L. The first, leading end 14 may be
tapered as shown, and can extend into a blunt tip 18 having a
continuous surface. Preferably, the blunt tip 18 has a smooth outer
edge. Extending between the first and second ends 14, 16 are a pair
of opposed surfaces 20 and a plurality of sidewalls 22 adjacent to
and extending between the two opposed surfaces 20, which together
define the elongate body 12. Near the second, trailing end 16 and
extending from one of the plurality of sidewalls 22 is a flared
portion 24. The flared portion 24 lends an asymmetric profile to
the suture anchor 10 and facilitates the toggling action of the
suture anchor 10 once inserted inside a bone cavity. The flared
portion 24 also has a shape that is effective to penetrate into
bone. For instance, the flared portion 24 can have a sharp edge for
penetrating into bone tissue. As illustrated, the flared portion 24
can also include a flat, bone-contacting face 26 having a knife
edge to effectively engage the walls of the bone cavity.
[0025] Although surfaces 20 are shown as flat, it is understood
that they may be otherwise shaped or contoured. For example, the
surfaces 20 can be curved or rounded. Opposed surfaces 20 can also
include surface features such as roughened portions, or
protrusions, that facilitate anchorage of the suture anchor 10 into
the bone cavity. The sidewalls 22 that are adjacent to the opposed
surfaces 20 can also be curved, rounded, or flat. Preferably, the
sidewalls 22 are generally concavely shaped. As illustrated in FIG.
1, a bore 30 extends from the second trailing end 16 into the
elongate body 12. The bore 30 is configured to engage a proximal
end of an inserter tool. The bore 30 can be configured to provide
an interference, or slip fit, with an inserter tip of an inserter
tool, such as the one shown in FIGS. 5B and 6B.
[0026] The elongate body 12 also includes a suture channel 32 for
passage of a suture strand through the suture anchor 10. As shown
in FIG. 2B, the suture channel 32 extends in a direction transverse
to the longitudinal axis L of the elongate body 12 and through each
of the opposed surfaces 20 of suture anchor 10. The suture channel
32 is flanked, or bordered on each side by an opening 34 that is
located on an opposed surface 20. To enable an attached suture
strand to glide smoothly around the suture channel 32, the openings
can be provided with a rim 36 that has a smooth, or flared, edge so
as to avoid snagging or cutting the suture strand on a sharp edge
of the opening 34 as the suture strand is passed back and forth
within the suture channel 32. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, a center
of the opening 34 is longitudinally offset with respect to the
longitudinal axis L of the body 12. Preferably, the center of the
opening 34 is located away from the longitudinal axis L on the side
of the axis opposite the flared portion 24. The offset suture
channel 32 enables a surgeon to toggle the suture anchor 10 by
pulling on an attached suture strand when the suture anchor 10 is
inside a bone cavity.
[0027] FIG. 3 shows another exemplary embodiment of a suture anchor
110 the present invention. Suture anchor 110 is similar to suture
anchor 10 and shares similar features, which are labeled by the
same numeral with the prefix "1" for convenient reference. Similar
to the previous embodiment described, the openings 134 of the
suture channel 132 of the suture anchor 110 are also longitudinally
offset with respect to a longitudinal axis L of the elongate body
112, as illustrated in FIG. 4A. However, in suture anchor 110, the
rim 136 of each opening 134 is chamfered. As shown in FIG. 4B, the
rim 136 can be chamfered at an angle of about 45.degree.. It is
contemplated that the chamfered openings 134 help enable as much of
the suture strand to lie flush with respect to opposed surfaces 120
as possible, alleviating suture binding and pinching of the suture
strand between the bone cavity and the suture anchor 110.
[0028] The suture anchors 10, 110 of the present invention are
configured and sized such that they can be used, with sutures, in
the repair or reconstruction of collateral ligaments, flexor and
extensor tendon at the proximal interphalangeal (PIP), distal
interphalangeal (DIP), and metacarpal interphalangeal (MIP) joints
of all digits in a patient's hand. Additionally, these anchors 10,
110 can be used to attach soft tissue to the parietal, temporal
ridge, frontal, mandible, maxilla, zygoma, and periorbital bones of
the skull. Therefore, the suture anchors 10, 110 should have a
length sufficient to enable them to properly seat within a small
bone such as those mentioned, but be sized and configured to be
effective in a surgery to reattach soft tissue to such bone. To
this end, the suture anchors 10, 110 of the present invention have
a length in the range of about 2 to about 6 mm. Additionally, the
width of the second, trailing end 16, 116 is in the range of about
1 to about 3 mm at its widest portion. It is contemplated that
suture anchors 10, 110 dimensioned within these ranges are suitable
for use in a bone cavity that is no more than about 5 to 10 mm in
depth.
[0029] Because of the reduced size of the anchors 10, 110, the
elongate body 12, 112 can include a visualization aid to assist the
surgeon in locating the suture anchor 10, 110. In one exemplary
embodiment, the elongate body 12, 112 of the suture anchor 10, 110
can be formed from a polymeric material which has incorporated
therein blue dye #6 which gives the anchor 10, 110 a blue tint.
