Biomet Sports Medicine, LLC Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160000426 | Wheeled Suture Passer - A suture passer assembly is used for manipulating a suture with a selectively moveable wire member. The suture passer assembly includes at least one grasping member and a single-body hollow tube. The tube defines a first end, a second end, a tube wall, and a tube passage extending from the first end to the second end. The wire member is moveably received within the tube passage. The tube wall includes at least one aperture that is disposed between the first end and the second end. A first portion of the grasping member extends through the tube wall and into the tube passage via the aperture. A second portion of the grasping member remains outside the hollow tube. The first portion is operable to grasp the wire member and selectively move the wire member relative to the hollow tube due to manipulation of the second portion of the grasping member. | 01-07-2016 |
20150342595 | Insertion Tools and Method for Soft Anchor - A soft anchor insertion kit includes a flexible anchor member. A flexible strand extends from the flexible member. A cannulated tool is configured to form a bone tunnel through a first cortex in a bone. A guide tool is configured to guide the cannulated tool. A delivery tool is configured to deploy the flexible member beyond a second cortex of the bone. The cannulated tool guides the delivery tool. | 12-03-2015 |
20150342594 | Knotless Twist Suture Anchor - A suture anchor includes a first body portion having a bone-engaging feature to fixedly engage a bony tissue and a second body portion including a flexible member loop for receipt of a suture where engaging the second body portion rotates the flexible member loop with respect to the first body portion. Rotation of the second body portion causes the flexible member loop to frictionally engage a suture passing through the flexible member loop to form a twist to frictionally secure the suture. | 12-03-2015 |
20150342587 | Capsule Retractor - An articular capsule retractor including a flexible construct, a dermal abutting member, and an anchor. The flexible construct includes a strand extending between a first end and a second end. The dermal abutting member is coupled to the flexible construct and is configured to abut a dermal layer. The anchor is coupled to the flexible construct such that the strand extends through a passageway defined by the anchor. Pulling the first end and the second end draws the dermal abutting member and the anchor together. | 12-03-2015 |
20150250469 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COUPLING SOFT TISSUE TO BONE - A method and apparatus for securing a suture to bone can include grasping a first suture portion with a grasping member on a positioning tool. The first suture portion can be located into a first cannulation defined in the positioning tool. A cutting member can be advanced through a second cannulation defined on the positioning tool and out through a distal opening defined on the positioning tool. A first bone hole can be cut into the bone with the cutting member. A flexible member advancing tool can be advanced through the first cannulation. The first suture portion can be urged out of the distal opening and into the first bone hole. | 09-10-2015 |
20150173754 | Knotless Soft Tissue Devices And Techniques - A tissue fixation device including a self-locking construct having a first loop, a second loop, and a first free end. A first tail is coupled to, and extends from, the first loop. A second tail is coupled to, and extends from, the second loop. An anchor is coupled to one of the self-locking construct or the first tail such that one of the self-locking construct or the first tail extend through the anchor. | 06-25-2015 |
20150173743 | Suture Passer With Tissue Reinforcement Positioner - The present disclosure describes a suture passer device that includes a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, a suture carrier secured to the handle and extending through the shaft, and a suturing head extending from the shaft and configured to retain tissue. The handle is operable to advance the suture carrier through the suturing head to pass a suture through tissue retained in the suturing head. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the suture passer device includes a quick-connect mechanism releasably connecting the shaft to the handle. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the shaft includes a first shaft and a second shaft pivotally coupled to the first shaft, and the first shaft defines a first channel for receiving the second shaft. Methods of disassembling the suture passer device are also described. | 06-25-2015 |
20150173742 | Suture Passer With Tissue Reinforcement Positioner - The present disclosure describes a suture passer device that includes a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and a suturing head extending from the shaft and configured to engage tissue. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the suture passer device includes a tissue reinforcement member holder configured to retain a tissue reinforcement member relative to the suturing head. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the suture passer device includes a suture carrier secured to the handle and extending through the shaft, and the suturing head includes a first jaw and a second jaw. Methods of using a suture passer device to pass a suture through tissue and to attach soft tissue to bone are also described. | 06-25-2015 |
20150141995 | Adjustable Loop Constructs And Techniques - A device for securing tissue or bone. The device includes a self-locking construct, which includes first and second adjustable loops. The first adjustable loop includes a loop passage portion through which a first portion of the self-locking construct extends. The second adjustable loop extends through a sleeve defined by the self-locking construct. The self-locking construct is configured such that moving the second adjustable loop away from the first loop closes the first adjustable loop, and pulling the first portion further through the loop passage portion closes the second adjustable loop. | 05-21-2015 |
20150127027 | Tissue Contacting Member - A contacting or friction pad for engaging a member. The member may be a soft tissue portion to be fixed to a bone using the contacting member. A further fixation member may be used to fix the contacting pad and the member to the bone. | 05-07-2015 |
20150094739 | Suture Passer Device Including a Blunt Tip and a Sharp Tip - The present disclosure describes a suture passer device that includes a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and a suture carrier secured to the handle and moveable through a distal end of the shaft. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, one of the shaft and the suture carrier includes a sharp tip and the other one of the shaft and the suture carrier includes a blunt tip. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the suture carrier includes an inner tube extending through the shaft and a flexible arm extending through the inner tube. Methods of using a suture passer device are also disclosed. | 04-02-2015 |
20150066040 | DUAL-PLANE FEMORAL GUIDE ASSEMBLY - A guide assembly for use in preparing a femur for soft tissue reconstruction is provided. The guide assembly can include a guide shaft member that can extend from a proximal end to a distal end thereof and can include a distal region encompassing the distal end. The distal region can have a first bend in a first direction and a second bend in a second direction different than the first direction. | 03-05-2015 |
20150038974 | IMPLANT AND RELATED SURGICAL TECHNIQUE FOR USE IN HIGH TIBIAL OSTEOTOMY - An implant for use in high tibial osteotomy can include a central implant portion, a first side implant portion and a second side implant portion. The first and second side implant portions can be selectively rotatable relative to each other. A method of performing high tibial osteotomy can include providing an implant having a superior surface and an inferior surface. The first superior surface and the second inferior surface can define an implant angle therebetween. A correction angle of the tibia can be determined. A first cut can be made in the tibia. An angle of a second cut relative to the first cut can be determined based on a difference between the implant angle and the correction angle. The second cut can be made in the tibia. The tibia can be opened creating an opening for receipt of the implant. The implant can be inserted into the opening. | 02-05-2015 |
20150012015 | SUTURE ANCHOR AND RELATED METHOD - A method and apparatus for securing soft tissue to bone can include loading a suture through an eyelet of a suture anchor. The suture anchor can have a longitudinal axis and a distal tip. An anchor inserter assembly can be positioned in contact with the suture anchor. The anchor inserter assembly can include a sleeve portion and an impacting portion. The suture can be engaged with a suture engaging member on the suture inserter assembly at a location adjacent to the eyelet. The sleeve portion can be translated relative to the impacting portion from an alignment position to an insertion position thereby moving the suture a first distance offset from the eyelet in a direction away from the distal tip. The anchor insert assembly can be advanced to a driven position thereby advancing the suture anchor into the bone. The suture engaging member can be released from the suture. | 01-08-2015 |
20140364906 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COUPLING SOFT TISSUE TO BONE - A method for securing a suture to bone can include loading the suture in a distal opening of an inserter of an assembly. The suture can be coupled to soft tissue. The assembly can include the inserter, an anchor carried by the inserter, a distal tip and a driver each coupled to the inserter. A hole can be formed in the bone with the distal tip, and the distal opening and a portion of the suture can be positioned in the hole. The driver can be actuated to allow movement relative to the inserter and can be advanced in a first direction to drive the anchor about the inserter into the hole to secure the distal tip, anchor and suture to the bone with an absence of a knot. The driver can be moved in a second direction to remove the inserter from the distal tip, anchor and suture. | 12-11-2014 |
20140330311 | Method And Apparatus For Coupling Anatomical Features - An assembly for coupling a first portion of an anatomy to a second portion of the anatomy includes an anchor having an anchor body and a first and second bores through the anchor body. A first adjustable suture construct having a body portion passes through the first bore of the anchor and includes first and second adjustable loops slidable relative to a passage portion defined in the body portion of the first adjustable suture construct. A similar second adjustable suture construct passes through the second bore of the anchor. | 11-06-2014 |
