U.S. patent application number 15/076502 was filed with the patent office on 2016-07-14 for suture-retaining device and anchor.
The applicant listed for this patent is Syntorr, Inc.. Invention is credited to Daniel L. MARTIN.
Application Number | 20160199055 15/076502 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41653628 |
Filed Date | 2016-07-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160199055 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MARTIN; Daniel L. |
July 14, 2016 |
SUTURE-RETAINING DEVICE AND ANCHOR
Abstract
A rotator cuff tendon injury is repaired using a flexible
fastener and an anchor. The flexible fastener is attached to the
rotator cuff tendon and also secured to the anchor. The anchor is
attached to or supported by various locations on the humerus other
than the humeral head, to provide a robust means for holding the
rotator cuff tendon in the desired position against the humeral
head.
Inventors: |
MARTIN; Daniel L.; (Palo
Alto, CA) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Syntorr, Inc. |
Palo Alto |
CA |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
41653628 |
Appl. No.: |
15/076502 |
Filed: |
March 21, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12540628 |
Aug 13, 2009 |
9289202 |
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15076502 |
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12187325 |
Aug 6, 2008 |
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12540628 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
606/232 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2017/044 20130101;
A61B 2017/0453 20130101; A61F 2/0811 20130101; A61F 2002/087
20130101; A61F 2002/0829 20130101; A61B 2017/0414 20130101; A61B
2017/0403 20130101; A61F 2002/0841 20130101; A61B 17/0401 20130101;
A61B 17/7225 20130101; A61B 2017/00862 20130101; A61F 2002/0882
20130101; A61B 2017/0417 20130101; A61B 2017/0445 20130101; A61B
17/7233 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/04 20060101
A61B017/04 |
Claims
1. A device used for reattaching a tendon that has detached from a
bone, comprising: a suture-retaining device having a through-hole
suitable for passing multiple sutures therethrough and a clamp that
is configured to hold the sutures passed through the through-hole
in place; and an anchor having a shaft that is mechanically coupled
to the suture-retaining device and a threaded end configured for
engagement with a cortex of the bone.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the anchor has a shaft
that is passed through an opening in the suture-retaining
device.
3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the clamp is movable
and has a surface that clamps the sutures.
4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the clamp has a first
surface that presses the sutures against a second surface on the
suture-retaining device.
5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the first surface moves
with the clamp and the second surface is stationary.
6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the clamp is a
wedge.
7. The device according to claim 5, wherein the clamp is a
screw.
8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the bone is a humerus
bone.
9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the anchor has a length
that is adjustable after insertion of the suture-retaining device
and the anchor into an intramedullary cavity of the humerus
bone.
10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the anchor comprises a
cannulated screw with internal threads and a secondary screw that
is engaged with the internal threads of the cannulated screw, and
wherein the suture-retaining device is mechanically coupled to the
secondary screw.
11. A device for supporting sutures, comprising: a head portion for
engagement with a plurality of sutures, the head portion having a
through-hole suitable for passing multiple sutures therethrough and
a clamp that is configured to hold the sutures passed through the
through-hole in place; and a body portion having a threaded end
that is configured for engagement with a cortex of a bone while the
suture-retaining device is positioned in an intramedullary cavity
of the bone, wherein the body portion is mechanically coupled to
the head portion.
12. The device according to claim 11, wherein the body portion has
a shaft that is passed through an opening in the head portion.
13. The device according to claim 11, wherein the clamp is movable
and has a surface that clamps the sutures.
14. The device according to claim 13, wherein the clamp has a first
surface that presses the sutures against a second surface on the
head portion.
15. The device according to claim 14, wherein the first surface
moves with the clamp and the second surface is stationary.
16. The device according to claim 15, wherein the clamp is a
wedge.
17. The device according to claim 15, wherein the clamp is a
screw.
18. The device according to claim 11, wherein the body portion has
a length that is adjustable after insertion of the head portion and
the body portion into the intramedullary cavity of the humerus
bone.
19. The device according to claim 18, wherein the body portion
comprises a cannulated screw with internal threads and a secondary
screw that is engaged with the internal threads of the cannulated
screw, and wherein the head portion is mechanically coupled to the
secondary screw.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/540,628, filed Aug. 13, 2009, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/187,325
filed Aug. 6, 2008, which is abandoned, the entire content of the
applications being incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to
surgical repair of the rotator cuff tendon and, more particularly,
to devices and methods used in repairing the rotator cuff tendon
that has been detached from the humeral head.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] In surgeries involving repair of a rotator cuff tendon that
has been detached from the humeral head, the tendon must be
artificially pressed against the humeral head in order to allow the
tendon to naturally re-attach to the underlying bone over time.