[0030] Furthermore, while suture anchors 10, 110 are illustrated
with blunt tips 18, 118, it is understood that the first, leading
ends 14, 114 can be provided with tips having other configurations
as well. For instance, the tips of the anchors 10, 110 can be sharp
or pointed, or can include protrusions or roughened surface
features to facilitate engagement with bone tissue as desired.
[0031] The suture anchors 10, 110 of the present invention are
fully bioabsorbable. This provides the benefit of reducing
immunological problems associated with having a foreign substance
within the body over a prolonged period of time. It is contemplated
that the bioabsorbable material can include a bioabsorbable,
biocompatible polymer such as polylactic acid (PLA). However, it is
understood that other suitable biocompatible, bioabsorbable
polymers can also be used. Examples include polymers selected from
the group consisting of aliphatic polyesters, poly(amino acids),
copoly(ether-esters), polyalkylenes oxalates, polyamides, tyrosine
derived polycarbonates, poly(iminocarbonates), polyorthoesters,
polyoxaesters, polyamidoesters, polyoxaesters containing amine
groups, poly(anhydrides), polyphosphazenes, biomolecules (i.e.,
biopolymers such as collagen, elastin, bioabsorbable starches,
etc.) and blends thereof. For the purpose of this invention
aliphatic polyesters include, but are not limited to, homopolymers
and copolymers of lactide (which includes lactic acid, D-,L- and
meso lactide), glycolide (including glycolic acid),
.epsilon.-caprolactone, p-dioxanone (1,4-dioxan-2-one),
trimethylene carbonate (1,3-dioxan-2-one), alkyl derivatives of
trimethylene carbonate, (-valerolactone, &-butyrolactone,
(-butyrolactone, E-decalactone, hydroxybutyrate, hydroxyvalerate,
1,4-dioxepan-2-one (including its dimer
1,5,8,12-tetraoxacyclotetradecane-7,14-dione), 1,5-dioxepan-2-one,
6,6-dimethyl-1,4-dioxan-2-one 2,5-diketomorpholine, pivalolactone,
.A-inverted.,.A-inverted.-diethylpropiolactone, ethylene carbonate,
ethylene oxalate, 3-methyl-1,4-dioxane-2,5-dione,
3,3-diethyl-1,4-dioxan-2,5-dione, 6,8-dioxabicycloctane-7-one and
polymer blends thereof. Poly(iminocarbonates), for the purpose of
this invention, are understood to include those polymers as
described by Kemnitzer and Kohn, in the Handbook of Biodegradable
Polymers, edited by Domb, et. al., Hardwood Academic Press, pp.
251-272 (1997). Copoly(ether-esters), for the purpose of this
invention, are understood to include those copolyester-ethers as
described in the Journal of Biomaterials Research, Vol. 22, pages
993-1009, 1988 by Cohn and Younes, and in Polymer Preprints (ACS
Division of Polymer Chemistry), Vol. 30(1), page 498, 1989 by Cohn
(e.g. PEO/PLA). Polyalkylene oxalates, for the purpose of this
invention, include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,208,511;
4,141,087; 4,130,639; 4,140,678; 4,105,034; and 4,205,399.
Polyphosphazenes, co-, ter- and higher order mixed monomer based
polymers made from L-lactide, D,L-lactide, lactic acid, glycolide,
glycolic acid, para-dioxanone, trimethylene carbonate and
,-caprolactone such as are described by Allcock in The Encyclopedia
of Polymer Science, Vol. 13, pages 31-41, Wiley Intersciences, John
Wiley & Sons, 1988 and by Vandorpe, et al in the Handbook of
Biodegradable Polymers, edited by Domb, et al, Hardwood Academic
Press, pp. 161-182 (1997). Polyanhydrides include those derived
from diacids of the form
HOOC--C.sub.6H.sub.4--O--(CH.sub.2).sub.m--O--C.sub.6H.sub.4--COOH,
where m is an integer in the range of from 2 to 8, and copolymers
thereof with aliphatic alpha-omega diacids of up to 12 carbons.
Polyoxaesters, polyoxaamides and polyoxaesters containing amines
and/or amido groups are described in one or more of the following
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,464,929; 5,595,751; 5,597,579; 5,607,687;
5,618,552; 5,620,698; 5,645,850; 5,648,088; 5,698,213; 5,700,583;
and 5,859,150. Polyorthoesters such as those described by Heller in
Handbook of Biodegradable Polymers, edited by Domb, et al, Hardwood
Academic Press, pp. 99-118 (1997).