20140277447 | Scaffold For Spring Ligament Repair - A construct is disclosed that may be used to repair or replace a natural ligament. The construct may be formed of materials for biocompatibility and/or resorbtion. The construct may be provided or connected to a soft anchor for connection to a bone portion. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276992 | Method For Implanting Soft Tissue - A suture construction and method for forming a suture construction is disclosed. The construction utilizes a suture having an enlarged central body portion defining a longitudinal passage. First and second ends of the suture are passed through first and second apertures associated with the longitudinal passage to form a pair of loops. Portions of the suture lay parallel to each other within the suture. Application of tension onto the suture construction causes constriction of the longitudinal passage, thus preventing relative motions of the captured portions of the suture. | 09-18-2014 |
20140257381 | Knotless Suture Anchor And Method of Using Same - A suture anchor including an outer anchor part and an inner anchor part. The outer anchor part includes a proximal end, a distal end, and an inner surface defining a center bore extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The center bore includes a tapered proximal portion. The inner anchor part includes a tapered outer surface defining a first pair of opposing apertures. Insertion of the inner anchor part into the tapered proximal portion of the outer anchor part enables a suture extending through the first pair of opposing apertures to be coupled to the suture anchor. A taper fit between the tapered proximal portion of the center bore of the outer anchor part and the tapered outer surface of the inner anchor part retains the inner anchor part within the outer anchor part. | 09-11-2014 |
20140257378 | Visual Aid For Identifying Suture Limbs Arthroscopically - A flexible suture for coupling tissue includes a first suture portion extending to a first end and a second suture portion extending to a second end. A plurality of braided strands form the first and second suture portions. An identifier characteristic is formed into the plurality of braided strands. The identifier characteristic extends from the first end of the first suture portion to the second end of the second suture portion, and the identifier characteristic distinguishes the first suture portion from the second suture portion. | 09-11-2014 |
20140257355 | Knotless Suture Anchor And Method Of Using Same - A suture anchor including a first portion and a second portion. The first portion defining a first suture bore and having an angled distal surface that extends in a plane oblique to a longitudinal axis of the suture anchor. The second portion defining a second suture bore and having an angled proximal surface that is complementary to the angled distal surface. The angled proximate surface extends in a plane oblique to the longitudinal axis. In a first configuration, the first portion and the second portion are aligned along the longitudinal axis, and the first suture bore is aligned with the second suture bore. In a second configuration, the first portion and the second portion are offset with respect to the longitudinal axis, and the first suture bore is offset from the second suture bore to retain a suture within the first suture bore and the second suture bore. | 09-11-2014 |
20140257314 | Method And Apparatus To Reload Suture Anchors - A drill guide assembly for drilling a bone hole and implanting a suture anchor in the bone hole. The assembly includes a drill guide and a suture anchor. The drill guide includes a sidewall extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the drill guide. The sidewall defines a center cannulation configured to receive a drill. The suture anchor retention portion of the drill guide is configured to support a suture anchor for coupling with an inserter device pushed through the drill guide to implant the suture anchor in the bone hole. | 09-11-2014 |
20140257299 | Apparatus For Repairing Bone Defects - A system for repairing a soft tissue or bone defect can include a C-shaped guide member having a first end and a second end and configured to extend around a condyle area of a femur of a patient. The guide member includes a threaded bore at the first end, and the second end configured to rest on a tibia of the patient. The system includes a cannulated bullet threadably received in the threaded bore and configured to be threadably advanced to secure the guide member relative to the femur. The system also includes a drilling member insertable through the bullet and configured to drill a femoral bore through the femur. | 09-11-2014 |
20140236191 | Method And Apparatus For Passing A Suture - A suture passing instrument including an operation handle, a needle member, and a suture holder assembly. The operation handle has at least one actuator movable between a first position and a second position. The needle member extends from the operation handle. The needle member has a curved end portion and defines an eyelet extending therethrough. The suture holder assembly extends from the operation handle and has a movable suture carrier at a distal end configured to hold a suture. The movable suture carrier has a suture pusher telescopically and movably received in the movable suture carrier. The suture carrier is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The suture pusher is movable beyond the suture carrier to carry the suture through the eyelet. | 08-21-2014 |
20140222002 | Apparatus and Method for Repairing Bone Defects - A system can include a sizing and drill guide having a body with a bone engaging side, an opposite side and first and second guide holes. The bone engaging side can include a profile for positioning in the trochlear groove and the guide holes can include axes that can be orientated at an acute angle. Retaining members can be positioned in bores formed in the body and can fix the guide to the femur. A cutting device can be guided by the guide holes and can include a bone engaging end having a body and first and second cutting portions. The first cutting portion can have a smaller diameter than the second cutting portion and can be axially spaced apart therefrom so as to form a stepped pocket in the femur. The body can include an outer diameter sized to be complimentary to an inner diameter of the guide holes. | 08-07-2014 |
20140207158 | Method And Apparatus For Passing A Suture - A suture passing instrument includes an operation handle, a cannulated needle member, a suture pusher, a suture shuttle and a guide tube. The needle member has a curved end portion. The needle member has an outer sidewall and an inner sidewall defining a bore extending through the needle member for receiving a suture. The suture pusher is movable within the needle member from a retracted position to an extended position. The suture shuttle has at least one bead and is loaded into the bore cannulated needle and movable along the bore by the suture pusher. The guide tube has a body telescopically receiving a retriever loop. The loop is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. A suture can be moved by the suture pusher and captured by the retriever loop. | 07-24-2014 |
20140200583 | Fracture Fixation Device - Assemblies for securing fractured bone are provided. The assembly includes a first fixation element, a second fixation element, and an adjustable flexible member construct. The first fixation element having a male or a female sleeve is secured within a first portion of the fractured bone. The second fixation element having the other of the male or female sleeve telescopically received within the one of the male or female sleeve is secured within a second portion of the fractured bone. The adjustable flexible member construct extends between the first and second fixation elements and has at least one adjustable loop coupled to the first fixation element and the second fixation element and a pair of adjusting ends extending through an opening in the first fixation element. The pair of adjusting ends can be pulled to reduce a diameter of the adjustable loop and to compress fragments of the fractured bone. | 07-17-2014 |
20140194927 | Method And Apparatus For Coupling Soft Tissue To A Bone - A method for coupling soft tissue to bone including: positioning a first anchor in a first bone bore, the first anchor having a first self-locking adjustable suture construct including a first adjustable loop, a second adjustable loop, and a pair of first ends; positioning a second anchor in a second bone bore, the second anchor having a second self-locking adjustable suture construct including a third adjustable loop, a fourth adjustable loop, and a second end; positioning the first adjustable loop relative to the soft tissue; positioning the second adjustable loop about the third adjustable loop; and tensioning the pair of first ends and the second end to pull the first adjustable loop against the soft tissue, couple the second adjustable loop to the third adjustable loop, pull the second adjustable loop against the soft tissue, and pull the third adjustable loop against the soft tissue. | 07-10-2014 |
20140172116 | Method And Apparatus For Pre-Forming A High Tibial Osteotomy - An osteotomy implant including a porous portion, a solid portion, and a hinge portion. The porous portion includes a first part and a second part that defines a clearance therebetween. A solid portion abuts the porous portion. A hinge portion of the solid portion is coupled to the first part and the second part. The hinge portion is configured to enable the implant to be changed from a first configuration to a second configuration. | 06-19-2014 |
20140171952 | External Tibial Mill Guide and Method of Use - A cutting guide includes a jig assembly that is configured to attach to a second surface of a bone. The jig assembly includes a guide block that defines a jig recess and that is configured to be disposed adjacent to the first surface. Also, the cutting guide includes a tool support that is moveably coupled to the jig assembly, and the tool support is configured to couple to the cutting tool and moveably support the cutting tool on the jig assembly. Moreover, the cutting guide includes an adapter that is removably received within the jig recess to adapt a dimension of the jig recess according to a corresponding dimension of the pocket. The adapter includes at least one adapter surface that is configured to abut the guide portion of the cutting tool to thereby limit movement of the cutting portion relative to the first surface of the bone. | 06-19-2014 |
20140163614 | Flexible Anchors For Tissue Fixation - A method for securing an anchor to tissue includes positioning the anchor in an area of the tissue. The anchor can include a flexible first tubular member, a flexible second tubular member, and a first suture member. The first tubular member can include a first wall defining a first passage between first and second ends. The second tubular member can include a second wall defining a second passage between first and second ends. The first suture member can couple the first tubular member and the second tubular member. The first suture member can pass through the first wall and the first passage and the second wall and the second passage. The first tubular member and the second tubular member can engage each other and deform to form an anchoring mass upon tensioning the first suture member. | 06-12-2014 |
