US20210106418A1 - Tissue Anchors, Kits, and Associated Methods - Google Patents
Tissue Anchors, Kits, and Associated Methods Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20210106418A1 US20210106418A1 US17/128,835 US202017128835A US2021106418A1 US 20210106418 A1 US20210106418 A1 US 20210106418A1 US 202017128835 A US202017128835 A US 202017128835A US 2021106418 A1 US2021106418 A1 US 2021106418A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- screw
- stem
- passageway
- tissue
- tissue anchor
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/08—Muscles; Tendons; Ligaments
- A61F2/0811—Fixation devices for tendons or ligaments
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/0401—Suture anchors, buttons or pledgets, i.e. means for attaching sutures to bone, cartilage or soft tissue; Instruments for applying or removing suture anchors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/0095—Packages or dispensers for prostheses or other implants
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- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/08—Muscles; Tendons; Ligaments
- A61F2/0805—Implements for inserting tendons or ligaments
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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- A61B17/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/0401—Suture anchors, buttons or pledgets, i.e. means for attaching sutures to bone, cartilage or soft tissue; Instruments for applying or removing suture anchors
- A61B2017/0414—Suture anchors, buttons or pledgets, i.e. means for attaching sutures to bone, cartilage or soft tissue; Instruments for applying or removing suture anchors having a suture-receiving opening, e.g. lateral opening
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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- A61B17/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/0401—Suture anchors, buttons or pledgets, i.e. means for attaching sutures to bone, cartilage or soft tissue; Instruments for applying or removing suture anchors
- A61B2017/044—Suture anchors, buttons or pledgets, i.e. means for attaching sutures to bone, cartilage or soft tissue; Instruments for applying or removing suture anchors with a threaded shaft, e.g. screws
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- A61B17/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/0401—Suture anchors, buttons or pledgets, i.e. means for attaching sutures to bone, cartilage or soft tissue; Instruments for applying or removing suture anchors
- A61B2017/0445—Suture anchors, buttons or pledgets, i.e. means for attaching sutures to bone, cartilage or soft tissue; Instruments for applying or removing suture anchors cannulated, e.g. with a longitudinal through-hole for passage of an instrument
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- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B50/00—Containers, covers, furniture or holders specially adapted for surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments, e.g. sterile covers
- A61B50/30—Containers specially adapted for packaging, protecting, dispensing, collecting or disposing of surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/08—Muscles; Tendons; Ligaments
- A61F2/0811—Fixation devices for tendons or ligaments
- A61F2002/0817—Structure of the anchor
- A61F2002/0823—Modular anchors comprising a plurality of separate parts
- A61F2002/0829—Modular anchors comprising a plurality of separate parts without deformation of anchor parts, e.g. fixation screws on bone surface, extending barbs, cams, butterflies, spring-loaded pins
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- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/08—Muscles; Tendons; Ligaments
- A61F2/0811—Fixation devices for tendons or ligaments
- A61F2002/0817—Structure of the anchor
- A61F2002/0841—Longitudinal channel for insertion tool running through the whole tendon anchor, e.g. for accommodating bone drill, guidewire
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- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/08—Muscles; Tendons; Ligaments
- A61F2/0811—Fixation devices for tendons or ligaments
- A61F2002/0847—Mode of fixation of anchor to tendon or ligament
- A61F2002/0852—Fixation of a loop or U-turn, e.g. eyelets, anchor having multiple holes
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/08—Muscles; Tendons; Ligaments
- A61F2/0811—Fixation devices for tendons or ligaments
- A61F2002/0847—Mode of fixation of anchor to tendon or ligament
- A61F2002/0858—Fixation of tendon or ligament between anchor and bone, e.g. interference screws, wedges
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- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/08—Muscles; Tendons; Ligaments
- A61F2/0811—Fixation devices for tendons or ligaments
- A61F2002/0876—Position of anchor in respect to the bone
- A61F2002/0882—Anchor in or on top of a bone tunnel, i.e. a hole running through the entire bone
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/08—Muscles; Tendons; Ligaments
- A61F2/0811—Fixation devices for tendons or ligaments
- A61F2002/0876—Position of anchor in respect to the bone
- A61F2002/0888—Anchor in or on a blind hole or on the bone surface without formation of a tunnel
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- A61F2220/00—Fixations or connections for prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof
- A61F2220/0025—Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements
- A61F2220/0033—Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements made by longitudinally pushing a protrusion into a complementary-shaped recess, e.g. held by friction fit
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- A61F2220/00—Fixations or connections for prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof
- A61F2220/0025—Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements
- A61F2220/0041—Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements using additional screws, bolts, dowels or rivets, e.g. connecting screws
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- A61F2230/00—Geometry of prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof
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- A61F2250/00—Special features of prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof
- A61F2250/0014—Special features of prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof having different values of a given property or geometrical feature, e.g. mechanical property or material property, at different locations within the same prosthesis
- A61F2250/0039—Special features of prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof having different values of a given property or geometrical feature, e.g. mechanical property or material property, at different locations within the same prosthesis differing in diameter
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Definitions
- the disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices. More particularly, the disclosure relates to tissue anchors, kits that include a tissue anchor, and methods of anchoring tissue to a bone.
- Soft tissue such as a ligament or tendon, sometimes becomes detached from the bone to which it was originally attached resulting in a loss, or decrease, of the tissue's functionality.
- Various devices have been developed to accomplish reattachment of tissue to bone, such as staples, screws, suture anchors, and interference screws.
- these devices only provide a single mechanism for attaching tissue to bone.
- interference screws accomplish attachment between tissue and bone by advancing the screw into the bone while the tissue is positioned adjacent to the screw.
- the tissue can be damaged by the thread as it is advanced into the bone, resulting in tearing and an increase in the potential for the tissue to become detached from the bone.
- Suture anchors accomplish attachment by passing a suture through a selected portion of the tissue and fixing the suture to the bone with a fastener.
- the suture is generally fixed to the tissue by tying it in a knot around the tissue, which can be complex and time consuming if access to the surgical site is limited.
- tissue anchors Various tissue anchors, kits that include a tissue anchor, and methods of anchoring tissue to a bone are described herein.
- An example tissue anchor includes a screw and a stem.
- the screw has a lengthwise axis, a screw main body, and a thread that extends from the screw main body and away from the lengthwise axis.
- the screw main body defines a first opening, a second opening, and a lumen that extends from the first opening to the second opening.
- the stem is releasably attached to the screw and partially disposed within the lumen defined by the screw.
- the stem has a stein main body that defines a first portion, a second portion, a first recess, a second recess, a first passageway, and a second passageway.
- the first portion of die stem has a first outside diameter, a first side, and a second side.
- the second portion of the stein has a second outside diameter that is greater than the first outside diameter.
- Each of the first and second recesses is defined on the first portion of the stem.
- the first recess is positioned on the first side of the first portion and the second recess is positioned on the second side of the first portion.
- Each of the first and second passageways extends through the second portion and is in communication with die lumen defined by the screw.
- the screw has a lengthwise axis, a screw main body, and a thread that extends from the screw main body and away from the lengthwise axis.
- the screw main body has a screw proximal end, a screw distal end, a distal portion that extends from the screw distal end toward the screw proximal end, a first outside diameter at the screw proximal end, and defines a first opening, a second opening, and a lumen that extends from the first opening to the second opening.
- the outside diameter of the screw main body tapers along the distal portion of the main body.
- the thread has a thread proximal end, a thread distal end, a thread length that extends from the thread proximal end to the thread distal end, a first portion that extends from the thread proximal end toward the thread distal end, a second portion that extends from the first portion of the thread to the thread distal end, a pitch, and a height.
- the pitch is constant along the thread length.
- the height is constant along the first portion of the thread and tapers along the second portion of the thread.
- the stem is releasably attached to the screw and partially disposed within the lumen defined by die screw.
- the stem has a stem main body that defines a first portion, a second portion, a first recess, a second recess, a first passageway, and a second passageway.
- the first portion of the stem has a first outside diameter, a first side, and a second side.
- the second portion of the stem has a second outside diameter that is greater than the first outside diameter.
- Each of the first and second recesses is defined on the first portion of the stem.
- the first recess is positioned on the first side of the first portion and the second recess is positioned on the second side of the first portion.
- Each of the first and second passageways extends through the second portion and is in communication with the lumen defined by the screw.
- the screw has a lengthwise axis, a screw main body, and a thread that extends from the screw main body and away from the lengthwise axis.
- the screw main body has a screw proximal end, a screw distal end, a distal portion that extends from the screw distal end toward the screw proximal end, a first outside diameter at the screw proximal end, and defines a first opening, a second opening, and a lumen that extends from the first opening to the second opening.
- the outside diameter of the screw main body tapers along the distal portion of the screw main body.
- the thread has a thread proximal end, a thread distal end, a thread length that extends from the thread proximal end to the thread distal end, a first portion that extends from the thread proximal end toward the thread distal end, a second portion that extends from the first portion of the thread to the thread distal end, a pitch, a height, a crest, a first side, a second side, and a thickness that extends from the first side of the thread to the second side of the thread.
- the pitch is constant along the thread length.
- the height is constant along the first portion of the thread and tapers along the second portion of the thread.
- the crest is blunted along a portion of the thread.
- the thickness of the thread is constant along the first portion of the thread and tapers along the second portion of the thread.
- the stem is releasably attached to the screw and partially disposed within the lumen defined by the screw.
- the stem has a stem main body defining a first portion, a second portion, a first recess, a second recess, a first passageway, and a second passageway.
- the first portion of the stem has a first outside diameter, a first side, and a second side.
- the second portion of the stem has a second outside diameter that is greater than the first outside diameter.
- Each of the first and second recesses is defined on the first portion of the stem.
- the first recess is positioned on the first side of the first portion and the second recess is positioned on the second side of the first portion.
- Each of the first and second passageways extends through the second portion and is in communication with the lumen defined by the screw.
- the first passageway is disposed adjacent to the first recess.
- the second passageway is disposed adjacent to the second recess.
- An example kit that includes a tissue anchor includes a first tissue anchor according to an embodiment; a second tissue anchor according to an embodiment; a third tissue anchor according to an embodiment; a storage container; and instructions for use.
- An example method of anchoring tissue to a bone comprises the steps of: creating an opening over the tissue intended to be anchored to a bone; locating the tissue; trimming a portion of the tissue; selecting a tissue anchor; drilling a passageway into a bone; reaming the passageway to a desired diameter based on the diameter of the selected tissue anchor; advancing a portion of the tissue into the passageway such that a portion of die tissue is disposed within the passageway; introducing the screw of the selected tissue anchor into the passageway containing a portion of the tissue such that a portion of the tissue disposed within the passageway is disposed adjacent to the distal portion of the screw; advancing the screw such into the passageway such that the tissue is anchored between the screw and the bone; closing the opening.
- Another example method of anchoring tissue to a bone comprises the steps of: creating an opening over the tissue intended to be anchored to a bone; locating the tissue; selecting a tissue anchor; drilling a passageway into a bone; passing the first end of the suture through the lumen defined by the screw and the first passageway defined by the stem; passing the first end of the suture through the second passageway defined by the stem and through the lumen defined by the screw such that the first and second ends of the suture are disposed outside of the screw; introducing the screw of the selected tissue anchor into the passageway such that a portion of the tissue anchor is disposed within the passageway; advancing the screw into the passageway such that the screw is anchored to the bone; positioning a portion of the tissue adjacent die tissue anchor, attaching the tissue to the screw using the suture such that the tissue is anchored to the screw; closing the opening.
- Another example method of anchoring tissue to a bone comprises the steps of: creating an opening over the tissue intended to be anchored to a bone; locating the tissue; trimming a portion of the tissue; selecting a tissue anchor, drilling a passageway into a bone; advancing a portion of the tissue into the passageway such that a portion of die tissue is disposed within the passageway; introducing the screw of the selected tissue anchor into the passageway such that a portion of the tissue anchor is disposed within the passageway; passing the first end of the suture through the lumen defined by the screw and the first passageway defined by the stein; passing the first end of the suture through die second passageway defined by the stem and through die lumen defined by the screw such that the first and second ends of the suture are disposed outside of the screw; advancing the screw into the passageway such that the tissue is anchored between the screw and the bone; positioning a portion of the tissue adjacent the tissue anchor; attaching the tissue to the screw using the suture such that the tissue is anchored to the screw; closing the opening.
- tissue anchors for example, kits that include a tissue anchor, and methods of anchoring tissue to a bone can be obtained by review of the detailed description, below, and the appended drawings.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example tissue anchor.
- FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the tissue anchor illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a top view of die screw of die tissue anchor illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the screw of the tissue anchor illustrated in FIG. 1 taken along the lengthwise axis of the screw.
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the stein of the tissue anchor illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 6 is a side view of the stem of the tissue anchor illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the stem of the tissue anchor illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 8 is a top view of die stem of die tissue anchor illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second example tissue anchor.
- FIG. 10 is a top view of the screw of the tissue anchor illustrated in FIG. 9 .
- FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the screw of the tissue anchor illustrated in FIG. 9 taken along the lengthwise axis of the screw.
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the stem of the tissue anchor illustrated in FIG. 9 .
- FIG. 13 is a side view of the stem of the tissue anchor illustrated in FIG. 9 .
- FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the stem of the tissue anchor illustrated in FIG. 9 .
- FIG. 15 is a top view of the stem of the tissue anchor illustrated in FIG. 9 .
- FIG. 16 illustrates an example kit that includes a plurality of tissue anchors.
- FIG. 17 is a schematic illustration of an example method of anchoring tissue to a bone.
- FIG. 17A illustrates a passageway intended to receive a tissue anchor and a portion of tissue separated from a bone.
- FIG. 17B illustrates a passageway intended to receive a tissue anchor and a portion of tissue separated from a bone. The tissue is partially disposed within the passageway.
- FIG. 17C illustrates a passageway, a tissue anchor partially disposed within the passageway, and a portion of tissue separated from a bone partially disposed within the passageway.
- FIG. 17D illustrates a passageway, a tissue anchor disposed within the passageway, and a portion of tissue partially disposed within the passageway and anchored to the bone by the tissue anchor.
- FIG. 18 is a schematic illustration of another example method of anchoring tissue to a bone.