[0032] Exemplary bioabsorbable, biocompatible elastomers include
but are not limited to elastomeric copolymers of
.epsilon.-caprolactone and glycolide (including polyglycolic acid)
with a mole ratio of .epsilon.-caprolactone to glycolide of from
about 35:65 to about 65:35, more preferably from 45:55 to 35:65;
elastomeric copolymers of .epsilon.-caprolactone and lactide
(including L-lactide, D-lactide, blends thereof, and lactic acid
polymers and copolymers) where the mole ratio of
.epsilon.-caprolactone to lactide is from about 35:65 to about
65:35 and more preferably from 45:55 to 30:70 or from about 95:5 to
about 85:15; elastomeric copolymers of p-dioxanone
(1,4-dioxan-2-one) and lactide (including L-lactide, D-lactide,
blends thereof, and lactic acid polymers and copolymers) where the
mole ratio of p-dioxanone to lactide is from about 40:60 to about
60:40; elastomeric copolymers of .epsilon.-caprolactone and
p-dioxanone where the mole ratio of ,-caprolactone to p-dioxanone
is from about from 30:70 to about 70:30; elastomeric copolymers of
p-dioxanone and trimethylene carbonate where the mole ratio of
p-dioxanone to trimethylene carbonate is from about 30:70 to about
70:30; elastomeric copolymers of trimethylene carbonate and
glycolide (including polyglycolic acid) where the mole ratio of
trimethylene carbonate to glycolide is from about 30:70 to about
70:30; elastomeric copolymers of trimethylene carbonate and lactide
(including L-lactide, D-lactide, blends thereof, and lactic acid
polymers and copolymers) where the mole ratio of trimethylene
carbonate to lactide is from about 30:70 to about 70:30; and blends
thereof.
[0033] The present invention also provides a system 200 for
anchoring tissue to bone using suture anchors 10, 110. The
exemplary suture anchor system 200 is described below, together
with a typical procedure for using the suture anchors 10, 110 and
system 200 of the invention. One skilled in the art will appreciate
a procedure in which the suture anchor 10, 110 and system 200 of
the invention first involves preparing the patient and then
administering a suitable anesthetic. Thereafter, the surgical site
is accessed by an appropriate surgical technique (e.g., open or
closed surgery).
[0034] Referring to FIG. 5A, a bone cavity 202 is then formed in a
bone 204 of a small joint using a sterile drill 208 (or other
appropriate tool) as are well known in the surgical art. The
diameter of the bone cavity 202 should be slightly smaller than the
widest portion of the second, trailing end 16 of the suture anchor
10. In an exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the bone cavity 202
is in the range of approximately 1 to 3 mm, while the depth of the
bone cavity is in the range of about 5 to about 10 mm. The depth of
the bone cavity must be of sufficient length to allow for complete
seating of the anchor 10. As shown in FIG. 5B, a suture anchor
insertion tool 210 can be used to insert suture anchor 10 into the
bone cavity 202. Insertion tool 210 is an elongate member 212 with
a proximal, handle end (not shown) and a distal, attachment end 214
which includes an insertion tip 216 that is configured to provide
an interference or slip fit with the bore 30 of the suture anchor
10.
[0035] Suture anchor 10 can be provided with an open suture, i.e.,
a suture strand extending therethrough, or with a suture having a
needle (not shown) already attached for bringing soft tissue in
proximity to the bony structure 204 for reattachment. The suture
needle can have a first, tissue penetrating end and a second,
trailing end attached to a loop of suture thread extending through
suture anchor 10.
[0036] In FIG. 5C, the suture thread 206 extending from suture
anchor 10 has been threaded through the free end of the tissue to
be reattached using any conventional method known in the surgical
art. Once the anchor 10 has been inserted inside the bone cavity
20, the inserter tool 210 can be removed by detaching the insertion
tip 216 from the bore 30 of the anchor 10. The free ends of suture
thread 206 can be pulled to apply tension to the suture 206 seated
within the suture anchor 10. This tension will cause the anchor 10
to toggle and results in the flared portion 24 of the anchor 10
being lodged into the side of the bone cavity 202 as shown in FIG.
5C.
[0037] It is contemplated that toggling of the anchor 10 can also
be achieved by mechanically deflecting the suture anchor 10 with
the inserter tool 210. Both techniques can work in synchrony to
create an optimal interference fit of the anchor 10 within the bone
cavity 202.
[0038] In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, a method for using system 200 with suture anchor 10 is
shown in FIGS. 6A-6C. As illustrated, a bone cavity 202 is drilled
at about a 135.degree. angle relative to the final orientation of
the ligament/tendon after the repair. The insertion tool 210 with
the attached suture anchor 10 is inserted into the bone cavity 202,
and the attached suture strands pulled to effect toggling of the
suture anchor 10 inside the bone cavity 202. Such a procedure is
especially common where access to the bone can only be achieved at
an angle, or where the bone does not have sufficient depth to allow
the bone drill to be inserted straight down the bone surface. It is
contemplated that this procedure would be effective for repairing
torn tissue in hand bones.
[0039] It will be understood that the foregoing is only
illustrative of the principles of the invention, and that various
modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without
departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. All
references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in
their entirety.
* * * * *