20140163613 | Method And Apparatus For Soft Tissue Fixation - A tissue fixation apparatus can include a flexible construct and an elongated locking member. The flexible construct can include at least two adjustable loops and tensioning members. The two adjustable loops can be configured to pass through the first tissue, and to be spaced apart along an outer surface of the first tissue in a first direction. The tensioning members can extend from the two adjustable loops, and can be configured to reduce the two adjustable loops from a first size to a second size. The flexible construct can be attached to the second tissue by an anchor. The locking member can be configured to be received within the two adjustable loops at the first size, and to engage the two adjustable loops at the second size. | 06-12-2014 |
20140135835 | Soft Tissue Repair Device And Associated Methods - A fibrous tissue repair device includes first and second tubular anchors having corresponding longitudinal passages. The tissue repair device includes corresponding first and second inserters. Each inserter has a shaft with a distal portion received in the longitudinal passage of the corresponding tubular anchor. A flexible strand couples the first and second anchors. | 05-15-2014 |
20140135775 | Patient-Specific Osteotomy Devices And Methods - An osteotomy method includes attaching a patient-specific osteotomy guide to a corresponding surface of a tibia of a patient and making an osteotomy at a patient-specific orientation through a resection slot of the osteotomy guide. The osteotomy guide is removed and first and second faces of the osteotomy are opened to form an implant insertion angle. The first and second faces of the osteotomy are secured at the implant insertion angle and an osteotomy implant having a patient-specific wedge angle that is smaller than the implant insertion angle is implanted. The first and second faces of the osteotomy are brought to the patient-specific wedge angle and in contact with the osteotomy implant. | 05-15-2014 |
20140107673 | Wheeled Suture Passer - A suture passer assembly is used for manipulating a suture with a selectively moveable wire member. The suture passer assembly includes at least one grasping member and a single-body hollow tube. The tube defines a first end, a second end, a tube wall, and a tube passage extending from the first end to the second end. The wire member is moveably received within the tube passage. The tube wall includes at least one aperture that is disposed between the first end and the second end. A first portion of the grasping member extends through the tube wall and into the tube passage via the aperture. A second portion of the grasping member remains outside the hollow tube. The first portion is operable to grasp the wire member and selectively move the wire member relative to the hollow tube due to manipulation of the second portion of the grasping member. | 04-17-2014 |
20140107657 | Self-Centering Drill Guide - A drill guide including an inner surface, a tip, and a deflecting device. The inner surface defines a bore extending through the drill guide. The bore is configured to individually receive therein a flexible drill bit and an insertion tool with a suture anchor mounted thereto. The tip is at a distal end of the bore and defines a tip aperture of the bore. The deflecting device is proximal to the tip and includes at least one bearing surface configured to deflect the drill bit within the bore. | 04-17-2014 |
20140094913 | Scaffold For Spring Ligament Repair - A construct is disclosed that may be used to repair or replace a natural ligament. The construct may be formed of materials for biocompatibility and/or resorbtion. The construct may be provided or connected to a soft anchor for connection to a bone portion. | 04-03-2014 |
20140088655 | Method And Apparatus For Sternal Closure - A method and apparatus for securing a fractured or sectioned sternum in a patient's body is disclosed. The apparatus can include an attachment member and an adjustable flexible member construct. The attachment member can have a flexible member holder. The adjustable flexible member construct can have first and second ends and a body defining at least one passage portion. The first and second ends can be passed into and through the at least one passage portion via first and second openings associated with the at least one passage portion of the adjustable flexible member construct to form a pair of loops. The attachment member can be configured to be coupled to at least one of the formed pair of loops. The adjustable flexible member construct can be positioned about the sternum and can be reduced to compress the fractured or sectioned sternum. | 03-27-2014 |
20140074160 | Flexible Planar Member For Tissue Fixation - A flexible fixation assembly including a flexible main body and a suture engagement portion of the flexible main body. The suture engagement portion is configured to cooperate with a suture to mate the suture with the flexible main body. The flexible main body is configured to flex outward against walls of a bone hole when implanted therein to retain both the flexible main body and the suture mated therewith within the bone hole | 03-13-2014 |
20140067081 | Method for Bone Reattachment - A method for trochanteric reattachment can include positioning a femoral prosthesis relative to a proximal portion of a femur. A first portion of a self-locking adjustable flexible member construct can be coupled to a first attachment region of the prosthesis, and a second portion of the self-locking adjustable flexible member construct can be coupled to a second attachment region of the femoral prosthesis, where the second portion can be opposite the first portion. A trochanter can be positioned relative to the femur and a trochanteric engaging region of the prosthesis, and the self-locking adjustable flexible member construct can be positioned around an outer surface of the trochanter. Free ends of the self-locking adjustable flexible member construct can be tensioned to draw the trochanter into secure engagement with the prosthesis and the femur via the self-locking adjustable flexible member construct in an absence of a knot. | 03-06-2014 |
20140066982 | Fixation Device For Delivery Of Biologic Material Between Soft Tissue And Bone - A fixation device for delivery of biological material between soft tissue and bone. The fixation device includes an anchor having a first longitudinal bore and a first radial extending delivery bore and an insert having a second longitudinal bore and a second radial extending delivery bore. The first and second radial extending bores are aligned and positioned relative to a head of the anchor to deliver the biologic material between the soft tissue and the bone. | 03-06-2014 |
20140046368 | Method And Apparatus For Attaching Soft Tissue To Bone - A method and apparatus for securing soft tissue to bone can include forming a bore in the bone and carrying a flexible suture anchor into the bore. The flexible anchor can include a passage and can be coupled to a suture construct. The suture construct can include at least one self-locking adjustable loop, and the flexible anchor can include a first profile while being carried into the bore. A shape of the flexible anchor can be changed from the first profile to a second profile forming an anchoring mass to retain the flexible anchor in the bore. Tension can be applied to a portion of the suture construct to reduce a size of the self-locking adjustable loop and secure the soft tissue relative to the flexible anchor and the bone. | 02-13-2014 |
20140046367 | Method And Apparatus For Forming A Self-Locking Adjustable Loop - A self-locking adjustable loop construction and a method of forming the construction are disclosed. The construction can include a flexible member having a first end, a second end and a first portion therebetween. The first end can be passed back through the first portion at a first point such that the first end passes through the first portion from a first side of the flexible member to a second opposite side of the flexible member. The first end can be passed through the first portion at a second point spaced apart from the first point such that the first end passes through the first portion from the second side to the first side so as to place the second end outside of the first portion. | 02-13-2014 |
20130331885 | Methods And Apparatuses For Securing Suture - Various suture anchors and surgical methods are provided. A two-part suture anchor is provided having a continuously threaded anchor body defining an axial bore and a pin. The pin includes a tip and a plate defining at least two suture receiving openings aligned in a single plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the axial bore is disposed in anchor body. Methods of attaching soft tissue to bone are also provided. | 12-12-2013 |
20130331848 | Method And Apparatus For Intraosseous Membrane Reconstruction - A method for repairing a defect in an interosseous membrane located between a first bone and a second bone. The method includes: coupling a flexible member to the first bone and the second bone, the flexible member extending past a first area of the interosseous membrane between the first bone and the second bone; and orienting the flexible member such that the flexible member extends generally parallel to fibers of the first area of the interosseous membrane. | 12-12-2013 |
20130325063 | Suture Anchor Reload - A suture anchor reload assembly for loading a suture anchor on an inserter. The assembly includes a first surface of the assembly, a second surface of the assembly, and a suture anchor holder. The first surface and the second surface define an inserter receptacle therebetween that is configured to accommodate the inserter. The suture anchor holder is arranged to hold a suture anchor across the inserter receptacle to be loaded onto the inserter as the inserter is driven through the inserter receptacle. | 12-05-2013 |
20130317612 | CONTINUOUS PHASE COMPOSITIONS FOR ACL REPAIR - An implantable interference screw for use in a soft tissue repair, the screw having a bioresorbable body comprising a plurality of interconnected pores, the body having an instrument interface in one end and a thread around an exterior of the body starting from distal end. The plurality of interconnected pores of the resorbable body are substantially filled with a bioresorbable polymer. | 11-28-2013 |
20130245761 | Method And Apparatus For Tibial Fixation Of An ACL Graft - A tensioner system for use in tensioning graft strands in a knee reconstruction procedure can include a handle assembly, a tensioner assembly coupled relative to the handle assembly, and a drive shaft slidably received through and supported by the handle assembly. The tensioner assembly can include an arm support member rotatably coupled to the handle assembly and first and second arm members each rotatably coupled to lateral sides of the arm support member. Each arm member can include at least one graft attachment area adapted to be coupled to a graft strand. The arm support member can be configured to rotate about an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tensioner system and perpendicular to an axis of rotation of each of the arm members. The drive shaft can include proximal and distal ends that extend beyond respective proximal and distal ends of the handle assembly. | 09-19-2013 |