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate two prior art techniques for repairing a
rotator cuff tendon that has been detached from the humeral
head.
[0006] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a rotator cuff tendon 101
secured to a humeral head 102 of a humerus 100 by a plurality of
suture anchors 103. Suture anchors 103 are positioned so that
sutures 104, which are sewn into rotator cuff tendon 101, position
the tendon against region 105 of humeral head 102, where region 105
approximates the original anatomic attachment region of rotator
cuff tendon 101, often referred to as the "footprint." In this way,
rotator cuff tendon 101 will grow onto region 105, forming a new
bond between rotator cuff tendon 101 and humeral head 102. Issues
associated with the use of the technique illustrated in FIG. 1
include anchor displacement, "lift-off" of the rotator cuff tendon,
the availability of a limited number of sutures to secure rotator
cuff tendon 101 to humeral head 102, and the inability to perform
this surgery because rotator cuff tendon 101 has retracted too far
away from the original anatomic attachment location of rotator cuff
tendon 101.
[0007] The bone making up humeral head 102 near the footprint of
the rotator cuff provides a relatively weak base for the insertion
of suture anchors 103, since this portion of humerus 100 is
relatively porous and soft. Because of this, adequate fixation of
suture anchors 103 is problematic. Namely, anchor displacement from
the supporting bone is a common failure mechanism of suture anchors
103, and results from localized fracturing of the surrounding bone
material.
[0008] Suture anchors 103, when positioned as shown, hold rotator
cuff tendon 101 against region 105. However, when the arm
containing humerus 100 is raised, "lift-off" of rotator cuff tendon
101 from region 105 may occur, i.e., rotator cuff tendon 101 is
temporarily pulled out of contact with region 105. Lift-off is
known to inhibit the re-attachment and healing of rotator cuff
tendon 101.
[0009] The number of suture anchors that can be used is limited.
This is due to the limited area of humeral head 102 in which suture
anchors 103 are placed. Also, the placement of many suture anchors
103 is time consuming and tedious for the surgeon. As a
consequence, a small number of larger sutures are typically used
with suture anchors, leading to very large knot volumes. Very large
knot volumes result because the knot volume of a suture is roughly
proportional to the cube of the suture diameter. Large knots on the
surface of the rotator cuff are undesirable as they rub against the
overlying acromial bone. Furthermore, fewer sutures provide a less
robust connection between rotator cuff tendon 101 and humeral head
102. For a given surgical application, a large number of small
diameter sutures are superior to a few large sutures, in terms of
holding power in the tissue.
[0010] In some situations, bone tunnels may be used to attach
sutures to bone and thereby properly position a tendon to be
repaired. FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a bone tunnel 203 formed
through a humeral head 202 of a humerus 200 after removal of bone
material from the humeral head 202. Bone tunnel 203 is formed so
that sutures 204, which are sewn into rotator cuff tendon 201, may
be threaded through holes formed in a bone structure 206 and
thereby position rotator cuff tendon 201 against region 205 for
proper healing. A key limitation of this technique is that an
already weak bone structure 206 is further weakened as a result of
thread holes formed for sutures 204 and is susceptible to breakage
before rotator cuff tendon 201 is sufficiently healed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention provides devices and methods used in
repairing the rotator cuff tendon. A device according to an
embodiment of the invention comprises a suture-retaining device to
which multiple sutures sewn into a rotator cuff tendon are to be
attached and an anchor that is mechanically coupled to the
suture-retaining device. The anchor has a threaded end configured
for engagement with a cortex of the humerus to provide firm support
for the suture-retaining device. The anchor generally approaches
the cortex from the endosteal side. The method according an
embodiment of the invention includes the steps of providing a
flexible fastener and an anchor, attaching the flexible fastener to
the rotator cuff tendon and the anchor, and securing the anchor at
various locations on the humerus other than the humeral head.
[0012] A device for supporting sutures, according to another
embodiment, comprises a head portion for engagement with a
plurality of sutures and an adjustable length body portion having a
threaded end for engagement with a bone. The adjustable length body
portion may comprise a cannulated screw having the threaded end and
an internal threaded portion, and a secondary screw engaged with
the internal threaded portion and attached to the head portion.