- FIG. 18A illustrates a suture partially disposed through a tissue anchor.
- the suture is disposed through the lumen of the screw and the first passageway defined by the stem.
- FIG. 18B illustrates a suture partially disposed through a tissue anchor.
- the suture is disposed through the lumen of the screw, the first passageway defined by the stein, and die second passageway defined by the stem.
- FIG. 18C illustrates a passageway, a tissue anchor disposed within the passageway, and a portion of tissue separated from a bone disposed adjacent to the tissue anchor.
- FIG. 18D illustrates a passageway, a tissue anchor disposed within the passageway, and a portion of tissue attached to the tissue anchor.
- FIG. 19 is a schematic illustration of another example method of anchoring tissue to a bone.
- FIG. 19A illustrates a passageway, a portion of tissue separated from a bone partially disposed within the passageway, and a tissue anchor partially disposed within the passageway.
- FIG. 19B illustrates a passageway, a portion of tissue separated from a bone partially disposed within the passageway, a tissue anchor disposed within the passageway, and a suture partially disposed through the tissue anchor.
- the suture is disposed through the lumen of the screw and the first passageway defined by the stem.
- FIG. 19C illustrates a passageway, a portion of tissue separated from a bone partially disposed within the passageway, a tissue anchor disposed within the passageway, and a suture partially disposed through the tissue anchor.
- the suture is disposed through the lumen of the screw, the first passageway defined by the stem, and the second passageway defined by the stem.
- FIG. 19D illustrates a passageway, a tissue anchor disposed within the passageway, a portion of tissue partially disposed within the passageway and anchored to the bone by the tissue anchor, and a portion of tissue attached to the tissue anchor.
- FIG. 20 is a schematic illustration of another example method of anchoring tissue to a bone.
- FIG. 20A illustrates a passageway and a portion of tissue separated from a bone partially disposed within the passageway.
- FIG. 20B illustrates a passageway, a portion of tissue separated from a bone partially disposed within the passageway, and a guide wire partially disposed within the passageway.
- FIG. 20C illustrates a passageway, a portion of tissue separated from a bone partially disposed within the passageway, a guide wire partially disposed within the passageway, and a screw of a tissue anchor disposed on the guide wire.
- FIG. 20D illustrates a passageway, a portion of tissue separated from a bone partially disposed within the passageway, and a screw of a tissue anchor disposed within the passageway.
- FIG. 20E illustrates a passageway, a portion of tissue separated from a bone partially disposed within the passageway, a screw of a tissue anchor disposed within the passageway, a wire partially disposed through the screw of the tissue anchor, and a suture partially disposed through the stem of the tissue anchor.
- FIG. 20F illustrates a passageway, a portion of tissue separated from a bone partially disposed within the passageway, a screw of a tissue anchor disposed within the passageway, and a suture partially disposed through the stein of the tissue anchor, the screw of the tissue anchor, and a loop defined by the wire.
- FIG. 20G illustrates a passageway, a tissue anchor disposed within the passageway, a portion of tissue partially disposed within the passageway and anchored to the bone by the tissue anchor, and a portion of tissue attached to the tissue anchor.
- FIG. 21 is a side view of a first alternative screw that can be included in a tissue anchor.
- FIG. 22 is a partial perspective view of the screw illustrated in FIG. 21 .
- FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the screw illustrated in FIG. 21 taken along the lengthwise axis of the screw.
- FIG. 24 is a magnified view of area I indicated in FIG. 23 .
- FIG. 25 is a bottom view of the screw illustrated in FIG. 21 .
- FIG. 26 is a side view of a second alternative screw that can be included in a tissue anchor.
- FIG. 27 is another side view of the screw illustrated in FIG. 26 .
- tissue anchors kits that include a tissue anchor, and methods of anchoring tissue to a bone.
- the description and illustration of these examples are provided to enable one skilled in the art to make and use a tissue anchor, to make a kit that includes a tissue anchor, and to practice a method of anchoring tissue to a bone. They are not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any manner.
- FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 illustrate a first example tissue anchor 10 .
- the tissue anchor 10 includes a lengthwise axis 11 , a screw 12 , and a stein 14 releasably attached to the screw 12 .
- the screw 12 has a lengthwise axis 19 , a screw main body 20 and a thread 22 .
- the screw main body 20 has a screw length 21 , a screw proximal end 24 , a first outside diameter 25 , a screw distal end 26 , a second outside diameter 27 , and defines a first opening 28 , a second opening 30 , a lumen 32 , a wall 34 , a recess 36 , a proximal portion 35 , and a distal portion 37 .
- the screw length 21 extends from the screw proximal end 24 to the screw distal end 26 .
- the proximal portion 35 extends from the screw proximal end 24 toward the screw distal end 26 .
- the distal portion 37 extends from the screw distal end 26 toward the screw proximal end 24 . In the illustrated embodiment, the distal portion 37 extends from the proximal portion 35 to the screw distal end 26 .
- the first outside diameter 25 is disposed at the screw proximal end 24 and the second outside diameter 27 is disposed at the screw distal end 26 .
- die outside diameter of the screw main body 20 tapers along the distal portion 37 of the screw main body 20 such that a portion of the distal portion 37 of the screw main body 20 is disposed at an angle 33 relative to a plane that extends along the screw main body 20 from the screw proximal end 24 to the location that the proximal portion 35 meets the distal portion 37 .
- the angle 33 is equal to about 30 degrees.
- the first opening 28 is defined at the screw proximal end 24 and the second opening 30 is defined at the screw distal end 26 .
- the first opening 28 is sized and configured to receive a portion of a star drive to accomplish advancement of the screw into a portion of a body (e.g., bone).
- the second opening 30 is sized and configured to receive a portion of the stem 14 .
- the lumen 32 extends from the first opening 28 to the second opening 30 and is sized and configured to receive one or more portions (e.g., lengths) of a suture and has a constant diameter along its length, except for the portions that include the first opening 28 and the recess 36 .
- the wall 34 extends from the screw proximal end 24 to the screw distal end 26 and has a thickness along the screw length 21 such that no openings extend through the wall 34 and provide access to the lumen 32 .
- the recess 36 is defined within the lumen 32 of the screw 12 , extends into the wall 34 , and is positioned, sized, and configured to receive the projections 82 defied by the stem 14 such that a snap-fit attachment between the screw 12 and the stein 14 can be accomplished.
- first opening 28 has been illustrated as sized and configured to receive a portion of a star drive and the second opening 30 has been illustrated as sized and configured to receive a portion of the stem 14
- first opening defined on a screw can be sized and configured to receive a portion of any suitable tool and a second opening can be sized and configured to receive any suitable portion of a stein. Selection of a suitable size and configuration to form a first opening and/or a second opening defined by the screw main body can be based on various considerations, including the material that forms the screw.
- Examples of sizes and configurations considered suitable to form a first opening defined on a screw include those that are sized and configured to receive a portion of a handheld, or mechanically driven, driver, such as star (torx) driver, slotted driver, phillips head driver, allen wrench driver, Robertson driver, hex driver, and any other size and configuration considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- driver such as star (torx) driver, slotted driver, phillips head driver, allen wrench driver, Robertson driver, hex driver, and any other size and configuration considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- Examples of sizes and configurations considered suitable to form a second opening defined on a screw include those that are sized and configured to receive a portion of a stein, a portion of a first portion of a stein, a portion of a second portion of a stem, a portion of a first portion and a portion of a second portion of a stem, and any other size and configuration considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- a lumen defined by the screw main body can have any suitable diameter and selection of a suitable diameter for a lumen defined on a screw can be based on various considerations, including the size and configuration of the material intended to be passed through the lumen.
- diameters considered suitable for a lumen defined by the screw main body include diameters that are constant along a portion, or the entirety, of the length of the lumen, a first diameter along a proximal portion of a screw main body and a second diameter that tapers along a distal portion of the screw main body, a diameter that varies along the length of a screw, and any other configuration considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- a wall of a screw can have any configuration and selection of a suitable configuration for a wall of a screw can be based on various considerations, including the intended use of the screw.
- Examples of configurations considered suitable for a wall of a screw include those that are continuous and uninterrupted, define one or more passageway that extend from an outer surface to a lumen defined by the screw main body (e.g., to allow bone ingrowth), as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 , define one or more projections or roughed surfaces on a portion, or the entirety, of an outer surface or inner surface of the screw main body (e.g., to allow bone ingrowth), and any other configuration considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- a screw main body 20 can have any suitable outside diameter. Selection of a suitable outside diameter for a screw main body can be based on various considerations, including the structural arrangement of the portion of the body to which a tissue anchor is intended to be attached and/or the first outside diameter of the screw.
- outside diameters considered suitable for the screw main body include outside diameters that are constant along the screw length, that vary along the screw length, that taper from the screw proximal end to the screw distal end, that are constant along a first portion of a screw main body and that taper along a second portion of the screw main body, and any other outside diameter considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- angles considered suitable between a proximal portion of a screw main body and a distal portion, or a portion of a distal portion, of a screw main body include angles equal to, greater than, less than, or about 15 degrees, about 30 degrees, about 45 degrees, about 60 degrees, and any other angle considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- a screw can have a first outside diameter that is equal to, or about, 8 millimeters and a second outside diameter that is equal to, or about, 4 millimeters such that a portion of a distal portion of the screw main body is disposed at an angle equal to, or about, 40 degrees relative to a plane that extends along the screw main body from the screw proximal end to the location that a proximal portion meets the distal portion.
- a screw can have a first outside diameter that is equal to, or about, 5 millimeters and a second outside diameter that is equal to, or about, 4 millimeters such that a portion of a distal portion of the screw main body is disposed at an angle equal to, or about, 10 degrees relative to a plane that extends along the screw main body from the screw proximal end to the location that a proximal portion meets the distal portion.
- the thread 22 extends from the screw main body 20 , away from the lengthwise axis 19 of the screw 12 , and is formed as an integral part of the screw 12 .
- the thread 22 has a plurality of turns 38 , a thread proximal end 40 , a thread distal end 42 , a thread length 43 , a pitch 44 , a height 46 , a first side 48 , a second side 50 , a thickness 52 , a root 54 , a crest 56 , a first portion 58 , and a second portion 60 .
- the thread length 43 extends from the thread proximal end 40 to the thread distal end 42 and is less than the screw length 21 .
- the first portion 58 extends from the thread proximal end 40 toward the thread distal end 42 and the second portion 60 extends from the first portion 58 to the thread distal end 42 .
- the pitch 44 of the thread 22 is constant along the thread length 43 .
- the height 46 of the thread 22 extends from the root 54 to the crest 56 and is constant along the first portion 58 of the of the thread 22 and tapers from the first portion 58 along the second portion 60 of the thread 22 to the thread distal end 42 .
- the thickness 52 of the thread 22 extends from the first side 48 of the thread 22 to the second side 50 of the thread 22 at the root 54 .
- the thickness 52 is constant along the first portion 58 of the thread 22 and tapers from the first portion 58 along the second portion 60 of the thread 22 to the thread distal end 42 .
- the crest 56 is blunted along the first portion 58 of the thread 22 and is pointed along the second portion 60 of the thread 22 .
- the inclusion of a crest 56 that is blunted along a portion of the thread 22 is considered advantageous at least because it reduces the possibility of damaging tissue as the thread is advanced into a passageway and the tissue is secured between the thread and the wall defining the passageway (e.g., the wall defining a passageway created in a bone). This can be important because inclusion of a crest that defines a point along this portion can lead to tissue damage, including severing of the tissue, which could eliminate any anchoring provided by the tissue anchor.
- a thread included on a screw of a tissue anchor can have any suitable thread length, pitch, height, and thickness. Selection of a suitable thread length, pitch, height, and thickness for a thread included on a screw can be based on various considerations, including the material that forms the screw and/or thread.
- Examples of thread lengths considered suitable include thread lengths that are equal to, less than, greater than, or substantially equal to, the screw length.
- Examples of pitches considered suitable for a thread included on a screw include pitches that are constant, or varied, along the thread length, and any other pitch considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- Examples of heights considered suitable for a thread included on a screw include heights that are constant, or varied, along the thread length, the first portion of the thread, or the second portion of the thread, constant along a first portion of a thread and that taper along a second portion of the thread, and any other height considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- thicknesses considered suitable for a thread included on a screw include thicknesses that are constant, or varied, along the length of the thread, constant along a first portion of a thread and that taper along a second portion of the thread, and any other thickness considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- a crest included on a screw can have any suitable structural arrangement. Selection of a suitable structural arrangement for a crest of a thread can be based on various considerations, including the intended use of a screw. Examples of structural arrangements considered suitable for the crest of a thread include those that are blunted, rounded, pointed, American National, British Standard, square, acme, buttress, or knuckle along a portion (e.g., first portion of the thread, second portion of the thread), or the entirety, of a thread, and any other structural arrangement considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- a thread can include any suitable number of turns and selection of a suitable number of turns for a thread to define can be based on various considerations, such as the material that forms the portion of the body to which a tissue anchor is intended to be attached.
- numbers of turns considered suitable for a thread to define include a partial turn, one complete turn, at least one complete turn, two complete turns, a plurality of complete turns, and any other number considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- directions considered suitable for a thread included on a screw to extend include in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction relative to the lengthwise axis of a tissue anchor.
- the stem 14 is releasably attached to the screw 12 and has a stem main body 64 .
- the stem main body 64 has a stem proximal end 66 , a stem distal end 68 , and defines a first portion 70 , a second portion 72 , a first recess 74 , a second recess 76 , a first passageway 78 , a second passageway 80 , and projections 82 .
- the first portion 70 is sized and configured to be received by the lumen 32 of the screw 12 such that the entirety of the first portion 70 is disposed within the lumen 32 .
- the first portion 70 has a first portion proximal end 84 , a first portion distal end 86 , a first side 88 , a second side 90 , a first outside diameter 85 , and a first portion length 87 .
- the first portion 70 extends from the stem proximal end 66 toward the stem distal end 68 .
- the first portion length 87 extends from the first portion proximal end 84 to the first portion distal end 86 .
- the second portion 72 has a second portion proximal end 92 attached to the first portion 66 , a second portion distal end 94 , a second outside diameter 93 , and a second portion length 95 .