20130211452 | Soft Tissue Repair Device And Associated Methods - A fibrous tissue repair device includes first and second tubular anchors having corresponding longitudinal passages. The tissue repair device includes corresponding first and second inserters. Each inserter has a shaft with a distal portion received in the longitudinal passage of the corresponding tubular anchor. A flexible strand couples the first and second anchors. | 08-15-2013 |
20130204276 | Soft Tissue Repair Device And Associated Methods - A fibrous tissue repair device includes first and second tubular anchors having corresponding longitudinal passages. The tissue repair device includes corresponding first and second inserters. Each inserter has a shaft with a distal portion received in the longitudinal passage of the corresponding tubular anchor. A flexible strand couples the first and second anchors. | 08-08-2013 |
20130190819 | Method For Coupling Soft Tissue To A Bone - A method for coupling tissue with a flexible member including a tail and a self-locking construct coupled to the tail. The self-locking construct includes an adjustable first loop and an adjustable second loop coupled thereto. The method includes implanting an anchor in bone, the anchor slidably mounted to the tail. The tail is positioned relative to the tissue. An end of the tail is inserted through the first loop. The tail is passed through the first loop, the second loop is pulled into the anchor, and the self-locking construct is positioned relative to the tissue. The self-locking construct is tightened against the tissue by pulling on an end of the self-locking construct. The first loop is tightened onto the second loop. | 07-25-2013 |
20130190818 | Apparatus For Coupling Soft Tissue To A Bone - A flexible member for coupling tissue. The flexible member includes a tail and a self-locking construct. The tail includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The tail defines a tail passageway proximate to the second end. The self-locking construct includes an adjustable first loop and an adjustable second loop. The second loop is slidably threaded through the tail passageway defined by the tail. The self-locking construct is configured such that passing the tail through the first loop so that the second loop extends into the first loop forms a tissue capture region defined by the self-locking construct. The tail passageway defines a locking member configured to secure the second loop to the first loop. | 07-25-2013 |
20130158601 | Soft Tissue Repair Assembly And Associated Method - A soft tissue repair assembly. The assembly includes a flexible member having first and second ends, and a strand passing through the flexible member. The strand has first and second strand ends extending through the flexible member, such that pulling at least one of the first and second strand ends changes the flexible member from a first shape suitable for insertion through soft tissue to a second shape suitable for securely lodging the soft tissue repair assembly relative to soft tissue. | 06-20-2013 |
20130144338 | Apparatus for Coupling Soft Tissue to a Bone - A flexible member for coupling tissue. The flexible member includes a tail and a self-locking construct. The tail includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The tail defines a tail passageway proximate to the second end. The self-locking construct includes a first loop and an adjustable second loop. The second loop is slidably threaded through the tail passageway defined by the tail. The self-locking construct is configured such that passing the tail through the first loop so that the second loop extends into the first loop forms a tissue capture region defined by the self-locking construct. The tail passageway defined by the tail defines a locking member configured to secure the second loop to the first loop. | 06-06-2013 |
20130144337 | Method for Coupling Soft Tissue to a Bone - A method for coupling tissue with a flexible member including a tail and a self-locking construct coupled to the tail. The self-locking construct includes a first loop and an adjustable second loop coupled thereto. The method includes implanting an anchor in bone. The anchor is slidably mounted to the tail. The tail is positioned relative to the tissue. An end of the tail is inserted through the first loop. The tail is passed through the first loop. The second loop is pulled into the anchor. The self-locking construct is positioned relative to the tissue. The self-locking construct is tightened against the tissue by pulling on an end of the self-locking construct. | 06-06-2013 |
20130138152 | Method And Apparatus For Suture Anchors With A Vertical Eyelet - A suture anchor for anchoring a suture in the selected portion of an anatomical portion for fixing a suture thereto. The suture anchor including an anatomical engaging portion and a suture engaging portion wherein both the anatomical engaging portion and a suture engaging portion are adopted to be substantially disposed below an exterior of the anatomical portion after implantation. Suture eyelets are provided in the suture engaging section and a suture passage is formed to interconnect the eyelets to allow a suture to be easily threaded in the suture engaging section from the first eyelet to the second eyelet. | 05-30-2013 |
20130138123 | Method And Apparatus For Coupling Soft Tissue To A Bone - A method and apparatus for surgically repairing a tear in soft tissue is disclosed. A plurality of collapsible tubes are positioned about the suture. The collapsible tubes are pushed through soft tissue and orthopedic mesh on opposite sides of a tear in soft tissue. When tension is applied to the suture, the tubes are compressed to fix the suture to the soft tissue and draw the soft tissue portions together. | 05-30-2013 |
20130123813 | Soft Tissue Repair Device and Associated Methods - A fibrous tissue repair device includes first and second tubular anchors having corresponding longitudinal passages. The tissue repair device includes corresponding first and second inserters. Each inserter has a shaft with a distal portion received in the longitudinal passage of the corresponding tubular anchor. A flexible strand couples the first and second anchors. | 05-16-2013 |
20130116730 | Method And Apparatus For Stitching Tendons - Methods and apparatuses for repairing a tear in soft tissue are disclosed. A method according to the principles of the present disclosure includes connecting an intermediate member to a bone anchor and placing the intermediate member on the soft tissue. The method further includes inserting a first suture through the intermediate member and the soft tissue to attach the intermediate member to the soft tissue and fixing the bone anchor to bone to secure the soft tissue to the bone. | 05-09-2013 |
20130103082 | Method and Apparatus for Interosseous Membrane Reconstruction - A method for repairing a defect in an interosseous membrane located between a first bone and a second bone. The method includes: coupling a flexible member to the first bone and the second bone, the flexible member extending past a first area of the interosseous membrane between the first bone and the second bone; and orienting the flexible member such that the flexible member extends generally parallel to fibers of the first area of the interosseous membrane. | 04-25-2013 |
20130096678 | Method and Apparatus for Attaching Soft Tissue to Bone - The present teachings provide for a graft fixation assembly including a base member, a compression member, and a fastener. The base member includes a bone engaging surface and a first graft engaging surface opposite to the bone engaging surface. A plurality of first fixation members extend from the bone engaging surface and are configured to be impacted into bone. The compression member includes a second graft engaging surface and an outer surface opposite to the second graft engaging surface. The fastener is configured to secure the compression member relative to the base member such that a graft between the base member and the compression member is compressed therebetween and secured to the graft fixation assembly. | 04-18-2013 |
20130079780 | Method and Apparatus for Forming a Hole in Bone During a Surgical Procedure - A method and tool for forming a hole in a bone. The method includes bringing a bone cutting tool extending along a longitudinal axis into engagement with a cortical portion of the bone. A distal portion of the bone cutting tool is passed into the cortical portion of the bone up to a first predetermined depth to form a first bore. The bone cutting tool is then driven in the axial direction to a second predetermined depth to form a keyway portion in the first bore with a cutting tooth of the bone cutting tool. The bone cutting tool is then rotated about the longitudinal axis to form a second bore in a cancellous portion of the bone. The first bore and the second bore have a shoulder extending therebetween. The bone cutting tool is removed from the hole formed by the first and second bores in the bone. | 03-28-2013 |
20130046341 | Soft Tissue Repair Device And Associated Methods - A device for repairing tissue includes a first tubular anchor having a first central longitudinal axis and a first bore along the first central longitudinal axis, the first bore having a first curved surface and a first flat surface, and a first transverse bore perpendicular to the first central longitudinal axis and parallel to the first flat surface. The device includes a second tubular anchor having a second central longitudinal axis and a second longitudinal bore along the second central longitudinal axis, the second bore having a second curved surface and a second flat surface, and a second transverse bore perpendicular to the second central longitudinal axis and parallel to the second flat surface. A flexible strand couples the first and second tubular anchors and passes through the first and second transverse bores. | 02-21-2013 |
20130035698 | Soft Tissue Repair Device And Associated Method - A soft tissue repair device can include a housing having a handle, a deployment system having an actuation member, and an insertion system having an inserter and a slider. The slider can be coupled to the actuation member and movable relative to the inserter between deployed and retracted positions. First and second anchors can be carried on an external surface of the slider such that the anchors are spaced apart and portions of the anchors are coaxial with the slider and each other. A flexible strand can couple the anchors. The insertion system can cooperate with the deployment system to move the slider to the deployed position to deploy the first anchor upon activating the actuation member a first time, and to move the slider to the deployed position from the retracted position to deploy the second anchor upon actuating the actuation member a second time after the first time. | 02-07-2013 |
20130023930 | Method for Tissue Fixation - A method for securing a strand to a fixation member for arthroscopic fixation, wherein the fixation member includes a channel on an exterior surface and an aperture therethrough. The method includes passing a strand having first and second ends through a flexible sleeve, passing the sleeve through the aperture of the fixation member in a first direction, tensioning the strand, and pulling the sleeve in a second direction different than the first direction to secure the sleeve to the fixation member without tying the strand on the fixation member. | 01-24-2013 |