[0013] A method for repairing a rotator cuff tendon that has
detached from a head of a humerus, according to another embodiment
of the invention, comprises the steps of anchoring a screw in a
cortex of the humerus and attaching a plurality of sutures that
have been sewn into the rotator cuff tendon to a suture-retaining
device that is mechanically coupled to the screw. The inventive
method may further comprise the step of adjusting the position of
the suture-retaining device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] So that the manner in which the above recited features of
the present invention can be understood in detail, a more
particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above,
may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are
illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however,
that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of
this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of
its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective
embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a rotator cuff tendon
secured to a humeral head of a humerus by a plurality of suture
anchors.
[0016] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a rotator cuff tendon
secured to a humeral head of a humerus by a bone tunnel.
[0017] FIGS. 3A and 3B depict a suture-retaining device and anchor
for securing a rotator cuff tendon, according to one embodiment of
the invention.
[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates an anchor and a suture-retaining device
used in conjunction with the removal of a region of humeral head,
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an adjustable
length anchor, according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 6A is a schematic view of a suture-retaining device
with a through-hole and clamp mechanism, according to an embodiment
of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 6B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a
suture-retaining device with a suture passed through a
through-hole.
[0022] FIG. 6C illustrates a cross-section of two surfaces of a
suture-retaining device, as well as the resultant pressure present
throughout a suture compressed between the surfaces.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a flow chart summarizing a sequence of steps for
securing the rotator cuff tendon to the humeral head, according to
embodiments of the invention.
[0024] FIGS. 8A to 8H depict a suture-retaining device and anchor
for securing a rotator cuff tendon, according alternative
embodiments of the invention.
[0025] For clarity, identical reference numbers have been used,
where applicable, to designate identical elements that are common
between figures. It is contemplated that features of one embodiment
may be incorporated in other embodiments without further
recitation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] Embodiments of the invention contemplate devices and methods
used in repairing the rotator cuff tendon that has been detached
from the humeral head. A device according to one embodiment of the
invention comprises a suture-retaining device and an anchor that is
mechanically coupled to the suture-retaining device. The anchor is
affixed to a cortex of the humerus to provide firm support for the
suture-retaining device. The suture-retaining device, which is
positioned in the intramedullary cavity of the humerus, allows a
plurality of sutures to connect the rotator cuff tendon to the
anchoring device, and allows suture knots to be located inside the
intramedullary cavity.
[0027] The anchor and suture-retaining device according to an
embodiment of the invention is positioned in the intramedullary
cavity of the humerus after removal of bone material from the
humeral head. The removal of the bone material from the humeral
head provides access to the intramedullary cavity of the humerus.
FIG. 3A depicts a suture-retaining device and anchor for securing
the rotator cuff tendon to the humeral head, according to such an
embodiment. As shown, a rotator cuff tendon 301 is held against
region 305 of humeral head 302. A plurality of sutures 304 are sewn
into rotator cuff tendon 301, passed through an opening 307 formed
in humeral head 302, looped around a suture-retaining device 308
and tied. For clarity, only one suture 304 is illustrated, but in
practice a large number of sutures are used. The sutures 304 may be
replaced by any other suitable flexible fastener such as a strap,
mesh, or a woven material. Suture-retaining device 308 is a hook or
loop configured to accommodate a plurality of sutures, and is
mechanically coupled to an anchor 309. In this embodiment, anchor
309 is a bone screw and is threaded into a far cortex 310 of
humerus 300. Far cortex 310 is made up of hard bone material and
provides a strong base for supporting anchor 309. In this way,
anchor displacement due to weak support material is avoided. FIG.
3A depicts anchor 309 inserted into far cortex 310 of humerus 300,
but embodiments also contemplate using near diaphyseal cortex 311
as the supporting material for anchor 309, such as shown in FIG.
3B.
[0028] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, anchor 309
is a bone screw and suture-retaining device 308 is mechanically
coupled to anchor 309 by passing the shaft of anchor 309 through an
appropriately sized opening in suture-retaining device 308. In this
way, the head 309A of anchor 309 acts as a mechanical stop for
suture-retaining device 308. Other means of mechanically coupling
suture-retaining device 308 to anchor 309 are also contemplated,
including threaded attachment and welding. Suture-retaining device
308 may also be integral with anchor 309 so they are physically
inseparable during normal use.