- the second portion 72 extends from the first portion 70 to the stem distal end 68 .
- the second outside diameter 93 is greater than the first outside diameter 85 .
- the first outside diameter 85 is equal to about 0.055 inches.
- the second portion length 95 extends from second portion proximal end 92 to the second portion distal end 94 and is less than the first portion length 87 .
- the sum of the first portion length 87 and the second portion length 95 is equal to about 0.079 inches, the second portion length 95 is equal to about 0.049 inches, and a radius of curvature 96 equal to about 0.020 inches is defined on the second portion.
- Each of the first and second recesses 74 , 76 is defined on the first portion 70 , extends into the stem main body 64 , and extends from the first portion proximal end 84 to the first portion distal end 86 .
- Each of the first and second recesses 74 , 76 is disposed adjacent to a passageway 78 , 80 defined by the second portion 72 , has a radius of curvature 97 , and is sized and configured to receive a portion of a suture.
- the first passageway 78 is disposed adjacent to the first recess 74 such that a first continuous surface 79 defines a portion of the first recess 74 and a portion of the first passageway 78 .
- the second passageway 80 is disposed adjacent to the second recess 76 such that a second continuous surface 81 defines a portion of the second recess 76 and a portion of the second passageway 80 .
- the first continuous surface 79 is disposed from the second continuous surface 81 a distance equal to about 0.031 inches.
- the first recess 74 is positioned on the first side 88 of the first portion 70 and the second recess 76 positioned on a second side 90 of the first portion 70 .
- the radius of curvature 97 of the first recess is equal to the radius of curvature 97 of the second recess 76 .
- Each of the first and second passageways 78 , 80 is defined on the second portion 72 of the stem 14 and extends through the second portion length 95 .
- Each of the first and second passageways 78 , 80 has an oval cross-sectional shape, is in communication with a recess 74 , 76 defined on die first portion 70 of the stem 14 , and is sized and configured to receive a portion of a suture, as described in more detail herein.
- each of the first and second passageways 78 , 80 has a length 89 equal to about 0.038 inches and a height 91 equal to about 0.065 inches.
- each of the first and second passageways 78 , 80 is in communication with the lumen 32 defined by the screw 12 such that the axes of the first and second passageways 78 , 80 extend through the lumen 32 .
- This configuration advantageously allows one or more portions of a suture to be passed through the lumen 32 defined by the screw 12 and through one, or both, of the passageways 78 , 80 .
- Each of die projections 82 is defined on die first portion 70 of the stem 14 and extends from the first portion 70 and away from a lengthwise axis of the stem 14 .
- a portion of each of the projections 82 is positioned, sized, and configured to be received within the recess 36 defined by the screw 12 such that the stem 14 can be releasably attached to the screw 12 using a snap-fit attachment.
- a recess and passageway defined on a stein can have any suitable structural arrangement. Selection of a suitable structural arrangement for a recess and/or passageway defined on a stein can be based on various considerations, including the size of the material intended to be disposed within the recess and/or passageway.
- Examples of structural arrangements considered suitable for a recess defined on a stem include those in which a first recess has a first radius of curvature and a second recess has a second radius of curvature that is equal to, different than, greater than, or less than, the first radius of curvature, a first recess has a first cross-sectional configuration (e.g., curved, linear, rectangular, square) and a second recess has a second cross-sectional configuration (e.g., curved, linear, rectangular, square) that is the same as, or different than, the first cross-sectional configuration, and any other structural arrangement considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- a first recess has a first radius of curvature and a second recess has a second radius of curvature that is equal to, different than, greater than, or less than, the first radius of curvature
- a first recess has a first cross-sectional configuration (e.g., curved, linear, rectangular, square)
- Examples of cross-sectional shapes considered suitable to form a passageway defined on a stem include those that are circular, oval, square, rectangular, pentagonal, and any other cross-sectional shape considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- Examples of positions considered suitable for one or more passageways defined by a stem include those in which each axis of two passageways extends through a lumen of a screw when a stem is attached to the screw, one axis of a passageway extends through a lumen of a screw when a stem is attached to the screw, no axis of a passageway extends through a lumen of a screw when a stein is attached to the screw, and any other position considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- Examples of distances considered suitable to disposed a first continuous surface from a second continuous surface include distances equal to, greater than, less than, or about 0.031 inches, 0.032 inches, 0.030 inches, between about 0.025 inches and about 0.036 inches, and any other distance considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- Examples of lengths and heights considered suitable for a passageway defined by a stem include lengths equal to, greater than, less than, or about 0.038 inches, 0.039 inches, 0.037 inches, between about 0.03 inches and about 0.05 inches, heights equal to, greater than, less than, or about 0.065 inches, 0.063 inches, 0.067 inches, between about 0.06 inches and about 0.07 inches, and any other length or height considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- any suitable structural arrangement between a recess and a passageway can be included on a stem. Selection of a suitable structural arrangement between a recess and a passageway can be based on various considerations, including the material that forms a stem.
- Examples of structural arrangements considered suitable between a recess and a passageway include those in which a continuous surface forms part, or the entirety, of a passageway and part, or the entirety, of a recess, a first surface forms a portion, or the entirety, of a recess and a second surface that is not continuous with the first surface forms a portion, or the entirety, of a passageway, and any other structural arrangement considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- any suitable portion of a stem can be disposed within a lumen defined by a screw. Selection of a suitable portion of a stem to position within a lumen defined by a screw when the stein is releasably attached to the screw can be based on various considerations, including the material that forms a stem and/or screw. Examples of portions of a stem considered suitable to position within a lumen defined by a screw when the stein is releasably attached to the screw include a portion, or the entirety, of the first portion, the second portion, the entire stem, and any other portion considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- first and second portions of a stem can have any suitable outside diameter and length. Selection of a suitable outside diameter and length for a first portion and/or second portion of a stem can be based on various considerations, including the structural arrangement of a screw intended to be used with the stem.
- Examples of configurations considered suitable for a stem include stems that have an outside diameter that is constant along a first portion and a second portion of the stein, a first outside diameter along a first portion and a second outside diameter along a second portion that is equal to, less than, greater than, or about the first outside diameter, stems that have a first length along a first portion and a second length along a second portion that is equal to, less than, greater than, or about the length of the first portion and any other configuration considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- a stem can have a second outside diameter that is equal to, or about, 4 millimeters.
- Examples of diameters considered suitable for a first outside diameter include those equal to, greater than, less than, or about 0.055 inches, between about 0.045 inches and about 0.065 inches, and any other diameter considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- Examples of lengths considered suitable for a second portion length include those equal to, greater than, less than, or about 0.049 inches, between about 0.04 inches and about 0.06 inches, and any other length considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- Examples of lengths considered suitable for a sum of a first portion length and a second portion length include those equal to, greater than, less than, or about 0.079 inches, between about 0.06 inches and about 0.1 inches, and any other length considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- Examples of radii of curvature considered suitable to include on a second portion include those equal to, greater than, less than, or about 0.020 inches, between about 0.015 inches and 0.02.5 inches, and any other radius of curvature considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- a screw and stem included in a tissue anchor can be formed of any suitable material and selection of a suitable material to form a screw and a stem can be based on various considerations, including the intended use of the screw and stem.
- materials considered suitable to form a screw and/or stem include implant grade materials, biocompatible materials, materials that can be made biocompatible, metals such as stainless steel, titanium, metal alloys, nickel-titanium alloy (e.g., Nitinol), thermoplastics, polymers, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), Pebax (Pebax is a registered trademark of Ato Chimie Corporation of Allee des Vosges, Courbevoie, France), nylon, polyethylene, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), high-performance polyethylene (HPPE), polyurethane, silicone, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyoxymedylene (e.g., acetal), combinations of the materials described herein, and any other material considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- a screw and a stein can be releasably attached to one another using any suitable technique or method of attachment. Selection of a technique or method of attachment considered suitable to accomplished attachment between a screw and a stem can be based on various considerations, including the material that forms the screw and/or stem. Examples of techniques and methods of attachment considered suitable to accomplished attachment between a screw and a stem include structures that accomplish a snap-fit attachment, press-fit attachment, interference fit attachment, friction fit attachment, threaded attachment, using an adhesive, fusing a screw to a stem, and any other technique or method considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Alternatively, a stem can be an integrated component of a screw such that they are formed as a continuous piece of material or a screw can be provided separately from a stem.
- FIGS. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 illustrate another tissue anchor 110 .
- the tissue anchor 110 is similar to the tissue anchor 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 and described above, except as detailed below.
- the tissue anchor 110 includes a screw 112 and a stem 114 releasably attached to the screw 112 .
- the first opening 128 is sized and configured to receive a portion of a hex drive to accomplish advancement of the screw 112 into a portion of a body and the angle 133 between a portion of the distal portion 137 and a plane that extends along the screw main body 120 from the screw proximal end 124 to the location the proximal portion 135 meets the distal portion 137 is equal to about 4.5 degrees.
- the screw 112 defines a thread 136 within the lumen 132 of the screw 112 that is positioned, sized, and configured to mate with a thread 182 defined by the stem 114 to achieve releasable attachment between the screw 112 and the stem 114 .
- the stem main body 164 defines a third passageway 198 .
- the third passageway 198 extends through both the first portion 170 and the second portion 172 of the stem 114 , has a circular cross-sectional shape, and is sized and configured to receive a portion of a suture or guide wire, as described in more detail herein.
- the stem 114 defines a thread 182 that is positioned, sized, and configured to mate with the thread 136 defined by the screw 112 to achieve releasable attachment between the screw 112 and the thread 114 .
- a passageway defined on a stein can have any suitable cross-sectional shape. Selection of a suitable cross-sectional shape for a passageway defined on a stem can be based on various considerations, including the size and configuration of the material intended to be disposed within a passageway. Examples of cross-sectional shapes considered suitable to form a passageway defined on a stem include those that are circular, oval, square, rectangular, pentagonal, and any other cross-sectional shape considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary kit 200 that includes a first tissue anchor 202 according to an embodiment, such as tissue anchor 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 ; a second tissue anchor 204 according to an embodiment, such as tissue anchor 110 illustrated in FIGS. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 ; a third tissue anchor 206 according to an embodiment, such as tissue anchor 110 illustrated in FIGS.
- a tissue anchor driver 208 a suture 210 ; a drill bit 212 , a reamer 214 ; a beath pin 216 ; a needle 218 ; a suture loop 220 ; a graft sizing block 222 ; a storage container 224 ; and instructions for use 226 .
- the first tissue anchor 202 includes a material that has a first color 230
- the second tissue anchor 204 includes a material that has a second color 232
- the third tissue anchor 206 includes a material that has a third color 234 .
- the first color 230 is different than the second color 232 and the third color 234 .
- the second color 232 is different than the first color 230 and the third color 234 .
- the third color 234 is different than the first color 230 and the second color 232 .
- each tissue anchor includes a material that has a color that is different than the material included in the other tissue anchors is considered advantageous at least because it provides a user of the kit with a mechanism to determine which tissue anchor to use during a specific procedure without having to measure or otherwise identify the tissue anchor.
- a tissue anchor can include a material that has any suitable color and the material can be included on any suitable portion of a tissue anchor using any suitable technique or method. Selection of a suitable color, location to include a material that has a color, and technique or method to include a material that has a color on a tissue anchor can be based on various considerations, including the material that forms the tissue anchor. Examples of colors considered suitable for a material included in a tissue anchor include blue, red, yellow, white, black, combinations of the colors described herein, and any other color considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Alternatively, one or more tissue anchors included in a kit can omit the inclusion of a material that has a color.
- Examples of locations considered suitable to include a material that has a color on a tissue anchor include on the screw, on the stein, on the entire screw, or a portion of the screw, on the entire stein, or a portion of the stem, on only die screw main body, on only the thread of the screw, on only the first portion of the stem, on only die second portion of the stem, and any other portion of a tissue anchor considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- Examples of techniques and methods of including a material that has a color on a tissue anchor, or portion of a tissue anchor include incorporating the material within the material that forms the tissue anchor, or a portion of the tissue anchor, applying the material using a tool (e.g., marker, paint brush), and any other technique or method considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- kit 200 has been illustrated as including three tissue anchors 202 , 204 , 206 , a tissue anchor driver 208 , a suture 210 , a drill bit 212 , a reamer 214 , a beath pin 216 , a needle 218 , a suture loop 220 , a graft sizing block 222 , a storage container 224 , and instructions for use 226
- a kit can include any suitable number, and type, of tissue anchors, screws, drivers, sutures, drill bits, reamers, beath pins, needles, suture loops, graft sizing blocks, storage containers, and/or instructions for use.
- tissue anchors a suitable number, and/or type, of tissue anchors, tissue anchor drivers, sutures, drill bits, reamers, beath pins, needles, suture loops, graft sizing blocks, storage containers, and/or instructions for use to include in a kit
- suitable numbers of tissue anchors, screws, drivers, sutures, drill bits, reamers, beath pins, needles, suture loops, graft sizing blocks, storage containers, and/or instructions for use to include in a kit include at least one, one, two, a plurality, three, four, five, six, and any other number considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- tissue anchors and screws considered suitable to include in a kit include tissue anchor 10 , tissue anchor 110 , variations of die tissue anchors described herein, screw 712 , screw 812 , tissue anchors that include alternative screws, such as screw 712 , and/or screw 812 , and/or any other tissue anchor and/or screw considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- a tissue anchor driver, drill bit, reamer, and beath pin included in a kit can have any suitable structural arrangement and be formed of any suitable material and selection of a suitable structural arrangement and material to form a tissue anchor driver, a reamer, and a beath pin can be based on various considerations, including the structural arrangement of an opening defined on a tissue anchor that is sized and configured to receive a portion of the tissue anchor driver and/or material that forms a tissue anchor.
- tissue anchor drivers considered suitable to include in a kit include handheld, or mechanically driven, drivers, such as star (torx) drivers, slotted drivers, phillips head driver, allen wrench drivers, Robertson drivers, hex drivers, and any other driver considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- a kit can include a driver that is pre-loaded with a tissue anchor (e.g., a portion of the driver is disposed within a lumen defined by the screw and/or a suture is disposed through one, or both, of the passageways defined by a stem and/or the lumen of the screw).