20130012962 | Method For Repairing A Meniscal Tear - A device for implanting a suture having an elongated shaft that extends from a body and having a distal end that includes a pointed tissue piercing tip. A first suture support is mounted to the distal end. The first suture support has a first opening and is movable between a retracted position where the first suture support does not extend from the distal end and an extended position where the first suture support does extend from the distal end. A first suture capturing device is mounted to the distal end and is aligned with the first suture support. The first suture capturing device is movable between a retracted position where it does not extend from the distal end and an extended position where it does extend from the distal end. The first suture capturing device extends within the first opening of the first suture support in the extended position. | 01-10-2013 |
20120330317 | Method for Repairing Bone Defects - A method for repairing a soft tissue or bone defect can include selecting one of a plurality of sizing guides having a base perimeter size corresponding to a size of the defect, where each base has a different perimeter size and a plurality of apertures spaced apart a predetermined distance from each other, with the predetermined distance being the same for each of the sizing guides. The selected sizing guide base can be positioned against a distal end of the femur relative to the defect. A plurality of guide wires can be positioned through the plurality of apertures in the sizing guide base and the guide wires can be fixed to the femur such that the guide wires are parallel to each other. A first guide can be positioned over the guide wires and against the distal end of the femur to guide a first cutting member relative to the femur. | 12-27-2012 |
20120330316 | Apparatus for Repairing Bone Defects - A system for repairing a soft tissue or bone defect can include a plurality of sizing guides each having a base with a different perimeter size and a plurality of apertures aligned with a plurality of cannulated guide shafts extending therefrom. A plurality of perimeter cutting devices can each have a base with a perimeter size corresponding to the different perimeter size of each sizing guide base, a cutting edge on a perimeter thereof, and a plurality of apertures corresponding in location to the plurality of apertures in each sizing guide base. A cutting member guide can have at least one aperture configured to receive a portion of a cutting member therein. The plurality of implants can have a perimeter size and shape corresponding to each base of the plurality of perimeter cutting devices. | 12-27-2012 |
20120310245 | Chondral Defect Repair - A tissue repair device. The tissue repair device includes a tubular shaft having a longitudinal bore for delivering biological material to a soft tissue defect, and an awl having a distal end configured for microfracturing bone underlying the defect. The tubular shaft and the awl are movable relative to one another such that the awl is at least partially positioned within the longitudinal bore of the tubular shaft. | 12-06-2012 |
20120303046 | Method and Apparatus for Passing a Suture - A suture passing instrument including an operation handle, a needle member, and a suture holder assembly. The operation handle has at least one actuator movable between a first position and a second position. The needle member extends from the operation handle. The needle member has a curved end portion and defines an eyelet extending therethrough. The suture holder assembly extends from the operation handle and has a movable suture carrier at a distal end configured to hold a suture. The movable suture carrier has a suture pusher telescopically and movably received in the movable suture carrier. The suture carrier is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The suture pusher is movable beyond the suture carrier to carry the suture through the eyelet. | 11-29-2012 |
20120296427 | Method and Apparatus for Tibial Fixation of an ACL Graft - A tensioner system for use in tensioning graft strands in a knee reconstruction procedure can include a handle assembly, a tensioner assembly coupled relative to the handle assembly, and a drive shaft slidably received through and supported by the handle assembly. The tensioner assembly can include an arm support member rotatably coupled to the handle assembly and first and second arm members each rotatably coupled to lateral sides of the arm support member. Each arm member can include at least one graft attachment area adapted to be coupled to a graft strand. The arm support member can be configured to rotate about an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tensioner system and perpendicular to an axis of rotation of each of the arm members. The drive shaft can include proximal and distal ends that extend beyond respective proximal and distal ends of the handle assembly. | 11-22-2012 |
20120296345 | Tissue Engaging Member - A system includes a flexible member and a tissue engaging member fixed to the flexible member. The tissue engaging member includes a barb preformed to extend rearward from a distal end of the flexible member at an acute angle relative to the flexible member. | 11-22-2012 |
20120283832 | Apparatus And Method For Tibial Fixation Of Soft Tissue - An apparatus and method for fixation of a soft tissue graft. The apparatus may include a member having a first surface and a second surface. Each of the surfaces extend a distance relative to one another. A member is operable to resist movement of the apparatus relative to an anatomical portion. An interference member may be provided to fixedly associate the apparatus with the anatomical structure. | 11-08-2012 |
20120245585 | Method and Apparatus for Forming a Bone Hole - A method and tool for creating a location for a fixation device to be secured to a bone. The method includes bringing a bone cutting tool extending along a longitudinal axis into engagement with an outer surface of the bone. The bone cutting tool is rotated about the longitudinal axis while driving it from the outer surface of the bone to a predetermined depth in the bone to form a bore. The bone cutting tool is then continuously rotated at the predetermined depth to establish an enlarged bone pocket at a distal end of the bore. The bone pocket defines a shoulder extending around a circumference between the bone pocket and bore. The bone cutting tool is removed from the bone pocket and bore. The fixation device is then inserted into the bone pocket through the bore, where it is seated against the bone pocket shoulder. | 09-27-2012 |
20120172986 | Method and Apparatus for Graft Fixation - A device for surgically coupling a soft tissue graft into a tunnel of a bone. The device includes a first member and a second member. The first member includes a first graft-engaging surface extending from a first end to a second end of the first member. The second member includes a second graft-engaging surface extending from a first end to a second end of the second member. The first graft-engaging surface and the second graft-engaging surface define a graft-accepting through-passage with a longitudinal axis extending therethrough when the first member is secured to the second member. | 07-05-2012 |
20120165938 | Method and Apparatus for Coupling Anatomical Features - A method of coupling a first portion of an anatomy to a second portion of the anatomy includes coupling first and second bones of the anatomy with a bone-tendon-bone implant. The bone-tendon-bone implant has a first bone end, a second bone end and a replacement tendon between the first and second bone ends. The first and second bone ends are positioned in corresponding first and second bores of the first and second bones. The first bone end is secured to the first bone with a first bone anchor. A second anchor coupled to the bone-tendon-bone implant is passed through and outside the second bore. The second anchor is coupled to an adjustable suture construct having two adjustable suture loops. Tensioning at least one of first and second ends of the adjustable suture construct tensions the replacement tendon and positions the first bone relative to the second bone. | 06-28-2012 |
20120165867 | Method and Apparatus for Coupling Anatomical Features - An assembly for coupling a first portion of an anatomy to a second portion of the anatomy includes an anchor having an anchor body and a first and second bores through the anchor body. A first adjustable suture construct having a body portion passes through the first bore of the anchor and includes first and second adjustable loops slidable relative to a passage portion defined in the body portion of the first adjustable suture construct. A similar second adjustable suture construct passes through the second bore of the anchor. | 06-28-2012 |
20120165866 | Method and Apparatus for Coupling Soft Tissue to Bone - A method and apparatus for coupling a soft tissue implant into a locking cavity formed within a bone. The method includes the following: implanting in bone a first anchor including a first suture construct connected to the first anchor; passing a first adjustable loop of the first suture construct at least one of over or through the soft tissue; coupling the first adjustable loop to one of a first locking feature of the first anchor or a second locking feature of a second anchor; adjusting the first adjustable loop by pulling a first end of the first suture construct; and securing the soft tissue against bone by pulling the first end of the first suture construct. | 06-28-2012 |
20120150297 | Method and Apparatus for Coupling Soft Tissue to a Bone - A method and apparatus for coupling a soft tissue implant into a locking cavity formed within a bone is disclosed. The apparatus includes a member to pull the soft tissue implant into a femoral tunnel. The member includes a suture having first and second ends which are passed through first and second openings associated with the longitudinal passage to form a pair of loops. A collapsible tube is positioned about the suture. Application of tension onto the suture construction causes retraction of the soft tissue implant into the femoral tunnel and the collapse of the tube to form an anchor. | 06-14-2012 |
20120116452 | Method and Apparatus for Soft Tissue Fixation - A positioning member may be released to move an anchor member to a holding position. The positioning member being operable to be held in a selected orientation until the anchor member is in a selected position. | 05-10-2012 |
20120116409 | Localized Cartilage Defect Therapy - An isolation device for repairing a cartilage defect including a syringe and a barrier device. The barrier device is connected to the syringe. The barrier device is sized to surround and contain the cartilage defect, and is configured to provide a seal around the cartilage defect for application of a positive pressure and a negative pressure from the device. The device is configured to provide a localized therapy to the cartilage defect. | 05-10-2012 |