[0029] The placement of anchor 309 in far cortex 310 reduces the
potential for anchor displacement since far cortex 310 consists of
strong bone material. In addition, the positioning of anchor 309
and suture-retaining device 308 in intramedullary cavity 312 of
humerus 300, as shown, provides a securing force on rotator cuff
tendon 301 at a favorable angle. Because of this, lift-off of
rotator cuff tendon 301 from region 305 is minimized, even when the
arm containing humerus 300 is raised. Lastly, suture-retaining
device 308 facilitates the use of a large number of sutures to
secure rotator cuff tendon 301 to anchor 309. Therefore, smaller
sutures, that result in smaller knot volumes, may be used, and a
more robust connection may be established between rotator cuff
tendon 301 and anchor 309. For example, a plurality of #0 sutures
may be used in place of a single #5 suture.
[0030] The anchor and suture-retaining device according to
embodiments of the invention may be positioned in the
intramedullary cavity of the humerus after additional removal of
bone material from the humeral head. The additional removal of bone
material from the humeral head facilitates repair of a rotator cuff
tendon that has been substantially shortened and is unable to reach
the footprint of humeral head 302. FIG. 4 illustrates an anchor 409
and a suture-retaining device 408 used in conjunction with the
removal of a region 413 of humeral head material, according to an
embodiment of the invention. The shape of humeral head 402 prior to
removal of region 413 is indicated by original surface 414, which
is represented as a broken line. Rotator cuff tendon 401, as shown,
is too short for reattachment to region 405 of original surface
414. Therefore, region 413 is removed from humeral head 402, and
anchor 409 is inserted into cortex 410 of humerus 400. In this
configuration, rotator cuff tendon 401 can be secured against
surface 416 of humeral head 402 by sewing a plurality of sutures
404 through rotator cuff tendon 401 and securing the sutures 404 to
suture-retaining device 408 via an opening 407 formed in humeral
head 402. In this embodiment, suture-retaining device 408 and
anchor 409 are substantially similar in organization and function
to suture-retaining device 308 and anchor 309, respectively, as
described above in FIG. 3A. In addition to allowing the repair of a
shortened rotator cuff tendon, this embodiment also shares the
advantages of the embodiment described above in conjunction with
FIG. 3A.
[0031] The present invention further contemplates a
suture-retaining device and an anchor that is configured to have an
adjustable length. With a fixed-length anchor, the final position
of the suture anchor point relative to the rotator cuff tendon is
determined by how far the anchor is inserted into a cortex of the
humerus. In some cases, it may be necessary to penetrate the cortex
of the humerus with the anchor to the extent that a substantial
portion of the anchor protrudes through the cortex. This could be
problematic and may result in complications. In contrast, an
adjustable length anchor may be placed at an optimal depth in the
cortex of the humerus, and the final position of the
suture-retaining device may be set by adjusting the length of the
anchor. Hence, this embodiment facilitates fine adjustment of the
suture-retaining device position relative to a rotator cuff tendon
without screwing the anchor too deeply through a cortex of the
humerus.
[0032] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an adjustable
length anchor 500, according to an embodiment of the invention.
Adjustable length anchor 500 includes a cannulated bone screw 501,
which has internal threads 502. Internal threads 502 engage with a
secondary screw 503, so that secondary screw 503 may adjust the
position of a suture-retaining device 504 as desired. The suture
retaining device 504 is movable longitudinally relative to a distal
end 505 of the anchor 500. The anchor 500 may be used with any of
the systems described herein and all such uses are specifically
incorporated.
[0033] A suture-retaining device may also have alternative
configurations according to the present invention. For example, a
suture-retaining device may be configured with a clamp mechanism
that allows a plurality of sutures to be secured quickly and
simultaneously. One time-consuming aspect of tendon repair is the
large number of knots that must be tied when securing a tendon to a
suture-retaining device. The knots are a limiting factor in the
efficiency of the procedure, and with a clamp mechanism, no suture
knots are necessary at all. Further, all sutures may be secured at
one time.
[0034] FIG. 6A is a schematic view of a suture-retaining device 600
with a through-hole and clamp mechanism. Suture-retaining device
600 includes a through-hole 601, through which one or more sutures
are passed. Attachment hole 602 serves as a means for mechanically
coupling suture-retaining device 600 to an anchor, such as anchor
309, illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Hex-head screw 603 may be
rotated and moved into through-hole 601 as a clamp to compress
sutures positioned therein, obviating the need for suture knots.