- a tissue anchor e.g., a portion of the driver is disposed within a lumen defined by the screw and/or a suture is disposed through one, or both, of the passageways defined by a stem and/or the lumen of the screw.
- drill bits considered suitable to include in a kit include handheld, or mechanically driven drill bits, drill bits that have an outside diameter at the distal end equal to, greater than, less than, or about 0.236 inches, and any other drill bit considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- reamers considered suitable to include in a kit include handheld, or mechanically driven reamers, reamers that have an outside diameter along the blade equal to, greater than, less than, or about 0.236 inches, reamers that have a blade length equal to, greater than, less than, or about 0.386 inches, reamers that include a bore through a portion, or the entirety, its length, and any other reamer considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- beath pins considered suitable to include in a kit include beath pins that have an outside diameter equal to, greater than, less than, or about 2.44 millimeters, and any other beath pin considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- Examples of materials considered suitable to form a tissue anchor driver, a reamer, and/or a beath pin include biocompatible materials, materials that can be made biocompatible, metals such as stainless steel, titanium, metal alloys, thermoplastics, polymers, nylon, polyethylene, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), high-performance polyethylene (HPPE), polyurethane, silicone, combinations of the materials described herein, and any other material considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- metals such as stainless steel, titanium, metal alloys, thermoplastics, polymers, nylon, polyethylene, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), high-performance polyethylene (HPPE), polyurethane, silicone, combinations of the materials described herein, and any other material considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- a storage container included in a kit can have any suitable structural arrangement and be formed of any suitable material and selection of a suitable structural arrangement and material to form a storage container can be based on various considerations, including the number of tissue anchors included in a kit.
- Examples of structural arrangements considered suitable to form a storage container include boxes, boxes that include a lid, boxes that include a lid attached to the box (e.g., pivotably attached), bags, and any other structural arrangement considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- Examples of materials considered suitable to form a storage container include woods, metals, plastics, cardboards, fabrics, and any other material considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- the storage container 224 is a box 240 formed of a plastic.
- a kit that includes one or more tissue anchors can include a plurality of screws and a single, or multiple stems.
- Each stem included in the kit can be sized and configured to be received by more than one screw such that the stem can be utilized with more than one screw and implanted into the body of a patient.
- a kit can include a first screw, a second screw, and a third screw, or any other suitable number of screws, and a single stem, or any other suitable number of stems.
- Each stem included in the kit, or a portion of each stem can be sized and configured to be received by one of the first screw, second screw, and/or third screw.
- kits can include a tissue anchor according to an embodiment, a tissue anchor driver, a suture, a reamer, and a storage container and a second, separate, kit can include a beath pin, a needle, a suture loop, a graft sizing block, and a storage container 220 .
- a first kit can include a tissue anchor according to an embodiment, a tissue anchor driver, a suture, a reamer, and a storage container
- a second, separate, kit can include a beath pin, a needle, a suture loop, a graft sizing block, and a storage container 220 .
- one, or both, of the two kits can include instructions for use.
- FIG. 17 is a schematic illustration of a method 300 of anchoring tissue to a bone using an interference fit such that the tissue is anchored between the wall of the bone and a tissue anchor.
- a step 302 comprises creating an opening over the tissue intended to be anchored to a bone.
- Another step 304 comprises locating the tissue.
- Another step 306 comprises trimming a portion of the tissue.
- Another step 308 comprises selecting a tissue anchor.
- Another step 310 comprises drilling a passageway into a bone.
- Another step 312 comprises reaming the passageway to a desired diameter based on the diameter of the selected tissue anchor.
- Another step 314 comprises advancing a portion of the tissue into the passageway such that a portion of the tissue is disposed within the passageway.
- Another step 316 comprises introducing the screw of the selected tissue anchor into the passageway containing a portion of the tissue such that a portion of the tissue disposed within the passageway is disposed adjacent to the distal portion of the screw.
- Another step 318 comprises advancing the screw into the passageway such that the issue is anchored between the screw and the bone.
- Another step 320 comprises closing the opening.
- Step 302 can be accomplished using any suitable medical device, such as a scalpel, or any other tool and can be performed using any suitable method and/or technique at any suitable location on a body.
- a scalpel can be accomplished using a scalpel to create an opening on, or near, the shoulder of a patient.
- Step 304 can be accomplished using any suitable technique or method of visualizing the tissue intended to be anchored to a bone.
- suitable techniques and methods of visualizing tissue include using direct visualization, using a scope, and any other technique or method considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- other steps that can be included in a method of anchoring tissue to a bone include applying a force on a scope toward the opening until a portion of the scope is disposed within the body of the patent and observing the body of the patient through the scope to identify the tissue intended to be anchored to a bone.
- Step 306 can be accomplished using any suitable medical device, such as a scalpel or scissors, or any other tool and can be performed using any suitable method and/or technique.
- a scalpel or scissors can be accomplished using a scalpel to trim a portion of the bicep (e.g., near the end that has torn from the bone).
- step 306 can be omitted from method 300 in embodiments in which the tissue being repaired does not require trimming.
- Step 308 can be accomplished using any suitable tissue anchor and selection of a suitable tissue anchor can be based on various considerations, including the anatomy of the patient being treated. For example, step 308 can be accomplished by visualizing the tissue intended to be repaired and/or the bone to which the tissue is intended to be anchored to determine which type of tissue anchor should be selected.
- tissue anchors and/or screws considered suitable to use to complete method 300 , or any other method described herein include tissue anchor 10 , tissue anchor 110 , variations of the tissue anchors described herein, screw 712 , screw 812 , tissue anchors that include alternative screws, such as screw 712 , and/or screw 812 , and/or any other tissue anchor and/or screw considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- tissue anchor 10 has been used to illustrate performance of method 3 ), as shown in FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C, and 17D .
- Step 310 can be accomplished by drilling a passageway at a desired location on a bone.
- Step 310 can be accomplished using any suitable drill and a drill bit that has a first outside diameter.
- FIG. 17A illustrates a passageway 330 drilled into bone 332 and a portion of tissue 334 separated from the bone 332 .
- the tissue 334 has an end 336 that has been trimmed, as described in step 306 .
- a passageway can have any suitable diameter (e.g., sized and configured to allow a portion of, or the entirety of, a tissue anchor to pass into the passageway) and/or depth (e.g., greater than, less than, or equal to the length of the selected tissue anchor), and can have any suitable configuration.
- the passageway 330 extends through the entire thickness of the bone 332 .
- alternative embodiments can include a passageway that extends through only a portion of the thickness of a bone (e.g., creating a blind passageway).
- a drill bit used complete any step of the methods described herein can have any suitable outside diameter and selection of a suitable outside diameter for a drill bit can be based on various considerations, including the structural arrangement of a tissue anchor intended to be implanted in a bone.
- a passageway can be drilled at any suitable location and on any suitable bone, or portion of the body, and selection of a suitable location to drill a passageway and a suitable bone, or portion of the body, to drill a passageway can be based on various considerations, including the treatment intended to be performed.
- suitable locations to drill a passageway include at, or near, an original point of attachment of the tissue on a calcaneus (e.g., Achilles tendon attachment), a tarsal, a tibia, a fibula, a scapula, a humerus, a tibia, a femur, a radius, and any other location considered suitable for a particular embodiment (e.g., posterior tibial tendon attachment, any other location where a tendon attaches to a portion of the foot or ankle).
- a calcaneus e.g., Achilles tendon attachment
- a tarsal e.g., tarsal
- a tibia e.g., a fibula
- a scapula e.g., a humerus
- Examples of bones, or portions of the body, considered suitable to drill a passageway include the calcaneus, tarsal, talus, tibia, fibula, scapula, humerus, tibia, femur, radius, and any other bone, or portion of the body, considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- Step 312 can be accomplished using any suitable drill and a drill bit that has a second outside diameter that is greater than the first outside diameter (e.g., reamer).
- the diameter of the passageway created in the bone in step 312 is sized and configured to allow a portion of, or the entirety of, the selected tissue anchor to pass into the passageway.
- step 312 can be omitted from method 300 in embodiments in which die passageway created in step 310 is sufficiently sized to receive a portion, or the entirety, of the selected tissue anchor.
- Step 314 can be accomplished using any medical device (e.g., beath pin), such as forceps, or the hands of an individual, and until a desired portion of the tissue is disposed within the passageway.
- step 314 can be accomplished by applying a force on a portion of the tissue directed toward the passageway such that a portion of the tissue is disposed within the passageway.
- FIG. 17B illustrates a portion of the length of the tissue 334 disposed within a passageway 330 that has been reamed such that die end 336 of the portion of the tissue 334 is disposed within the passageway 330 .
- Alterative embodiments can position a portion of tissue within a passageway that has not been reamed and/or such that die end of die tissue is disposed outside of the passageway (e.g., in embodiments in which the tissue is folded over on itself).
- Step 316 can be accomplished using any medical device (e.g., driver), such as forceps, or the hands of an individual, and until the screw is partially disposed within the passageway and a portion of the tissue disposed within the passageway is disposed adjacent the distal portion of the screw.
- step 316 can be accomplished by applying a force on the screw of the selected tissue anchor directed toward the passageway containing a portion of the tissue until a portion of the screw is disposed within the passageway.
- the screw of the tissue anchor includes a distal portion that tapers from the proximal portion to the screw distal end
- step 316 can be accomplished such that a portion of the tissue disposed within the passageway is disposed adjacent the tapered distal portion of the screw.
- FIG. 17C illustrates a tissue anchor 340 that has a screw 342 and a stein 344 . The tissue anchor 340 is partially disposed within the passageway 330 and adjacent to a portion of the tissue 334 .
- Step 318 can be accomplished by introducing a tool into a first opening defined by a screw such that the distal end of the tool engages with the inner surface of the first opening and applying torque to any suitable portion of the tool such that the applied torque is transferred to the tissue anchor.
- Torque can be applied in the clockwise direction to rotatably advance the tissue anchor into the passageway (e.g., using a driver).
- An optional step comprises applying torque on any suitable portion of the tool in the counterclockwise direction to rotatably withdraw the tissue anchor from the passageway.
- torque can be applied in the counterclockwise direction to rotatably advance the tissue anchor into the passageway and in a clockwise direction to rotatably withdraw the tissue anchor from the passageway.
- the torque applied to the tool is relative to the longitudinal axis of the tissue anchor and can be applied until the tissue anchor contacts the portion of the tissue disposed within the passageway, the tissue anchor compresses the tissue disposed within the passageway against the wall of the bone, and/or a predetermined, or desired, final position the tissue anchor and/or tissue being treated has been achieved.
- torque can be applied on the tool until the tissue anchor is positioned within the passageway at a desired depth (e.g., such that a screw proximal end is near, adjacent, or coplanar with, the surface of the bone).
- 17D illustrates the tissue anchor 340 advanced into the passageway 330 such that it contacts a portion of the tissue 334 disposed within the passageway 330 and the tissue anchor proximal end 346 is coplanar with a surface of the bone 332 . It is considered advantageous to utilize a tissue anchor that has a screw with a screw main body that tapers along a distal portion and includes a blunted crest at least because these tissue anchors decrease the potential for damaging the tissue during performance of the procedure.
- tissue anchor 340 has been illustrated in FIG. 171 ) as being positioned such that the tissue anchor proximal end 346 is coplanar with a surface of the bone 332 , a tissue anchor can be advanced into a bone such that a tissue anchor proximal end is positioned at any suitable location relative to a surface of a bone. Selection of a suitable position for a tissue anchor proximal end relative to a surface of a bone can be based on various considerations, including the treatment being performed.
- positions of tissue anchors considered suitable include those in which a tissue anchor proximal end is positioned above a surface of the bone (e.g., such that the tissue anchor protrudes from the bone), coplanar with a surface of the bone, within a passageway defined within the bone (e.g., the tissue anchor is countersunk), and any other position considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- Step 320 can be accomplished using any suitable device and/or method, such as by suturing the opening created in step 302 using a suture and needle.
- a step 402 comprises creating an opening over the tissue intended to be anchored to a bone.
- Another step 404 comprises locating the tissue.
- Another step 406 comprises selecting a tissue anchor.
- Another step 408 comprises drilling a passageway into a bone.
- Another step 410 comprises passing the first end of a suture through the lumen defined by the screw and the first passageway defined by the stem.
- Another step 412 comprises passing the first end of the suture through the second passageway defined by the stem and through the lumen defined by the screw such that the first and second ends of the suture are disposed outside of the screw.
- Another step 414 comprises introducing the screw of the selected tissue anchor into the passageway such that a portion of the tissue anchor is disposed within the passageway.
- Another step 416 comprises advancing the screw into the passageway.
- Another step 418 comprises positioning a portion of the tissue adjacent the tissue anchor.
- Another step 420 comprises attaching the tissue to the screw using the suture such that the tissue is anchored to the screw.
- Step 402 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 302 .
- Step 404 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 304 .
- Step 406 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 308 .
- Step 408 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 310 .
- Step 410 can be accomplished using any suitable medical device, such as forceps, a guide wire, or the hands of an individual and a suture having any suitable structural arrangement and formed of any suitable material.
- step 410 can be accomplished by applying a first force on a suture that is directed toward the tissue anchor such that the first end of the suture is passed through the lumen defined by the screw and the first passageway defined by the stem.
- FIG. 18A illustrates a tissue anchor 430 that has a screw 432 and a stem 434 and a suture 436 that has a first end 438 and a second end 440 .
- the stem 434 is releasably attached to the screw 432 .
- the stem main body 442 defines a first passageway 444 and a second passageway 446 .
- the first end 432 of the suture 430 has been passed through the lumen defined by the screw 432 and the first passageway 444 defined by the stem 434 .
- Step 412 can be accomplished using any suitable medical device, such as forceps, a guide wire, or the hands of an individual.
- step 412 can be accomplished by applying a second force on a suture that is directed toward the tissue anchor such that the first end of the suture is passed through the second passageway defined by the stem and through the lumen defined by the screw and the first and second ends of the suture are disposed outside of the screw.
- FIG. 18B illustrates the suture 436 passed through the lumen defined by the screw 432 and through each of the first and second passageways 444 , 446 defined by the stem 434 .
- Step 414 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 316 .
- Step 416 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 318 .