20120116402 | Apparatus and Method for Arthroscopic Transhumeral Rotator Cuff Repair - Apparatuses are provided for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair incorporating a transhumeral bone tunnel. The apparatus comprises a number of components that can also be considered a repair system to include a drill guide, a marking hook, and a drill with a removable tip that serves as a bone anchor. In additional aspects of the invention, the components of the drill guide assembly comprise a cannulated marking hook and a drill guide with multiple bores. In additional aspects of the invention, an implantable bone anchor is provided that is especially adapted for placement through a bone tunnel, and wherein the implantable anchor is collapsible to increase the effective size of the anchor for securing the anchor to the far side opening of the bone tunnel through which the anchor was placed. | 05-10-2012 |
20120095470 | Method and Apparatus for Coupling Soft Tissue to a Bone - A method and apparatus for coupling a soft tissue implant into a locking cavity formed within a bone is disclosed. The method includes bringing a bone cutting tool extending along a longitudinal axis into engagement with an outer surface of the bone. The bone cutting tool is rotated about the longitudinal axis while driving it from the outer surface of the bone to a predetermined depth in the bone to form a bore. The bone cutting tool is then continuously rotated at the predetermined depth to establish an enlarged bone pocket at a distal end of the bore. The bone pocket defines a shoulder extending around a circumference between the bone pocket and bore. The bone cutting tool is removed from the bone pocket and bore. The fixation device is then inserted into the bone pocket through the bore, where it is seated against the bone pocket shoulder. | 04-19-2012 |
20120089193 | Fracture Fixation Device - Assemblies for securing fractured bone are provided. The assembly includes a first fixation element, a second fixation element, and an adjustable flexible member construct. The first fixation element having a male or a female sleeve is secured within a first portion of the fractured bone. The second fixation element having the other of the male or female sleeve telescopically received within the one of the male or female sleeve is secured within a second portion of the fractured bone. The adjustable flexible member construct extends between the first and second fixation elements and has at least one adjustable loop coupled to the first fixation element and the second fixation element and a pair of adjusting ends extending through an opening in the first fixation element. The pair of adjusting ends can be pulled to reduce a diameter of the adjustable loop and to compress fragments of the fractured bone. | 04-12-2012 |
20120059418 | Method and Apparatus for Tensioning a Suture - An apparatus can include a tensioning member having a body defining a first bone engaging surface, a second opposite suture receiving surface, and an outer perimeter. First and second suture attachment members can be positioned relative to the second surface and spaced apart from each other, and can be configured to be coupled to a suture. First and second suture engaging members can extend from the second surface and can be positioned in spaced relation to the first and second suture attachment members. Rotation of the tensioning member in a first direction can selectively engage the first and second suture receiving members with the suture, thereby forming a non-linear path of travel of the suture relative to the first and second suture attachment members and suture engaging members and increasing the tension in the suture. | 03-08-2012 |
20120059417 | Method and Apparatus for Coupling Soft Tissue to a Bone - A method can include forming a bore in a bone of a patient and positioning a first anchor in the bore. The first anchor can have a self-locking adjustable suture construct extending therefrom that can include first and second adjustable loops. The first adjustable loop can be positioned about a first portion of the soft tissue and the second adjustable loop can be positioned about a second portion of the soft tissue different than the first portion. A coupling element carried by the second adjustable loop can be coupled to the first adjustable loop. An end of the adjustable suture construct can be tensioned to reduce a size of the first and second adjustable loops to couple the soft tissue to the bone. | 03-08-2012 |
20120046693 | Method and Apparatus for Forming a Self-Locking Adjustable Loop - An apparatus can include a first flexible member having first and second ends and a first body extending therebetween, where the first body defines a first passage portion. A second flexible member can have first and second ends and a second body extending therebetween, where the second body defines second and third passage portions. The first end of the first flexible member passes into and through the second passage portion such that the first end extends outside of the second passage portion, and the second end of the first flexible member passes into and through the third passage portion such that the second end extends outside of the third passage portion. The first and second ends of the second flexible member pass into and through the first passage portion to form a self-locking adjustable flexible member construct. | 02-23-2012 |
20120041486 | Method and Apparatus for Fracture Fixation - A method for supporting a first bone portion relative to a second bone portion can include: (a) aligning the first bone portion relative to the second bone portion, (b) forming a bore extending through the first bone portion and the second bone portion through a void defined by opposing surfaces of the first and second bone portions after the aligning of the first bone portion with the second bone portion, (c) disposing a pin in the bore to span the void, wherein the pin includes a coupler, (d) drawing a self-locking, adjustable suture construct coupled to the coupler through the bore by withdrawing the pin from the bore, and (e) compressing the first bone portion and the second bone portion between a first anchor and a second anchor coupled to the suture construct by tensioning the suture construct. | 02-16-2012 |
20120041485 | Method and Apparatus for Coupling Soft Tissue to a Bone - A method for coupling soft tissue to bone including: positioning a first anchor in a first bone bore, the first anchor having a first self-locking adjustable suture construct including a first adjustable loop, a second adjustable loop, and a pair of first ends; positioning a second anchor in a second bone bore, the second anchor having a second self-locking adjustable suture construct including a third adjustable loop, a fourth adjustable loop, and a second end; positioning the first adjustable loop relative to the soft tissue; positioning the second adjustable loop about the third adjustable loop; and tensioning the pair of first ends and the second end to pull the first adjustable loop against the soft tissue, couple the second adjustable loop to the third adjustable loop, pull the second adjustable loop against the soft tissue, and pull the third adjustable loop against the soft tissue. | 02-16-2012 |
20120016474 | Apparatus and Method for Tibial Fixation of Soft Tissue - Methods for fixation of a soft tissue graft in a bone including: forming in the bone a tunnel defining an entrance opening and an exit opening at opposite ends of the tunnel, the tunnel including an anterior wall surface and a posterior wall surface opposite to the anterior wall surface; positioning the soft tissue graft within the tunnel such that the soft tissue graft extends through both the entrance opening and the exit opening of the tunnel; inserting a graft fixation apparatus into the tunnel and driving spikes of the graft fixation apparatus into the posterior wall surface to mount the graft fixation apparatus to the posterior wall surface of the tunnel such that the graft fixation apparatus is anterior to the posterior wall surface and is not recessed beneath the posterior wall surface; and securing the soft tissue graft inside the tunnel with the graft fixation apparatus. | 01-19-2012 |
20110301708 | Method and Apparatus for Soft Tissue Fixation - An anchor assembly for retaining a graft in an anatomy. The anchor assembly includes an anchor body, a flexible connector, and a graft holding member. The anchor body includes a first connector bore defined by the anchor body. The flexible connector extends through the first connector bore. The graft holding member is attached to the flexible connector and is configured to hold the graft. | 12-08-2011 |
20110295279 | Method and Apparatus for Passing a Suture - A suture passing instrument includes an operation handle, a cannulated needle member, a suture pusher, and a guide tube. The handle has an actuator movable between first and second positions. The needle member extends from the operation handle. The needle member has a curved end portion. The needle member has an outer sidewall and an inner sidewall defining a bore extending through the needle member for receiving a suture. The suture pusher is movable within the needle member from a retracted position to an extended position. The guide tube has a body telescopically receiving a retriever loop. The loop is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. A suture can be moved by the suture pusher and captured by the retriever loop. | 12-01-2011 |
20110270306 | Method and Apparatus for Coupling Soft Tissue to Bone - A method and apparatus for coupling a soft tissue implant into a locking cavity formed within a bone is disclosed. A bone engaging fastener is coupled to bone. A second fastener is coupled to a suture construction. The second fastener is coupled to the first fastener. Soft tissue is coupled to the suture construction. | 11-03-2011 |
20110264141 | Flexible Anchors for Tissue Fixation - An anchor for securing tissue to bone can include a flexible first tubular member, a flexible second tubular member, and a first suture member. The first tubular member can include a first wall defining a first passage between first and second ends. The second tubular member can include a second wall defining a second passage between first and second ends. The first suture member can couple the first tubular member and the second tubular member. The first suture member can pass through the first wall and the first passage and the second wall and the second passage. The first tubular member and the second tubular member can engage each other and deform to form an anchoring mass upon tensioning the first suture member. A method of preparing an anchor for securing tissue to bone and a method of securing a tissue to a bone are also provided. | 10-27-2011 |
20110224799 | Method for Trochanteric Reattachment - A method for trochanteric reattachment can include positioning a femoral prosthesis relative to a proximal portion of a femur. A first portion of a self-locking adjustable flexible member construct can be coupled to a first attachment region of the prosthesis, and a second portion of the self-locking adjustable flexible member construct can be coupled to a second attachment region of the femoral prosthesis, where the second portion can be opposite the first portion. A trochanter can be positioned relative to the femur and a trochanteric engaging region of the prosthesis, and the self-locking adjustable flexible member construct can be positioned around an outer surface of the trochanter. Free ends of the self-locking adjustable flexible member construct can be tensioned to draw the trochanter into secure engagement with the prosthesis and the femur via the self-locking adjustable flexible member construct in an absence of a knot. | 09-15-2011 |