FIG. 6B is a schematic cross-sectional view of suture-retaining
device 600 with a suture 604 passed through through-hole 601. As
shown, hex-recess screw 603 may be rotated to move downward against
suture 604 and, thus, secure suture 604 to suture-retaining device
600 without the need for a knot. As noted above, a plurality of
sutures 604 may be secured by suture-retaining device 600
simultaneously. Alternatively, the clamp mechanism may include a
wedge mechanism which, when slid, tightens against the sutures. The
wedge mechanism may include a wedge and a screw which, when
rotated, slides the wedge, thereby providing the clamping force.
The wedge mechanism may also include a self-tightening component,
whereby traction on the sutures by the repaired structure serves to
slide the wedge in the direction of increased tightening, enhancing
or producing the clamping force.
[0035] To prevent premature separation of suture 604 from
suture-retaining device 600, hex-head screw 603 may be configured
to minimize cutting of suture 604. In one embodiment, surface 603A
of hex-head screw 603 is made up of relatively compliant material,
such as a polymer. Alternatively, most or all of hex-head screw 603
may consist of the compliant material. In this embodiment, it is
contemplated that the ratio of the modulus of elasticity of the
material making up surface 603A to the modulus of elasticity of
compression surface 605 is substantially less than about 0.2. In
this way, compression of suture 604 between surface 603A and
compression surface 605 is less likely to result in cutting of
suture 604.
[0036] In another embodiment, the cross-section of surface 603A is
configured to minimize the pressure gradient experienced by suture
604 when compressed between surface 603A and compression surface
605. A high pressure gradient present on any portion of suture 604,
when secured by suture-retaining device 600, might result in
cutting of suture 604. Hence, the cross-section of surface 603A is
modified to minimize such pressure gradients in suture 604. FIG. 6C
illustrates a cross-section of surface 603A and compression surface
605, as well as the resultant pressure present throughout suture
604 when compressed therebetween. As shown, high pressure gradients
in suture 604 are additionally avoided by providing surface 603A
with a gently tapering profile at the edges of contact region 606.
In this embodiment, the profile of surface 603A may be a curve with
a gradually changing slope, such as a sinusoidal curve or a section
of a circle.
[0037] FIG. 7 is a flow chart summarizing a sequence of steps 700
for securing the rotator cuff tendon to the humeral head, according
to embodiments of the invention. In step 701, a region of humeral
head material is removed to provide access to the intramedullary
cavity of the humerus and to facilitate optimal placement of the
rotator cuff tendon for reattachment. In step 702, a
suture-retaining device and anchor are inserted into the
intramedullary cavity of the humerus and the anchor is affixed to a
cortex of the humerus. The suture-retaining device is mechanically
coupled to the anchor prior to insertion of the anchor.
Alternatively, the suture-retaining device may be mechanically
coupled to the anchor after insertion of the anchor. In step 703,
sutures are attached to the rotator cuff tendon as necessary and
are secured to the suture-retaining device. The sutures may be
individually secured to the suture-retaining device by tying.
Alternatively, the sutures may all be secured at one time using a
through-hole and clamp mechanism as described above in conjunction
with FIG. 6A. In step 704, the final position of the
suture-retaining device may be set by adjusting the depth of
penetration of the anchor into the cortex. Alternatively, when the
anchor is an adjustable length anchor, adjusting the anchor
secondary screw may set the final position of the suture-retaining
device. In this context, "intramedullary cavity" refers to the
space inside the normal surface of the bone and within the cortex
of the bone.
[0038] FIGS. 8A to 8H depict a suture-retaining device and anchor
for securing a rotator cuff tendon with anchor configurations that
are different from that shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In each of FIGS.
8A-8H, a suture-retaining device and anchor is positioned within an
intramedullary cavity 312 of humerus 300 after removal of bone
material from the humeral head. As shown, a rotator cuff tendon 301
is held against region 305 of humeral head 302. A plurality of
sutures 304 are sewn into rotator cuff tendon 301, passed through
an opening formed in humeral head 302, and secured to a
suture-retaining device. For clarity, only one suture 304 is
illustrated in the figures, but in practice a large number of
sutures are used.
[0039] FIG. 8A illustrates a suture-retaining device 811, which is
a hook or loop configured to accommodate a plurality of sutures and
is mechanically coupled to an anchor 812. Anchor 812 has a toggle
bolt 813 that pivots around point 813A of anchor 812. During
insertion of anchor 812 into a hole formed in a cortex of the
humerus, toggle bolt 813 is pivoted about point 813A so that it is
arranged lengthwise along the axis of anchor 812. After insertion,
toggle bolt 813 is pivoted to attain the position shown in FIG. 8A.