- Step 418 can be accomplished using any medical device, such as forceps, or the hands of an individual, and until the tissue is positioned adjacent a portion of the tissue anchor (e.g., screw proximal end).
- tissue anchor e.g., screw proximal end
- step 418 can be accomplished by applying a force on a portion of the tissue directed toward the tissue anchor such that a portion of the tissue is disposed adjacent the tissue anchor.
- FIG. 18C illustrates the tissue anchor 430 advanced into the passageway 448 such that the tissue anchor proximal end 450 is coplanar with a surface of the bone 452 and a portion of the tissue 454 is disposed adjacent to the tissue anchor 430 .
- Step 420 can be accomplished using any medical device, such as forceps, or the hands of an individual, and by using any suitable technique or method of attachment between tissue and a suture. Selection of a suitable technique or method of attachment between tissue and a suture can be based on various considerations, including the material that forms the suture. Examples of techniques and methods of attachment considered suitable between tissue and a suture include tying a knot, or multiple knots, passing the suture through one or more portions of the tissue, combinations of the techniques and methods described herein, and any other technique or method considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- FIG. 18D illustrates the portion of the tissue 454 attached to the tissue anchor 430 using a knot 456 .
- Step 422 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 320 .
- FIG. 19 is a schematic illustration of a method 500 of anchoring tissue to a bone using an interference fit and a suture anchor.
- a step 502 comprises creating an opening over the tissue intended to be anchored to a bone.
- Another step 504 comprises locating the tissue.
- Another step 506 comprises trimming a portion of the tissue.
- Another step 508 comprises selecting a tissue anchor.
- Another step 510 comprises drilling a passageway into a bone.
- Another step 512 comprises advancing a portion of the tissue into the passageway such that a portion of the tissue is disposed within the passageway.
- Another step 514 comprises introducing the screw of the selected tissue anchor into the passageway such that a portion of the tissue anchor is disposed within the passageway.
- Another step 516 comprises advancing the screw into the passageway such that the tissue is anchored between the screw and the bone.
- Another step 518 comprises passing the first end of a suture through the lumen defined by the screw and the first passageway defined by the stem.
- Another step 520 comprises passing the first end of the suture through the second passageway defined by the stem and through the lumen defined by the screw such that the first and second ends of the suture are disposed outside of the screw.
- Another step 522 comprises positioning a portion of the tissue adjacent the tissue anchor.
- Another step 524 comprises attaching the tissue to the screw using the suture such that the tissue is anchored to the screw.
- Another step 526 comprises closing the opening.
- Step 502 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 302 .
- Step 504 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 304 .
- Step 506 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 306 .
- Step 508 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 308 .
- Step 510 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 310 and/or 408 .
- a passageway 530 has been created through die entire thickness of the bone 532 .
- Step 512 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 314 .
- FIG. 19A illustrates a portion of the length of the tissue 534 disposed within the passageway 530 such that the end 536 of the portion of the tissue 534 is disposed within the passageway 530 .
- Step 516 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 318 .
- Step 518 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 410 .
- FIG. 19B illustrates the tissue anchor 540 advanced into the passageway 530 such that the tissue anchor proximal end is coplanar with a surface of die bone 532 .
- FIG. 19B illustrates a suture 548 that has a first end 550 and a second end 552 .
- the stem main body 554 defines a first passageway and a second passageway. The first end 550 of the suture 548 has been passed through the lumen defined by the screw 542 and the first passageway defined by the stem 544 .
- Step 520 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 412 .
- FIG. 19C illustrates the suture 548 passed through die lumen defined by the screw 542 and through each of the first and second passageways defined by the stein 544 .
- FIG. 20 is a schematic illustration of another method 600 of anchoring tissue to a bone using an interference fit and a suture anchor.
- Another step 618 comprises advancing the screw into the passageway such that the tissue is anchored between the screw and the bone.
- Another step 620 comprises advancing a wire that has a first end, a second end, and that defines a loop on its second end through the lumen of the screw such that the first end of the wire is disposed on a first side of the screw and the second end of the wire is disposed on a second side of the screw.
- Another step 622 comprises passing the first end of a suture through the first passageway defined by the stem.
- Another step 624 comprises passing the first end of the suture through the second passageway defined by the stein.
- Another step 626 comprises passing the first end of the suture through the loop defined by the wire.
- Another step 628 comprises passing the second end of the suture through the loop defined by the wire.
- Another step 630 comprises withdrawing the wire and the portion of the suture disposed through the loop defined by the wire through the lumen defined by the screw such that the first and second ends of the suture are disposed outside of the screw.
- Another step 632 comprises attaching the stem to the screw.
- Another step 634 comprises attaching the tissue to the screw using the suture such that the tissue is anchored to the screw.
- Another step 636 comprises closing the opening.
- Step 610 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 314 .
- FIG. 20A illustrates a portion of the length of the tissue 644 disposed within the passageway 640 such that the end 646 of the portion of the tissue ( 44 is disposed within the passageway 640 .
- Step 614 can be accomplished using any medical device, such as forceps, or the hands of an individual, and until the guide wire is passed through the lumen defined by the screw and the screw is disposed over the guide wire.
- step 614 can be accomplished by applying a force on the screw of the selected tissue anchor directed toward the guide wire until the first end of the guide wire is passed through the lumen defined by the screw.
- FIG. 20C illustrates a screw 654 advanced over the guide wire 648 such that the guide wire 648 is disposed within the lumen defined by the screw 654 .
- Step 620 can be accomplished using any suitable wire (e.g., suture loop) having any suitable length, diameter, and defining a loop with any suitable diameter at its second end. Selection of a suitable wire can be based on various considerations, including the diameter of the passageway created through a bone.
- Step 620 can be accomplished using any suitable medical device, such as forceps, or the hands of an individual, and until the wire is disposed through die lumen defined by the screw.
- step 620 can be accomplished by applying a force on the wire directed toward the lumen defined by the screw until the second end of the wire is advanced through the lumen defined by the screw.
- FIG. 20E illustrates a wire 656 that has a first end 658 and a second end 660 that defines a loop 662 . As shown in FIG. 20E , the wire 656 has been advanced through the lumen defined by the screw 654 .
- Step 622 can be accomplished using any suitable medical device, such as forceps, a guide wire, or the hands of an individual and a suture having any suitable structural arrangement and formed of any suitable material.
- step 622 can be accomplished by applying a first force on a suture that is directed toward the stem of a tissue anchor such that the first end of the suture is passed through the first passageway defined by the stem.
- Step 624 can be accomplished using any suitable medical device, such as forceps, a guide wire, or the hands of an individual.
- step 624 can be accomplished by applying a second force on a suture that is directed toward the stein of the tissue anchor such that the first end of the suture is passed through the second passageway defined by the stem and the first and second ends of the suture are disposed outside of the stem.
- FIG. 20E illustrates a suture 664 that has a first end 666 and a second end 668 and the stem 670 .
- the stem 670 has a main body 672 defines a first passageway 674 and a second passageway 676 .
- the first end 666 of the suture 664 has been passed through the first passageway 674 defined by the stem 670 and the second passageway 676 defined by the stem 670 .
- Step 630 can be accomplished using any suitable medical device, such as forceps, or die hands of an individual, and until the wire is withdrawn from the screw of the tissue anchor.
- step 630 can be accomplished by applying a force on the wire directed away from the screw until the wire is withdrawn from the lumen defined by the screw and the first and second ends 666 , 668 of the suture are advanced through the lumen defined by the screw.
- FIG. 20F illustrates the wire 656 withdrawn from the lumen defined by die screw 654 .
- Step 632 can be accomplished using any suitable medical device, such as forceps, or the hands of an individual, and until the stem is attached to the screw.
- step 632 can be accomplished by applying a force on the suture directed away from the screw until the stem is attached to the screw using an interference fit between the screw and the stem.
- FIG. 20G illustrates the stem 670 attached to the screw 654 .
- Step 634 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 420 .
- FIG. 20G illustrates the portion of the tissue 644 attached to the tissue anchor using a knot 678 .
- An alternative step that can be included in a method of anchoring tissue comprises the step of determining whether the tissue will be anchored to a bone using an interference fit, using a suture anchor, or both. This step can be completed prior to, concurrently with, or subsequent to, a step of creating an opening over the tissue intended to be anchored to a bone, a step of locating the tissue, a step of trimming a portion of the tissue, a step of drilling a passageway into a bone, and/or a step of reaming the passageway to a desired diameter.
- This step can be accomplished using any suitable technique or method of determining whether the tissue should be anchored to a bone using an interference fit, a suture anchor, or both, and selection of a suitable technique or method can be based on various considerations, including the anatomy of the patient being treated. For example, this step can be accomplished by visualizing the tissue intended to be attached to a bone and/or the bone to which the tissue is intended to be anchored to determine which type of attachment should be utilized.
- tissue anchor that is capable of being utilized as both an interference screw and as a suture anchor at least because such a tissue anchor provides a user with the ability to attach tissue to a bone using one or more methods using the same device. This is particularly advantageous in situations in which knowledge of the type of anchoring device that should be used is unknown until a surgical procedure has been initiated, allowing a user to select the appropriate anchoring device once a review of the tissue intended to be anchored and/or die bone have been inspected.
- FIGS. 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 illustrate an alternative screw 712 that can be included in a tissue anchor.
- the screw 712 is similar to the screw 12 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4 and described above, except as detailed below.
- the screw 712 has a lengthwise axis 719 , a screw main body 720 , and a thread 722 .
- the screw main body 720 has a screw length 721 , a screw proximal end 724 , a first outside diameter 725 , a screw distal end 726 , a second outside diameter 727 , and defines a first opening 728 , a second opening 730 , a lumen 732 , a wall 734 , a proximal portion 735 , and a distal portion 737 .
- the screw length 721 extends from the screw proximal end 724 to the screw distal end 726 .
- the proximal portion 735 extends from the screw proximal end 724 toward the screw distal end 726 .
- the distal portion 737 extends from the screw distal end 726 toward the screw proximal end 724 . In the illustrated embodiment, the distal portion 737 extends from the proximal portion 735 to the screw distal end 726 . In the illustrated embodiment, the outside diameter of the screw main body 720 tapers along the distal portion 737 of the screw main body 720 .
- the first outside diameter 725 is disposed at the screw proximal end 724 and the second outside diameter 727 is disposed at the screw distal end 726 .
- the first opening 728 is defined at the screw proximal end 724 and the second opening 730 is defined at the screw distal end 726 .
- Each of the first opening 728 and the second opening 730 is sized and configured to receive a portion of a hex drive to accomplish advancement of the screw into a portion of a body (e.g., bone).
- the second opening 730 is sized and configured to receive a portion of a stem.
- the lumen 732 extends from the first opening 728 to the second opening 730 and is sized and configured to receive one or more portions (e.g., lengths) of a suture and has a constant diameter, and cross-sectional configuration, along its length.
- Alternative embodiments can include a lumen that has a cross-sectional configuration that varies along the length of the lumen.
- the wall 734 extends from the screw proximal end 724 to the screw distal end 726 and has a thickness along the screw length 721 such that no openings extend through the wall 734 and provide access to the lumen 732 .
- the thread 722 has a plurality of turns 738 , a thread proximal end 740 , a thread distal end 742 , a thread length 743 , a pitch 744 , a height 746 , a first side 748 , a second side 750 , a thickness 752 , a root 754 , a crest 756 , a first portion 758 , and a second portion 760 .
- the thread length 743 extends from the thread proximal end 740 to the thread distal end 742 and is less than the screw length 721 .
- the first portion 758 extends from the thread proximal end 740 toward the thread distal end 742 and the second portion 760 extends from the first portion 758 to the thread distal end 742 .
- the height 746 of the thread 722 extends from the root 754 to the crest 756 and is constant along the first portion 758 of the of the thread 722 and tapers from the first portion 758 along the second portion 760 of the thread 722 to the thread distal end 742 .
- the thickness 752 of the thread 722 extends from the first side 748 of the thread 722 to the second side 750 of the thread 722 at the root 754 .
- the thickness 752 increases from the first portion 758 along the second portion 760 of the thread 722 to the thread distal end 742 .
- the crest 756 is blunted along the first portion 758 of the thread 722 and the second portion 760 of the thread 722 .
- the inclusion of a crest 756 that is blunted along the length of the thread 722 is considered advantageous at least because it reduces the possibility of damaging tissue as the thread 722 is advanced into a passageway and die tissue is secured between the thread 722 and die wall defining the passageway (e.g., the wall defining a passageway created in a bone). This can be important because inclusion of a crest that is blunted can prevent tissue damage, including severing of the tissue, which could eliminate any anchoring provided by the tissue anchor.
- the screw length 721 is equal to about 0.591 inches
- die thread height. 746 is equal to about 0.028 inches
- each thread includes a radius of curvature 770 equal to about 0.012 proximal, and adjacent, to the crest 756 and distal, and adjacent, to the crest 756
- each thread includes a radius of curvature 772 equal to about 0.018 inches proximal, and adjacent, to the root 754 and distal, and adjacent, to the root 754
- the lumen 732 has a hexagonal cross-sectional configuration and an inside diameter equal to about 0.1 inches
- die pitch 744 is equal to about 0.079 inches
- the thread has a thread angle 774 equal to about 48 degrees
- a distal portion of die thread 722 (e.g., the thread second side 750 ) is disposed at an angle 776 equal to about 40 degrees relative to an axis that is disposed orthogonally to the lengthwise axis 719 of the screw 712
- a screw can have any suitable dimensions and selection of suitable dimensions can be based on various considerations, including the type of bone within which a screw is intended to be disposed.