20110218625 | Method and Apparatus for Fixation of an ACL Graft - A system for use in graft fixation in a knee reconstruction procedure can include a first femoral fixation member adapted to be retained relative to a first end of a femoral tunnel and a first self-locking adjustable flexible member construct having a passage portion with a pair of free ends and a pair of self-locking adjustable loops. The first flexible member construct can be interconnected to the first femoral fixation member. A second femoral fixation member can be coupled to the first flexible member construct and can be adapted to be positioned in the femoral tunnel relative to a second end of the femoral tunnel adjacent a joint space between the femur and a tibia. A second self-locking adjustable flexible member construct having a passage portion with a pair of free ends and a pair of self-locking adjustable loops can be interconnected to the second femoral fixation member. | 09-08-2011 |
20110213416 | Adjustable Knotless Loops - Methods of attaching a soft tissue to an adjacent bone at a defect site are provided. At least one adjustable loop of a flexible construct is passed through the soft tissue. The at least one adjustable loop is passed through a passage construct. A locking member is passed through the at least one adjustable loop and the adjustable loop is reduced about or within the locking member such that the at least one loop is frictionally retained in the passage construct and locked in place by the locking member to thereby secure the soft tissue. | 09-01-2011 |
20110213376 | Patient-Specific Osteotomy Devices and Methods - An osteotomy method includes attaching a patient-specific osteotomy guide to a corresponding surface of a tibia of a patient and making an osteotomy at a patient-specific orientation through a resection slot of the osteotomy guide. The osteotomy guide is removed and first and second faces of the osteotomy are opened to form an implant insertion angle. The first and second faces of the osteotomy are secured at the implant insertion angle and an osteotomy implant having a patient-specific wedge angle that is smaller than the implant insertion angle is implanted. The first and second faces of the osteotomy are brought to the patient-specific wedge angle and in contact with the osteotomy implant. | 09-01-2011 |
20110208240 | Method and Apparatus for Soft Tissue Fixation - A surgical method can include passing at least two adjustable loops of a flexible construct through at least the first tissue to extend from an outer surface of the first tissue opposite a tissue engaging surface facing the second tissue, and attaching the two adjustable loops to a first selected area of the second tissue. The method can further include positioning an elongated locking member within the two adjustable loops such that the locking member extends between the two adjustable loops adjacent the outer surface, engaging the locking member with the outer surface by drawing the two adjustable loops towards the outer surface, and compressing the first tissue between the locking member and the second tissue by tensioning the two adjustable loops. Related tissue fixation devices are also provided. | 08-25-2011 |
20110208239 | Method and Apparatus for Forming a Self-Locking Adjustable Loop - A self-locking adjustable loop construction and a method of forming the construction are disclosed. The construction can include a flexible member having a first end, a second end and a first portion therebetween. The first end can be passed back through the first portion at a first point such that the first end passes through the first portion from a first side of the flexible member to a second opposite side of the flexible member. The first end can be passed through the first portion at a second point spaced apart from the first point such that the first end passes through the first portion from the second side to the first side so as to place the second end outside of the first portion. | 08-25-2011 |
20110160768 | Soft Tissue Repair Device and Associated Methods - A method for repairing a defect in a fibrous soft tissue includes passing a distal portion of an inserter through corresponding longitudinal bores of first and second anchors. The method includes coupling the first and second anchors with a flexible strand, and forming an adjustable knotless loop with the flexible strand. | 06-30-2011 |
20110160767 | Soft Tissue Repair Device and Associated Methods - A fibrous tissue repair device includes first and second tubular anchors having corresponding longitudinal passages. The tissue repair device includes corresponding first and second inserters. Each inserter has a shaft with a distal portion received in the longitudinal passage of the corresponding tubular anchor. A flexible strand couples the first and second anchors. | 06-30-2011 |
20110153018 | Method and Apparatus for Graft Fixation - An apparatus and method for performing a surgery, especially an ACL replacement surgery, where a flexible strand insertion rod co-operates with a U-Guide apparatus to insert a flexible strand into a tunnel formed in a bone portion and to guide a pair of drill points to form a pair of tunnels transversely to the tunnel of the insertion rod. The drill points are guided through the insertion rod and the flexible strand is held over the drill points as the transverse tunnels are formed. The insertion rod is then removed from the tunnels formed in the bone and the flexible strand is held looped over the second drill point. Subsequently, a soft tissue replacement is affixed to one end of the flexible strand and pulled over up to the first drill point with the other end of the flexible strand. The first drill point is then used to pull a cross pin through the transverse tunnel to hold the looped end of the soft tissue replacement in place. Finally, the two free ends of the soft tissue replacement are affixed to the bone completing the implantation of a soft tissue replacement. | 06-23-2011 |
20110106153 | Method and Apparatus for Sternal Closure - A method and apparatus for securing a fractured or sectioned sternum in a patient's body is disclosed. The apparatus can include an attachment member and an adjustable flexible member construct. The attachment member can have a flexible member holder. The adjustable flexible member construct can have first and second ends and a body defining at least one passage portion. The first and second ends can be passed into and through the at least one passage portion via first and second openings associated with the at least one passage portion of the adjustable flexible member construct to form a pair of loops. The attachment member can be configured to be coupled to at least one of the formed pair of loops. The adjustable flexible member construct can be positioned about the sternum and can be reduced to compress the fractured or sectioned sternum. | 05-05-2011 |
20110100173 | Method and Apparatus for Sizing a Material - A method and apparatus for sizing a member. The apparatus may include a first member and a second member movable relative to one another to impinge the member. The apparatus may be used in a small area to achieve a selected sizing of the member. | 05-05-2011 |
20110098727 | Method and Apparatus for Securing Soft Tissue to Bone - A method and apparatus for securing soft tissue to bone can include forming a bore in the bone and carrying a flexible suture anchor into the bore. The flexible anchor can include a passage and can be coupled to a suture construct. The suture construct can include at least one self-locking adjustable loop, and the flexible anchor can include a first profile while being carried into the bore. A shape of the flexible anchor can be changed from the first profile to a second profile forming an anchoring mass to retain the flexible anchor in the bore. Tension can be applied to a portion of the suture construct to reduce a size of the self-locking adjustable loop and secure the soft tissue relative to the flexible anchor and the bone. | 04-28-2011 |
20110087284 | Soft Tissue Repair and Conduit Device - A soft tissue repair device includes a deformable tubular member having a longitudinal bore extending between first and second open ends and a flexible strand passing through the longitudinal bore of the tubular member. The flexible strand has a first end portion extending outside the first open end of the tubular member and a second portion forming a first loop that passes through the second open end of the tubular member and an intermediate opening between the first and second open ends of the tubular member. Pulling the first end portion of the flexible strand away from the tubular member deforms a portion of the tubular member between the second open end and the intermediate opening into a folded shape forming a soft tissue anchor. | 04-14-2011 |
20110054526 | Methods and Apparatuses for Securing Suture - Various suture anchors and surgical methods are provided. A two-part suture anchor is provided having a continuously threaded anchor body defining an axial bore and a pin. The pin includes a tip and a plate defining at least two suture receiving openings aligned in a single plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the axial bore is disposed in anchor body. Methods of attaching soft tissue to bone are also provided. | 03-03-2011 |
20110004258 | Fixation Device for Delivery of Biologic Material Between Soft Tissue and Bone - A fixation device for delivery of biological material between soft tissue and bone. The fixation device includes an anchor having a first longitudinal bore and a first radial extending delivery bore and an insert having a second longitudinal bore and a second radial extending delivery bore. The first and second radial extending bores are aligned and positioned relative to a head of the anchor to deliver the biologic material between the soft tissue and the bone. | 01-06-2011 |
20100312341 | Method for Soft Tissue Attachment - An apparatus and method for fixing a selected graft relative to a selected anatomical portion. An anchor may be provided that may be interconnected with a selected graft portion that is operable to pass through a selected bore and then moved into an operable position to engage a selected portion of the bore to substantially eliminate the possibility of the graft moving in an unselected direction through the bore. | 12-09-2010 |
20100292792 | Prosthetic Ligament System for Knee Joint - A system for a knee joint includes a first fastener and a second fastener operable to be connected to the tibia and femur, respectively. Furthermore, the system includes a flexible prosthetic ligament member. The ligament member is operably coupled to the first and second fasteners to support the tibia and the femur for relative movement. The ligament member extends from a first end to a second end, and includes an outer wall that defines a hollow longitudinal passage portion. The first end extends into and out of the longitudinal passage portion through the outer wall to define a first adjustable loop, and the second end extends into and out of the longitudinal passage portion through the outer wall to define a second adjustable loop. | 11-18-2010 |