With toggle bolt 813 in this position, anchor 812 provides support
for sutures 304 that are tied onto suture-retaining device 811.
[0040] FIG. 8B illustrates a suture-retaining device 821, which is
a hook or loop configured to accommodate a plurality of sutures and
is mechanically coupled to an anchor 822. Anchor 822 has a hook 823
formed on one end. During insertion of anchor 822 into a hole
formed in a cortex of the humerus, anchor 822 is manipulated so
that hook 823 can be inserted into the hole and attain the position
shown in FIG. 8B. In this position, anchor 822 provides support for
sutures 304 that are tied onto suture-retaining device 821.
[0041] FIG. 8C illustrates a suture-retaining device 831, which is
a hook or loop configured to accommodate a plurality of sutures and
is mechanically coupled to an anchor 832. Anchor 832 has a length
that is slightly less than the length of humerus 300 and has a
threaded end 833 that engages with the distal humeral metaphysis.
With threaded end 833 affixed to the distal humeral metaphysis,
anchor 832 provides support for sutures 304 that are tied onto
suture-retaining device 831. Securing the anchor into the distal
metaphysis provides some of the same benefits described above
concerning securing the anchor into the far cortex. Anchor 832 is
also positioned so that a distal end 835 is positioned below the
isthmus.
[0042] FIG. 8D illustrates a suture-retaining device 841, which is
a hook or loop configured to accommodate a plurality of sutures and
is formed integrally with an anchor 842. Anchor 842 has a length
that is about one-half the length of humerus 300 and has a threaded
end 843 that engages with the narrow portion of the endosteal
cortex of humerus 300. With threaded end 843 engaged with the
narrow portion of the endosteal cortex of humerus 300, anchor 842
provides support for sutures 304 that are tied onto
suture-retaining device 841. Stated another way, the anchor 842
contacts an endosteal diameter at the near and far cortex.
[0043] FIG. 8E illustrates an integrated clamp and anchor 851 for
securing and supporting a plurality of sutures. Integrated clamp
and anchor 851 is configured to have the through-hole and clamp
mechanism shown in FIG. 6A but is configured to be positioned on
the outer wall of near cortex 311. After sutures 304 are fed
through a hole formed in the near cortex 311, integrated clamp and
anchor 851 clamps the sutures like the through-hole and clamp
mechanism shown in FIG. 6A. The hole in the near cortex 311 is
formed to be smaller than integrated clamp and anchor 851 so that
integrated clamp and anchor 851, while it is in the position shown
in FIG. 8E, can provide support for the sutures that are clamped
therein.
[0044] The suture retaining device in FIG. 8E can also be made up
of an integrated suture-retaining device and anchor which rests on
the surface of the bone. Such integrated device may have a means of
retaining the suture including one or more holes, fenestration, or
irregularities, over which the sutures may be tied. The location of
the device in FIG. 8E is chosen to be an area of strong cortex, as
illustrated in the sites for anchor engagement in FIGS. 3A and 3B.
Because the location is distant from the greater tuberosity, with
important nerve, muscle, and vascular structures often lying
between this location and the greater tuberosity, the technique of
application includes making a separate surgical approach to the
bone surface for placement of the integrated suture-retaining
device and anchor.
[0045] FIG. 8F illustrates a suture-retaining device 861, which is
configured to have the through-hole and clamp mechanism shown in
FIG. 6A and mechanically coupled to an anchor 862 that has a
threaded end 863. After anchor 862 is inserted into a hole formed
in a near cortex 311 of the humerus, a nut 864 is rotated and
tightened against the outer wall of near cortex 311. Anchor 862, in
the position shown in FIG. 8F, provides support for sutures 304
that are secured in suture-retaining device 861.
[0046] FIG. 8G illustrates a suture-retaining device configured as
an anchor element, which may be a transverse bar 871 that is
supported in a pair of holes formed respectively in a far cortex
310 of the humerus and a near cortex 311 of the humerus. Sutures
304 are tied onto this transverse bar and the transverse bar
provides support for the sutures that are tied thereto.
[0047] FIG. 8H illustrates a suture-retaining device configured to
have the through-hole and clamp mechanism shown in FIG. 6A and
mechanically coupled to an anchor element, such as a transverse bar
882 that is supported in a pair of holes formed respectively in a
far cortex 310 of the humerus and a near cortex 311 of the humerus.
The anchor element provides support for the sutures that are
secured in suture-retaining device 881.
[0048] While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the
present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention
may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and
the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.
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