- Example screw lengths considered suitable for a screw include those that are equal to, greater than, less than, or about 0.591 inches, those between about 0.4 inches and about 0.8 inches, and any other length considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- Example thread heights considered suitable for a screw include those that are equal to, greater than, less than, or about 0.028 inches, those between about 0.02 inches and about 0.04 inches, and any other height considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- Example radii of curvature considered suitable for inclusion on a thread include those that are equal to, greater than, less than, or about 0.012 inches, 0.018 inches, those between about 0.005 inches and about 0.02 inches, those between about 0.01 inches and about 0.03 inches, and any other radius of curvature considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- Example inside diameters considered suitable for lumen of a screw include those that are equal to, greater than, less than, or about 0.1 inches, those between about 0.05 inches and about 0.15 inches, and any other inside diameter considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- Example pitches considered suitable for a thread include those that are equal to, greater than, less than, or about 0.079 inches, those between about 0.06 inches and about 0.1 inches, and any other pitch considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- Example thread angles considered suitable for a screw include those that are equal to, greater than, less than, or about 48 degrees, those between about 38 degrees and about 58 degrees, and any other thread angle considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- Example major diameters considered suitable for a screw include those that are equal to, greater than, less than, or about 0.225 inches, 0.227 inches, 0.229 inches, those between about 0.2 inches and about 0.3 inches, those less than 0.2 inches, those greater than 0.3 inches, and any other diameter considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- Example minor diameters considered suitable for a screw include those that are equal to, greater than, less than, or about 0.169 inches, 0.171 inches, 0.173 inches, those between about 0.1 inches and about 0.2 inches, those less than 0.1 inches, those greater than 0.2 inches, and any other diameter considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- a blank used to form a screw can include a radius of curvature equal to about 0.05 inches that extends from a proximal end of the blank to an outer surface of the blank and a distal end of the blank can include a radius of curvature equal to about 0.005 inches.
- the beginning of a thread lead out can be disposed about 0.532 inches from a distal end of a blank when the blank has a length equal to about 0.591 inches.
- the tool path can include any suitable path capable of forming a thread, such as those described herein.
- a tool path can extend from a proximal end of a blank at an inward angle of about 3 degrees relative to an axis that is parallel to the lengthwise axis of the blank to the beginning of a thread lead out, then parallel to the lengthwise axis of the blank, and then at an inward angle of about 7 degrees relative to an axis that is parallel to the lengthwise axis of the blank starting a distance from the distal end of the blank equal to about 0.180 inches.
- FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate an alternative screw 812 that can be included in a tissue anchor.
- the screw 812 is similar to the screw 712 illustrated in FIGS. 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 and described above, except as detailed below.
- the screw 812 has a lengthwise axis 819 , a screw main body 820 , and a thread 822 .
- the wall 834 extends from the screw proximal end 824 to the screw distal end 826 and defines a plurality of passageways 870 .
- Each passageway of the plurality of passageways 870 extends through the wall 834 , provides access to the lumen 832 , and has an inside diameter 871 equal to about 0.042 inches.
- a first set of passageways 872 of the plurality of passageways 870 is disposed on a first side 874 of the screw 812 .
- a second set of passageways 876 of the plurality of passageways 870 is disposed on a second side 878 of the screw 812 .
- the first set of passageways 872 and the second set of passageways 876 is disposed on a plane that contains the lengthwise axis 819 of the screw 812 .
- a first passageway 880 of the first set of passageways 872 is disposed a length 881 from the proximal end 824 of the screw 812 equal to about 0.119 inches.
- a second passageway 882 of the first set of passageways 872 is disposed a length 883 from the proximal end 824 of the screw 812 equal to about 0.279 inches.
- a third passageway 884 of the first set of passageways 872 is disposed a length 885 from the proximal end 824 of the screw 812 equal to about 0.437 inches.
- a first passageway 886 of the second set of passageways 876 is disposed a length 887 from the proximal end 824 of the screw 812 equal to about 0.079 inches.
- a second passageway 888 of the second set of passageways 876 is disposed a length 889 from the proximal end 824 of the screw 812 equal to about 0.238 inches.
- a third passageway 890 of the second set of passageways 876 is disposed a length 891 from the proximal end 824 of the screw 812 equal to about 0.399 inches.
- screw 812 is illustrated as including a plurality of passageways 870 such that each passageway has a particular inside diameter and is disposed at a specific location on die screw
- a screw can include any suitable number of passageways, having any suitable inside diameter, and positioned at any suitable location on the screw.
- numbers of passageways considered suitable to include on a screw include one, at least one, two, a plurality, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, more than ten, and any other number considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- inside diameters considered suitable for a passageway included on a screw include diameters equal to, greater than, less than, or equal to 0.042 inches, between about 0.03 inches and about 0.05 inches, and any other diameter considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- Examples of locations considered suitable to position a passageway, or set of passageways include between a proximal end and a distal end of a screw, such that one or more passageways are disposed on a first plane that extends through a lengthwise axis of a screw and one or more passageways are disposed on a second plane that extends through the lengthwise axis of the screw that is coplanar with, or disposed at angle relative to the first plane that is equal to, greater than, less than, or about 90 degrees, 180 degrees, 270 degrees, between about 1 degree and about 359 degrees, and any other position considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
Abstract
Tissue anchors, kits that include a tissue anchor, and methods of anchoring tissue to a bone are described. An example embodiment of a tissue anchor includes a screw and a stem releasably attached to the screw. The screw defines a first opening, a second opening, and a lumen that extends from the first opening to the second opening. A portion of the stem is sized and configured to be received within the lumen defined by the screw.
Description
- The disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices. More particularly, the disclosure relates to tissue anchors, kits that include a tissue anchor, and methods of anchoring tissue to a bone.
- Soft tissue, such as a ligament or tendon, sometimes becomes detached from the bone to which it was originally attached resulting in a loss, or decrease, of the tissue's functionality. Various devices have been developed to accomplish reattachment of tissue to bone, such as staples, screws, suture anchors, and interference screws. However, these devices only provide a single mechanism for attaching tissue to bone. For example, interference screws accomplish attachment between tissue and bone by advancing the screw into the bone while the tissue is positioned adjacent to the screw. However, depending on the structural arrangement of the thread of the interference screw, the tissue can be damaged by the thread as it is advanced into the bone, resulting in tearing and an increase in the potential for the tissue to become detached from the bone. Suture anchors accomplish attachment by passing a suture through a selected portion of the tissue and fixing the suture to the bone with a fastener. The suture is generally fixed to the tissue by tying it in a knot around the tissue, which can be complex and time consuming if access to the surgical site is limited.
- Therefore, a need exists for new and useful approaches to attaching tissue to a bone.
- Various tissue anchors, kits that include a tissue anchor, and methods of anchoring tissue to a bone are described herein.
- An example tissue anchor includes a screw and a stem. The screw has a lengthwise axis, a screw main body, and a thread that extends from the screw main body and away from the lengthwise axis. The screw main body defines a first opening, a second opening, and a lumen that extends from the first opening to the second opening. The stem is releasably attached to the screw and partially disposed within the lumen defined by the screw. The stem has a stein main body that defines a first portion, a second portion, a first recess, a second recess, a first passageway, and a second passageway. The first portion of die stem has a first outside diameter, a first side, and a second side. The second portion of the stein has a second outside diameter that is greater than the first outside diameter. Each of the first and second recesses is defined on the first portion of the stem. The first recess is positioned on the first side of the first portion and the second recess is positioned on the second side of the first portion. Each of the first and second passageways extends through the second portion and is in communication with die lumen defined by the screw.
- Another example tissue anchor includes a screw and a stem. The screw has a lengthwise axis, a screw main body, and a thread that extends from the screw main body and away from the lengthwise axis. The screw main body has a screw proximal end, a screw distal end, a distal portion that extends from the screw distal end toward the screw proximal end, a first outside diameter at the screw proximal end, and defines a first opening, a second opening, and a lumen that extends from the first opening to the second opening. The outside diameter of the screw main body tapers along the distal portion of the main body. The thread has a thread proximal end, a thread distal end, a thread length that extends from the thread proximal end to the thread distal end, a first portion that extends from the thread proximal end toward the thread distal end, a second portion that extends from the first portion of the thread to the thread distal end, a pitch, and a height. The pitch is constant along the thread length. The height is constant along the first portion of the thread and tapers along the second portion of the thread. The stem is releasably attached to the screw and partially disposed within the lumen defined by die screw. The stem has a stem main body that defines a first portion, a second portion, a first recess, a second recess, a first passageway, and a second passageway. The first portion of the stem has a first outside diameter, a first side, and a second side. The second portion of the stem has a second outside diameter that is greater than the first outside diameter. Each of the first and second recesses is defined on the first portion of the stem. The first recess is positioned on the first side of the first portion and the second recess is positioned on the second side of the first portion. Each of the first and second passageways extends through the second portion and is in communication with the lumen defined by the screw.
- Another example tissue anchor includes a screw and a stem. The screw has a lengthwise axis, a screw main body, and a thread that extends from the screw main body and away from the lengthwise axis. The screw main body has a screw proximal end, a screw distal end, a distal portion that extends from the screw distal end toward the screw proximal end, a first outside diameter at the screw proximal end, and defines a first opening, a second opening, and a lumen that extends from the first opening to the second opening. The outside diameter of the screw main body tapers along the distal portion of the screw main body. The thread has a thread proximal end, a thread distal end, a thread length that extends from the thread proximal end to the thread distal end, a first portion that extends from the thread proximal end toward the thread distal end, a second portion that extends from the first portion of the thread to the thread distal end, a pitch, a height, a crest, a first side, a second side, and a thickness that extends from the first side of the thread to the second side of the thread. The pitch is constant along the thread length. The height is constant along the first portion of the thread and tapers along the second portion of the thread. The crest is blunted along a portion of the thread. The thickness of the thread is constant along the first portion of the thread and tapers along the second portion of the thread. The stem is releasably attached to the screw and partially disposed within the lumen defined by the screw. The stem has a stem main body defining a first portion, a second portion, a first recess, a second recess, a first passageway, and a second passageway. The first portion of the stem has a first outside diameter, a first side, and a second side. The second portion of the stem has a second outside diameter that is greater than the first outside diameter. Each of the first and second recesses is defined on the first portion of the stem. The first recess is positioned on the first side of the first portion and the second recess is positioned on the second side of the first portion. Each of the first and second passageways extends through the second portion and is in communication with the lumen defined by the screw. The first passageway is disposed adjacent to the first recess. The second passageway is disposed adjacent to the second recess.
- An example kit that includes a tissue anchor includes a first tissue anchor according to an embodiment; a second tissue anchor according to an embodiment; a third tissue anchor according to an embodiment; a storage container; and instructions for use.
- An example method of anchoring tissue to a bone comprises the steps of: creating an opening over the tissue intended to be anchored to a bone; locating the tissue; trimming a portion of the tissue; selecting a tissue anchor; drilling a passageway into a bone; reaming the passageway to a desired diameter based on the diameter of the selected tissue anchor; advancing a portion of the tissue into the passageway such that a portion of die tissue is disposed within the passageway; introducing the screw of the selected tissue anchor into the passageway containing a portion of the tissue such that a portion of the tissue disposed within the passageway is disposed adjacent to the distal portion of the screw; advancing the screw such into the passageway such that the tissue is anchored between the screw and the bone; closing the opening.
- Another example method of anchoring tissue to a bone comprises the steps of: creating an opening over the tissue intended to be anchored to a bone; locating the tissue; selecting a tissue anchor; drilling a passageway into a bone; passing the first end of the suture through the lumen defined by the screw and the first passageway defined by the stem; passing the first end of the suture through the second passageway defined by the stem and through the lumen defined by the screw such that the first and second ends of the suture are disposed outside of the screw; introducing the screw of the selected tissue anchor into the passageway such that a portion of the tissue anchor is disposed within the passageway; advancing the screw into the passageway such that the screw is anchored to the bone; positioning a portion of the tissue adjacent die tissue anchor, attaching the tissue to the screw using the suture such that the tissue is anchored to the screw; closing the opening.
- Another example method of anchoring tissue to a bone comprises the steps of: creating an opening over the tissue intended to be anchored to a bone; locating the tissue; trimming a portion of the tissue; selecting a tissue anchor, drilling a passageway into a bone; advancing a portion of the tissue into the passageway such that a portion of die tissue is disposed within the passageway; introducing the screw of the selected tissue anchor into the passageway such that a portion of the tissue anchor is disposed within the passageway; passing the first end of the suture through the lumen defined by the screw and the first passageway defined by the stein; passing the first end of the suture through die second passageway defined by the stem and through die lumen defined by the screw such that the first and second ends of the suture are disposed outside of the screw; advancing the screw into the passageway such that the tissue is anchored between the screw and the bone; positioning a portion of the tissue adjacent the tissue anchor; attaching the tissue to the screw using the suture such that the tissue is anchored to the screw; closing the opening.