20100286795 | Stable Cartilage Defect Repair Plug - An apparatus and method of distributing a load to a cartilage defect repair plug is provided. A load is applied to a first articulation layer. The load is distributed to a second layer and the load is transferred in the normal direction to the first density of subchondral bone. The load is distributed to a third layer and the load is transferred in the normal direction to a second density of subchondral bone. The load is then distributed to a fourth layer and the load is transferred in the normal direction to a third density of subchondral bone. | 11-11-2010 |
20100268275 | Soft Tissue Repair Assembly and Associated Method - A soft tissue repair assembly. The assembly includes a flexible member having first and second ends, and a strand passing through the flexible member. The strand has first and second strand ends extending through the flexible member, such that pulling at least one of the first and second strand ends changes the flexible member from a first shape suitable for insertion through soft tissue to a second shape suitable for securely lodging the soft tissue repair assembly relative to soft tissue. | 10-21-2010 |
20100268233 | Apparatus for Forming a Tunnel in a Bone - An apparatus and method for forming a tunnel in a bone. The apparatus is used to form a first tunnel in the bone, the tunnel having a longitudinal axis, inserting a first drill guide into the first tunnel, supporting a first tunnel-forming device along an axis defining a first offset relative the longitudinal axis of the first tunnel with the first drill guide, and forming a second tunnel alongside the first tunnel with the first tunnel-forming device, the second tunnel communicating with the first tunnel and defining a single elongated opening. | 10-21-2010 |
20100222830 | Apparatus and Method for Manipulating a Flexible Strand and Soft Tissue Replacement During Surgery - An apparatus and method is disclosed for performing a surgery, such as an orthopedic surgery. The apparatus can include a guide portion and an alignment portion. The guide portion can assist in positioning the alignment portion to assist in aligning an implant. The implant can be aligned and positioned to hold a graft relative to a bone portion. | 09-02-2010 |
20100222812 | Method and Apparatus for Suture Anchors With a Vertical Eyelet - A suture anchor for anchoring a suture in the selected portion of an anatomical portion for fixing a suture thereto. The suture anchor including an anatomical engaging portion and a suture engaging portion wherein both the anatomical engaging portion and a suture engaging portion are adopted to be substantially disposed below an exterior of the anatomical portion after implantation. Suture eyelets are provided in the suture engaging section and a suture passage is formed to interconnect the eyelets to allow a suture to be easily threaded in the suture engaging section from the first eyelet to the second eyelet. | 09-02-2010 |
20100222791 | Method and Apparatus for Passing a Suture Through Tissue - An apparatus and method for passing a suture through tissue includes a first jaw member having a retaining structure to support a portion of the suture proximate a first surface of the tissue. A second jaw member is associated with the first jaw member. The second jaw member is selectively configurable in a first configuration to perform a first stitch or in a second configuration to perform a second stitch. | 09-02-2010 |
20100211075 | Fracture Fixation Device - Assemblies for securing a fractured or weakened bone within a subject's body are provided. The assembly includes a frame having an adjustable flexible member construct thereon. The adjustable flexible member construct is disposed in the frame such that the adjustable flexible member and the frame encircle the fractured or weakened bone. | 08-19-2010 |
20100042114 | Apparatus for Performing Meniscus Repair - An apparatus and method of repairing a tear in body tissue includes inserting a needle containing a retaining head from a first insertion position on a first outer surface of the body tissue, through the tear and to a second outer surface of the body tissue. The retaining head is ejected from the insertion needle and grasps the second outer surface in an engaged position. An anchor coupled to the retaining head by a flexible member is advanced from a second insertion position on the first outer surface of the body tissue to a position at least through a portion of the tear. The flexible member extends a distance along the first outer surface of the body tissue from the first insertion position to the second insertion position. | 02-18-2010 |
20090312776 | Method and Apparatus for Coupling Soft Tissue to a Bone - A method and apparatus for coupling a soft tissue implant into a locking cavity formed within a bone is disclosed. The apparatus includes a member to pull the soft tissue implant into a femoral tunnel. The member includes a suture having first and second ends which are passed through first and second openings associated with the longitudinal passage to form a pair of loops. Portions of the suture lay parallel to each other within the suture. Application of tension onto the suture construction causes retraction of the soft tissue implant into the femoral tunnel. | 12-17-2009 |
20090306711 | Method for Tissue Fixation - A method for securing a strand to a fixation member for arthroscopic fixation, wherein the fixation member includes a channel on an exterior surface and an aperture therethrough. The method includes passing a strand having first and second ends through a flexible sleeve, passing the sleeve through the aperture of the fixation member in a first direction, tensioning the strand, and pulling the sleeve in a second direction different than the first direction to secure the sleeve to the fixation member without tying the strand on the fixation member. | 12-10-2009 |
20090306684 | Method and Apparatus for Passing a Suture - A suture pushing device includes a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and a suturing head at the distal end of the shaft. The suturing head includes a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw and/or the second jaw have a tissue cutting edge adapted to cut an opening in a tissue. A blunt suture pushing member advances from within the shaft, through the suturing head, and through the cut opening in the tissue to place a suture. | 12-10-2009 |
20090299386 | Soft Tissue Rivet and Method of Use - A method and apparatus for reattaching soft tissue to a selected boney structure using a rivet. Generally, a rivet having first portion and a second portion is provided to fully secure a soft tissue in the boney structure. The first portion of the rivet retains the soft tissue via a suture which is threaded through the first portion. The second portion of the rivet has at least one expanding member which engages the boney structure upon contact with the first portion of the rivet. Thus, the soft tissue is fully secured to the boney structure, ensuring proper healing. | 12-03-2009 |
20090281555 | Method For Repairing A Meniscal Tear - A device for implanting a suture. The device includes an elongated shaft that extends from the main body and has a distal end that includes a pointed tissue piercing tip. A first suture support is mounted to the distal end. The first suture support has a first opening and is movable between a retracted position where the first suture support does not extend from the distal end and an extended position where the first suture support does extend from the distal end. A first suture capturing device is mounted to the distal end and is aligned with the first suture support. The first suture capturing device is movable between a retracted position in which it does not extend from the distal end and an extended position in which it does extend from the distal end. The first suture capturing device extends within the first opening of the first suture support when in the extended position. | 11-12-2009 |
20090204146 | Method for Soft Tissue Attachment - An apparatus and method for fixing a selected graft relative to a selected anatomical portion. An anchor may be provided that may be interconnected with a selected graft portion that is operable to pass through a selected bore and then moved into an operable position to engage a selected portion of the bore to substantially eliminate the possibility of the graft moving in an unselected direction through the bore. In addition, a spacer member may be used to expand a selected portion of the graft to reduce localized stress and may increase ingrowth into a selected bony portion. | 08-13-2009 |
20090192468 | SOFT TISSUE CONDUIT DEVICE AND METHOD - A method of conducting biological materials in soft tissue includes inserting an elongated conduit device into the soft tissue and through a defect in the soft tissue, and conducting biological materials along at least one longitudinal channel defined on an outer surface of the conduit device into the soft tissue. The conduit device is externally threaded. | 07-30-2009 |
20090082805 | ADJUSTABLE KNOTLESS LOOPS - Methods of attaching a soft tissue to an adjacent bone at a defect site are provided. At least one adjustable loop of a flexible construct is passed through the soft tissue. The at least one adjustable loop is passed through a passage construct. A locking member is passed through the at least one adjustable loop and the adjustable loop is reduced about or within the locking member such that the at least one loop is frictionally retained in the passage construct and locked in place by the locking member to thereby secure the soft tissue. | 03-26-2009 |
20090062854 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COUPLING SOFT TISSUE TO BONE - A method and apparatus for coupling a soft tissue implant into a locking cavity formed within a bone is disclosed. A bone engaging fastener is coupled to bone. A second fastener is coupled to a suture construction. The second fastener is coupled to the first fastener. Soft tissue is coupled to the suture construction. | 03-05-2009 |
20090054928 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COUPLING ANATOMICAL FEATURES - A method and apparatus for coupling a soft tissue implant into a locking cavity formed within a bone is disclosed. The apparatus includes a member to pull the soft tissue implant into a femoral tunnel. The member includes a suture having first and second ends which are passed through first and second openings associated with the longitudinal passage to form a pair of loops. Portions of the suture lay parallel to each other within the suture. Application of tension onto the suture construction causes retraction of the soft tissue implant into the femoral tunnel. | 02-26-2009 |
20080312689 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COUPLING SOF TISSUE TO A BONE - A method and apparatus for coupling a soft tissue implant into a locking cavity formed within a bone is disclosed. The apparatus includes a member to pull the soft tissue implant into a femoral tunnel. The member includes a suture having first and second ends which are passed through first and second openings associated with the longitudinal passage to form a pair of loops, A collapsible tube is positioned about the suture. Application of tension onto the suture construction causes retraction of the soft tissue implant into the femoral tunnel and the collapse of the tube to form an anchor. | 12-18-2008 |