- Additional understanding of the example tissue anchors, kits that include a tissue anchor, and methods of anchoring tissue to a bone can be obtained by review of the detailed description, below, and the appended drawings.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example tissue anchor. -
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the tissue anchor illustrated inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a top view of die screw of die tissue anchor illustrated inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the screw of the tissue anchor illustrated inFIG. 1 taken along the lengthwise axis of the screw. -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the stein of the tissue anchor illustrated inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6 is a side view of the stem of the tissue anchor illustrated inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the stem of the tissue anchor illustrated inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 8 is a top view of die stem of die tissue anchor illustrated inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second example tissue anchor. -
FIG. 10 is a top view of the screw of the tissue anchor illustrated inFIG. 9 . -
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the screw of the tissue anchor illustrated inFIG. 9 taken along the lengthwise axis of the screw. -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the stem of the tissue anchor illustrated inFIG. 9 . -
FIG. 13 is a side view of the stem of the tissue anchor illustrated inFIG. 9 . -
FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the stem of the tissue anchor illustrated inFIG. 9 . -
FIG. 15 is a top view of the stem of the tissue anchor illustrated inFIG. 9 . -
FIG. 16 illustrates an example kit that includes a plurality of tissue anchors. -
FIG. 17 is a schematic illustration of an example method of anchoring tissue to a bone. -
FIG. 17A illustrates a passageway intended to receive a tissue anchor and a portion of tissue separated from a bone. -
FIG. 17B illustrates a passageway intended to receive a tissue anchor and a portion of tissue separated from a bone. The tissue is partially disposed within the passageway. -
FIG. 17C illustrates a passageway, a tissue anchor partially disposed within the passageway, and a portion of tissue separated from a bone partially disposed within the passageway. -
FIG. 17D illustrates a passageway, a tissue anchor disposed within the passageway, and a portion of tissue partially disposed within the passageway and anchored to the bone by the tissue anchor. -
FIG. 18 is a schematic illustration of another example method of anchoring tissue to a bone. -
FIG. 18A illustrates a suture partially disposed through a tissue anchor. The suture is disposed through the lumen of the screw and the first passageway defined by the stem. -
FIG. 18B illustrates a suture partially disposed through a tissue anchor. The suture is disposed through the lumen of the screw, the first passageway defined by the stein, and die second passageway defined by the stem. -
FIG. 18C illustrates a passageway, a tissue anchor disposed within the passageway, and a portion of tissue separated from a bone disposed adjacent to the tissue anchor. -
FIG. 18D illustrates a passageway, a tissue anchor disposed within the passageway, and a portion of tissue attached to the tissue anchor. -
FIG. 19 is a schematic illustration of another example method of anchoring tissue to a bone. -
FIG. 19A illustrates a passageway, a portion of tissue separated from a bone partially disposed within the passageway, and a tissue anchor partially disposed within the passageway. -
FIG. 19B illustrates a passageway, a portion of tissue separated from a bone partially disposed within the passageway, a tissue anchor disposed within the passageway, and a suture partially disposed through the tissue anchor. The suture is disposed through the lumen of the screw and the first passageway defined by the stem. -
FIG. 19C illustrates a passageway, a portion of tissue separated from a bone partially disposed within the passageway, a tissue anchor disposed within the passageway, and a suture partially disposed through the tissue anchor. The suture is disposed through the lumen of the screw, the first passageway defined by the stem, and the second passageway defined by the stem. -
FIG. 19D illustrates a passageway, a tissue anchor disposed within the passageway, a portion of tissue partially disposed within the passageway and anchored to the bone by the tissue anchor, and a portion of tissue attached to the tissue anchor. -
FIG. 20 is a schematic illustration of another example method of anchoring tissue to a bone. -
FIG. 20A illustrates a passageway and a portion of tissue separated from a bone partially disposed within the passageway. -
FIG. 20B illustrates a passageway, a portion of tissue separated from a bone partially disposed within the passageway, and a guide wire partially disposed within the passageway. -
FIG. 20C illustrates a passageway, a portion of tissue separated from a bone partially disposed within the passageway, a guide wire partially disposed within the passageway, and a screw of a tissue anchor disposed on the guide wire. -
FIG. 20D illustrates a passageway, a portion of tissue separated from a bone partially disposed within the passageway, and a screw of a tissue anchor disposed within the passageway. -
FIG. 20E illustrates a passageway, a portion of tissue separated from a bone partially disposed within the passageway, a screw of a tissue anchor disposed within the passageway, a wire partially disposed through the screw of the tissue anchor, and a suture partially disposed through the stem of the tissue anchor. -
FIG. 20F illustrates a passageway, a portion of tissue separated from a bone partially disposed within the passageway, a screw of a tissue anchor disposed within the passageway, and a suture partially disposed through the stein of the tissue anchor, the screw of the tissue anchor, and a loop defined by the wire. -
FIG. 20G illustrates a passageway, a tissue anchor disposed within the passageway, a portion of tissue partially disposed within the passageway and anchored to the bone by the tissue anchor, and a portion of tissue attached to the tissue anchor. -
FIG. 21 is a side view of a first alternative screw that can be included in a tissue anchor. -
FIG. 22 is a partial perspective view of the screw illustrated inFIG. 21 . -
FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the screw illustrated inFIG. 21 taken along the lengthwise axis of the screw. -
FIG. 24 is a magnified view of area I indicated inFIG. 23 . -
FIG. 25 is a bottom view of the screw illustrated inFIG. 21 . -
FIG. 26 is a side view of a second alternative screw that can be included in a tissue anchor. -
FIG. 27 is another side view of the screw illustrated inFIG. 26 . - The following detailed description and the appended drawings describe and illustrate various example embodiments of tissue anchors, kits that include a tissue anchor, and methods of anchoring tissue to a bone. The description and illustration of these examples are provided to enable one skilled in the art to make and use a tissue anchor, to make a kit that includes a tissue anchor, and to practice a method of anchoring tissue to a bone. They are not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any manner.
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FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 illustrate a firstexample tissue anchor 10. Thetissue anchor 10 includes alengthwise axis 11, ascrew 12, and astein 14 releasably attached to thescrew 12. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
screw 12 has alengthwise axis 19, a screwmain body 20 and athread 22. The screwmain body 20 has ascrew length 21, a screwproximal end 24, a firstoutside diameter 25, a screwdistal end 26, a secondoutside diameter 27, and defines afirst opening 28, asecond opening 30, alumen 32, awall 34, arecess 36, aproximal portion 35, and adistal portion 37. Thescrew length 21 extends from the screwproximal end 24 to the screwdistal end 26. Theproximal portion 35 extends from the screwproximal end 24 toward the screwdistal end 26. Thedistal portion 37 extends from the screwdistal end 26 toward the screwproximal end 24. In the illustrated embodiment, thedistal portion 37 extends from theproximal portion 35 to the screwdistal end 26. - The first
outside diameter 25 is disposed at the screwproximal end 24 and the secondoutside diameter 27 is disposed at the screwdistal end 26. In the illustrated embodiment, die outside diameter of the screwmain body 20 tapers along thedistal portion 37 of the screwmain body 20 such that a portion of thedistal portion 37 of the screwmain body 20 is disposed at anangle 33 relative to a plane that extends along the screwmain body 20 from the screwproximal end 24 to the location that theproximal portion 35 meets thedistal portion 37. In the illustrated embodiment, theangle 33 is equal to about 30 degrees. - The
first opening 28 is defined at the screwproximal end 24 and thesecond opening 30 is defined at the screwdistal end 26. Thefirst opening 28 is sized and configured to receive a portion of a star drive to accomplish advancement of the screw into a portion of a body (e.g., bone). Thesecond opening 30 is sized and configured to receive a portion of thestem 14. Thelumen 32 extends from thefirst opening 28 to thesecond opening 30 and is sized and configured to receive one or more portions (e.g., lengths) of a suture and has a constant diameter along its length, except for the portions that include thefirst opening 28 and therecess 36. Thewall 34 extends from the screwproximal end 24 to the screwdistal end 26 and has a thickness along thescrew length 21 such that no openings extend through thewall 34 and provide access to thelumen 32. As best shown inFIG. 4 , therecess 36 is defined within thelumen 32 of thescrew 12, extends into thewall 34, and is positioned, sized, and configured to receive theprojections 82 defied by thestem 14 such that a snap-fit attachment between thescrew 12 and thestein 14 can be accomplished. - While the
first opening 28 has been illustrated as sized and configured to receive a portion of a star drive and thesecond opening 30 has been illustrated as sized and configured to receive a portion of thestem 14, the first opening defined on a screw can be sized and configured to receive a portion of any suitable tool and a second opening can be sized and configured to receive any suitable portion of a stein. Selection of a suitable size and configuration to form a first opening and/or a second opening defined by the screw main body can be based on various considerations, including the material that forms the screw. Examples of sizes and configurations considered suitable to form a first opening defined on a screw include those that are sized and configured to receive a portion of a handheld, or mechanically driven, driver, such as star (torx) driver, slotted driver, phillips head driver, allen wrench driver, Robertson driver, hex driver, and any other size and configuration considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Examples of sizes and configurations considered suitable to form a second opening defined on a screw include those that are sized and configured to receive a portion of a stein, a portion of a first portion of a stein, a portion of a second portion of a stem, a portion of a first portion and a portion of a second portion of a stem, and any other size and configuration considered suitable for a particular embodiment. - While the
lumen 32 has been illustrated as having a constant diameter along its length, except for the portions that include thefirst opening 28 and therecess 36, a lumen defined by the screw main body can have any suitable diameter and selection of a suitable diameter for a lumen defined on a screw can be based on various considerations, including the size and configuration of the material intended to be passed through the lumen. Examples of diameters considered suitable for a lumen defined by the screw main body include diameters that are constant along a portion, or the entirety, of the length of the lumen, a first diameter along a proximal portion of a screw main body and a second diameter that tapers along a distal portion of the screw main body, a diameter that varies along the length of a screw, and any other configuration considered suitable for a particular embodiment. - While the
wall 34 has been illustrated as having a thickness along thescrew length 21, a wall of a screw can have any configuration and selection of a suitable configuration for a wall of a screw can be based on various considerations, including the intended use of the screw. Examples of configurations considered suitable for a wall of a screw include those that are continuous and uninterrupted, define one or more passageway that extend from an outer surface to a lumen defined by the screw main body (e.g., to allow bone ingrowth), as shown inFIGS. 26 and 27 , define one or more projections or roughed surfaces on a portion, or the entirety, of an outer surface or inner surface of the screw main body (e.g., to allow bone ingrowth), and any other configuration considered suitable for a particular embodiment. - While the outside diameter of the screw
main body 20 has been illustrated as tapering along thedistal portion 37 of the screwmain body 20 such that a portion of thedistal portion 37 of the screwmain body 20 is disposed at anangle 33 relative to a plane that extends along thescrew mam body 20 from the screwproximal end 24 to the location theproximal portion 35 meets thedistal portion 37, a screw main body can have any suitable outside diameter. Selection of a suitable outside diameter for a screw main body can be based on various considerations, including the structural arrangement of the portion of the body to which a tissue anchor is intended to be attached and/or the first outside diameter of the screw. Examples of outside diameters considered suitable for the screw main body include outside diameters that are constant along the screw length, that vary along the screw length, that taper from the screw proximal end to the screw distal end, that are constant along a first portion of a screw main body and that taper along a second portion of the screw main body, and any other outside diameter considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Examples of angles considered suitable between a proximal portion of a screw main body and a distal portion, or a portion of a distal portion, of a screw main body include angles equal to, greater than, less than, or about 15 degrees, about 30 degrees, about 45 degrees, about 60 degrees, and any other angle considered suitable for a particular embodiment. For example, a screw can have a first outside diameter that is equal to, or about, 8 millimeters and a second outside diameter that is equal to, or about, 4 millimeters such that a portion of a distal portion of the screw main body is disposed at an angle equal to, or about, 40 degrees relative to a plane that extends along the screw main body from the screw proximal end to the location that a proximal portion meets the distal portion. Alternatively, a screw can have a first outside diameter that is equal to, or about, 5 millimeters and a second outside diameter that is equal to, or about, 4 millimeters such that a portion of a distal portion of the screw main body is disposed at an angle equal to, or about, 10 degrees relative to a plane that extends along the screw main body from the screw proximal end to the location that a proximal portion meets the distal portion. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
thread 22 extends from the screwmain body 20, away from thelengthwise axis 19 of thescrew 12, and is formed as an integral part of thescrew 12. Thethread 22 has a plurality ofturns 38, a threadproximal end 40, a threaddistal end 42, athread length 43, apitch 44, aheight 46, afirst side 48, asecond side 50, athickness 52, aroot 54, acrest 56, afirst portion 58, and asecond portion 60. - The
thread length 43 extends from the threadproximal end 40 to the threaddistal end 42 and is less than thescrew length 21. Thefirst portion 58 extends from the threadproximal end 40 toward the threaddistal end 42 and thesecond portion 60 extends from thefirst portion 58 to the threaddistal end 42. Thepitch 44 of thethread 22 is constant along thethread length 43. Theheight 46 of thethread 22 extends from theroot 54 to thecrest 56 and is constant along thefirst portion 58 of the of thethread 22 and tapers from thefirst portion 58 along thesecond portion 60 of thethread 22 to the threaddistal end 42. Thethickness 52 of thethread 22 extends from thefirst side 48 of thethread 22 to thesecond side 50 of thethread 22 at theroot 54. Thethickness 52 is constant along thefirst portion 58 of thethread 22 and tapers from thefirst portion 58 along thesecond portion 60 of thethread 22 to the threaddistal end 42. In the illustrated embodiment, thecrest 56 is blunted along thefirst portion 58 of thethread 22 and is pointed along thesecond portion 60 of thethread 22. The inclusion of acrest 56 that is blunted along a portion of thethread 22 is considered advantageous at least because it reduces the possibility of damaging tissue as the thread is advanced into a passageway and the tissue is secured between the thread and the wall defining the passageway (e.g., the wall defining a passageway created in a bone). This can be important because inclusion of a crest that defines a point along this portion can lead to tissue damage, including severing of the tissue, which could eliminate any anchoring provided by the tissue anchor. - While the
thread 22 has been illustrated as having athread length 43 that is less than thescrew length 21, apitch 44 that is constant along thethread length 43, aheight 46 that is constant along thefirst portion 58 of thethread 22 and that tapers along thesecond portion 60 of thethread 22, and athickness 52 that is constant along thefirst portion 58 of thethread 22 and that tapers along thesecond portion 60 of thethread 22, a thread included on a screw of a tissue anchor can have any suitable thread length, pitch, height, and thickness. Selection of a suitable thread length, pitch, height, and thickness for a thread included on a screw can be based on various considerations, including the material that forms the screw and/or thread. Examples of thread lengths considered suitable include thread lengths that are equal to, less than, greater than, or substantially equal to, the screw length. Examples of pitches considered suitable for a thread included on a screw include pitches that are constant, or varied, along the thread length, and any other pitch considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Examples of heights considered suitable for a thread included on a screw include heights that are constant, or varied, along the thread length, the first portion of the thread, or the second portion of the thread, constant along a first portion of a thread and that taper along a second portion of the thread, and any other height considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Examples of thicknesses considered suitable for a thread included on a screw include thicknesses that are constant, or varied, along the length of the thread, constant along a first portion of a thread and that taper along a second portion of the thread, and any other thickness considered suitable for a particular embodiment. - While the
crest 56 has been illustrated as being blunted along thefirst portion 58 of thethread 22 and being pointed along thesecond portion 60 of thethread 22, a crest included on a screw can have any suitable structural arrangement. Selection of a suitable structural arrangement for a crest of a thread can be based on various considerations, including the intended use of a screw. Examples of structural arrangements considered suitable for the crest of a thread include those that are blunted, rounded, pointed, American National, British Standard, square, acme, buttress, or knuckle along a portion (e.g., first portion of the thread, second portion of the thread), or the entirety, of a thread, and any other structural arrangement considered suitable for a particular embodiment. - While the
thread 22 has been illustrated as having a plurality ofturns 38 that extends in a clockwise direction, a thread can include any suitable number of turns and selection of a suitable number of turns for a thread to define can be based on various considerations, such as the material that forms the portion of the body to which a tissue anchor is intended to be attached. Examples of numbers of turns considered suitable for a thread to define include a partial turn, one complete turn, at least one complete turn, two complete turns, a plurality of complete turns, and any other number considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Examples of directions considered suitable for a thread included on a screw to extend include in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction relative to the lengthwise axis of a tissue anchor. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
stem 14 is releasably attached to thescrew 12 and has a stemmain body 64. The stemmain body 64 has a stemproximal end 66, a stemdistal end 68, and defines afirst portion 70, asecond portion 72, afirst recess 74, asecond recess 76, afirst passageway 78, asecond passageway 80, andprojections 82. - The
first portion 70 is sized and configured to be received by thelumen 32 of thescrew 12 such that the entirety of thefirst portion 70 is disposed within thelumen 32. Thefirst portion 70 has a first portionproximal end 84, a first portiondistal end 86, afirst side 88, asecond side 90, a firstoutside diameter 85, and a first portion length 87. Thefirst portion 70 extends from the stemproximal end 66 toward the stemdistal end 68. The first portion length 87 extends from the first portionproximal end 84 to the first portiondistal end 86. Thesecond portion 72 has a second portionproximal end 92 attached to thefirst portion 66, a second portiondistal end 94, a secondoutside diameter 93, and a second portion length 95. Thesecond portion 72 extends from thefirst portion 70 to the stemdistal end 68. The secondoutside diameter 93 is greater than the firstoutside diameter 85. In the illustrated embodiment, the firstoutside diameter 85 is equal to about 0.055 inches. The second portion length 95 extends from second portionproximal end 92 to the second portiondistal end 94 and is less than the first portion length 87. In the illustrated embodiment, the sum of the first portion length 87 and the second portion length 95 is equal to about 0.079 inches, the second portion length 95 is equal to about 0.049 inches, and a radius of curvature 96 equal to about 0.020 inches is defined on the second portion. - Each of the first and
second recesses first portion 70, extends into the stemmain body 64, and extends from the first portionproximal end 84 to the first portiondistal end 86. Each of the first andsecond recesses passageway second portion 72, has a radius ofcurvature 97, and is sized and configured to receive a portion of a suture. Thefirst passageway 78 is disposed adjacent to thefirst recess 74 such that a firstcontinuous surface 79 defines a portion of thefirst recess 74 and a portion of thefirst passageway 78. Thesecond passageway 80 is disposed adjacent to thesecond recess 76 such that a secondcontinuous surface 81 defines a portion of thesecond recess 76 and a portion of thesecond passageway 80. In the illustrated embodiment, the firstcontinuous surface 79 is disposed from the second continuous surface 81 a distance equal to about 0.031 inches. Thefirst recess 74 is positioned on thefirst side 88 of thefirst portion 70 and thesecond recess 76 positioned on asecond side 90 of thefirst portion 70. In the illustrated embodiment, the radius ofcurvature 97 of the first recess is equal to the radius ofcurvature 97 of thesecond recess 76. - Each of the first and
second passageways second portion 72 of thestem 14 and extends through the second portion length 95. Each of the first andsecond passageways recess first portion 70 of thestem 14, and is sized and configured to receive a portion of a suture, as described in more detail herein. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first andsecond passageways length 89 equal to about 0.038 inches and aheight 91 equal to about 0.065 inches. When thestem 14 is attached to thescrew 12, each of the first andsecond passageways lumen 32 defined by thescrew 12 such that the axes of the first andsecond passageways lumen 32. This configuration advantageously allows one or more portions of a suture to be passed through thelumen 32 defined by thescrew 12 and through one, or both, of thepassageways - Each of
die projections 82 is defined on diefirst portion 70 of thestem 14 and extends from thefirst portion 70 and away from a lengthwise axis of thestem 14. A portion of each of theprojections 82 is positioned, sized, and configured to be received within therecess 36 defined by thescrew 12 such that thestem 14 can be releasably attached to thescrew 12 using a snap-fit attachment. - While each of the
recesses passageways die passageways lumen 32 defined by thescrew 12 such that the axes of thepassageways lumen 32 when thestein 14 is attached to thescrew 12, a recess and passageway defined on a stein can have any suitable structural arrangement. Selection of a suitable structural arrangement for a recess and/or passageway defined on a stein can be based on various considerations, including the size of the material intended to be disposed within the recess and/or passageway. Examples of structural arrangements considered suitable for a recess defined on a stem include those in which a first recess has a first radius of curvature and a second recess has a second radius of curvature that is equal to, different than, greater than, or less than, the first radius of curvature, a first recess has a first cross-sectional configuration (e.g., curved, linear, rectangular, square) and a second recess has a second cross-sectional configuration (e.g., curved, linear, rectangular, square) that is the same as, or different than, the first cross-sectional configuration, and any other structural arrangement considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Examples of cross-sectional shapes considered suitable to form a passageway defined on a stem include those that are circular, oval, square, rectangular, pentagonal, and any other cross-sectional shape considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Examples of positions considered suitable for one or more passageways defined by a stem include those in which each axis of two passageways extends through a lumen of a screw when a stem is attached to the screw, one axis of a passageway extends through a lumen of a screw when a stem is attached to the screw, no axis of a passageway extends through a lumen of a screw when a stein is attached to the screw, and any other position considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Examples of distances considered suitable to disposed a first continuous surface from a second continuous surface include distances equal to, greater than, less than, or about 0.031 inches, 0.032 inches, 0.030 inches, between about 0.025 inches and about 0.036 inches, and any other distance considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Examples of lengths and heights considered suitable for a passageway defined by a stem include lengths equal to, greater than, less than, or about 0.038 inches, 0.039 inches, 0.037 inches, between about 0.03 inches and about 0.05 inches, heights equal to, greater than, less than, or about 0.065 inches, 0.063 inches, 0.067 inches, between about 0.06 inches and about 0.07 inches, and any other length or height considered suitable for a particular embodiment. - While the
first passageway 78 has been illustrated as being disposed adjacent to thefirst recess 74 such that a firstcontinuous surface 79 defines a portion of thefirst recess 74 and a portion of thefirst passageway 78 and thesecond passageway 80 has been illustrated as being disposed adjacent to thesecond recess 76 such that a secondcontinuous surface 81 defines a portion of thesecond recess 76 and a portion of thesecond passageway 80, any suitable structural arrangement between a recess and a passageway can be included on a stem. Selection of a suitable structural arrangement between a recess and a passageway can be based on various considerations, including the material that forms a stem. Examples of structural arrangements considered suitable between a recess and a passageway include those in which a continuous surface forms part, or the entirety, of a passageway and part, or the entirety, of a recess, a first surface forms a portion, or the entirety, of a recess and a second surface that is not continuous with the first surface forms a portion, or the entirety, of a passageway, and any other structural arrangement considered suitable for a particular embodiment. - While the entire
first portion 70 has been illustrated as disposed within thelumen 32 when thestem 14 is releasably attached to thescrew 12, any suitable portion of a stem can be disposed within a lumen defined by a screw. Selection of a suitable portion of a stem to position within a lumen defined by a screw when the stein is releasably attached to the screw can be based on various considerations, including the material that forms a stem and/or screw. Examples of portions of a stem considered suitable to position within a lumen defined by a screw when the stein is releasably attached to the screw include a portion, or the entirety, of the first portion, the second portion, the entire stem, and any other portion considered suitable for a particular embodiment. - While the second
outside diameter 93 has been illustrated as being greater than the firstoutside diameter 85 and the second portion length 95 has been illustrated as being less than the first portion length 87, the first and second portions of a stem can have any suitable outside diameter and length. Selection of a suitable outside diameter and length for a first portion and/or second portion of a stem can be based on various considerations, including the structural arrangement of a screw intended to be used with the stem. Examples of configurations considered suitable for a stem include stems that have an outside diameter that is constant along a first portion and a second portion of the stein, a first outside diameter along a first portion and a second outside diameter along a second portion that is equal to, less than, greater than, or about the first outside diameter, stems that have a first length along a first portion and a second length along a second portion that is equal to, less than, greater than, or about the length of the first portion and any other configuration considered suitable for a particular embodiment. For example, a stem can have a second outside diameter that is equal to, or about, 4 millimeters. Examples of diameters considered suitable for a first outside diameter include those equal to, greater than, less than, or about 0.055 inches, between about 0.045 inches and about 0.065 inches, and any other diameter considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Examples of lengths considered suitable for a second portion length include those equal to, greater than, less than, or about 0.049 inches, between about 0.04 inches and about 0.06 inches, and any other length considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Examples of lengths considered suitable for a sum of a first portion length and a second portion length include those equal to, greater than, less than, or about 0.079 inches, between about 0.06 inches and about 0.1 inches, and any other length considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Examples of radii of curvature considered suitable to include on a second portion include those equal to, greater than, less than, or about 0.020 inches, between about 0.015 inches and 0.02.5 inches, and any other radius of curvature considered suitable for a particular embodiment. - A screw and stem included in a tissue anchor can be formed of any suitable material and selection of a suitable material to form a screw and a stem can be based on various considerations, including the intended use of the screw and stem. Examples of materials considered suitable to form a screw and/or stem include implant grade materials, biocompatible materials, materials that can be made biocompatible, metals such as stainless steel, titanium, metal alloys, nickel-titanium alloy (e.g., Nitinol), thermoplastics, polymers, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), Pebax (Pebax is a registered trademark of Ato Chimie Corporation of Allee des Vosges, Courbevoie, France), nylon, polyethylene, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), high-performance polyethylene (HPPE), polyurethane, silicone, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyoxymedylene (e.g., acetal), combinations of the materials described herein, and any other material considered suitable for a particular embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the
screw 12 and stem 14 is formed of PEEK. Alternative embodiments, however, can include a screw that is formed of a first material and a stein that is formed of a second material that is different than the first material. - While the
screw 12 has been illustrated as being attached to thestem 14 using a snap-fit attachment, a screw and a stein can be releasably attached to one another using any suitable technique or method of attachment. Selection of a technique or method of attachment considered suitable to accomplished attachment between a screw and a stem can be based on various considerations, including the material that forms the screw and/or stem. Examples of techniques and methods of attachment considered suitable to accomplished attachment between a screw and a stem include structures that accomplish a snap-fit attachment, press-fit attachment, interference fit attachment, friction fit attachment, threaded attachment, using an adhesive, fusing a screw to a stem, and any other technique or method considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Alternatively, a stem can be an integrated component of a screw such that they are formed as a continuous piece of material or a screw can be provided separately from a stem. -
FIGS. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 illustrate anothertissue anchor 110. Thetissue anchor 110 is similar to thetissue anchor 10 illustrated inFIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 and described above, except as detailed below. Thetissue anchor 110 includes ascrew 112 and astem 114 releasably attached to thescrew 112. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
first opening 128 is sized and configured to receive a portion of a hex drive to accomplish advancement of thescrew 112 into a portion of a body and theangle 133 between a portion of thedistal portion 137 and a plane that extends along the screwmain body 120 from the screwproximal end 124 to the location theproximal portion 135 meets thedistal portion 137 is equal to about 4.5 degrees. In addition, thescrew 112 defines athread 136 within thelumen 132 of thescrew 112 that is positioned, sized, and configured to mate with athread 182 defined by thestem 114 to achieve releasable attachment between thescrew 112 and thestem 114. - In the illustrated embodiment, the stem
main body 164 defines athird passageway 198. Thethird passageway 198 extends through both thefirst portion 170 and thesecond portion 172 of thestem 114, has a circular cross-sectional shape, and is sized and configured to receive a portion of a suture or guide wire, as described in more detail herein. In addition, thestem 114 defines athread 182 that is positioned, sized, and configured to mate with thethread 136 defined by thescrew 112 to achieve releasable attachment between thescrew 112 and thethread 114. - While the
third passageway 198 has been illustrated as having a circular cross-sectional shape, a passageway defined on a stein can have any suitable cross-sectional shape. Selection of a suitable cross-sectional shape for a passageway defined on a stem can be based on various considerations, including the size and configuration of the material intended to be disposed within a passageway. Examples of cross-sectional shapes considered suitable to form a passageway defined on a stem include those that are circular, oval, square, rectangular, pentagonal, and any other cross-sectional shape considered suitable for a particular embodiment. -
FIG. 16 illustrates anexemplary kit 200 that includes afirst tissue anchor 202 according to an embodiment, such astissue anchor 10 illustrated inFIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 ; asecond tissue anchor 204 according to an embodiment, such astissue anchor 110 illustrated inFIGS. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 ; athird tissue anchor 206 according to an embodiment, such astissue anchor 110 illustrated inFIGS. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 ; atissue anchor driver 208; asuture 210; adrill bit 212, areamer 214; abeath pin 216; aneedle 218; asuture loop 220; agraft sizing block 222; astorage container 224; and instructions foruse 226. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
first tissue anchor 202 includes a material that has afirst color 230, thesecond tissue anchor 204 includes a material that has asecond color 232, and thethird tissue anchor 206 includes a material that has athird color 234. Thefirst color 230 is different than thesecond color 232 and thethird color 234. Thesecond color 232 is different than thefirst color 230 and thethird color 234. Thethird color 234 is different than thefirst color 230 and thesecond color 232. The inclusion of multiple tissue anchors within a kit such that each tissue anchor includes a material that has a color that is different than the material included in the other tissue anchors is considered advantageous at least because it provides a user of the kit with a mechanism to determine which tissue anchor to use during a specific procedure without having to measure or otherwise identify the tissue anchor. - A tissue anchor can include a material that has any suitable color and the material can be included on any suitable portion of a tissue anchor using any suitable technique or method. Selection of a suitable color, location to include a material that has a color, and technique or method to include a material that has a color on a tissue anchor can be based on various considerations, including the material that forms the tissue anchor. Examples of colors considered suitable for a material included in a tissue anchor include blue, red, yellow, white, black, combinations of the colors described herein, and any other color considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Alternatively, one or more tissue anchors included in a kit can omit the inclusion of a material that has a color. Examples of locations considered suitable to include a material that has a color on a tissue anchor include on the screw, on the stein, on the entire screw, or a portion of the screw, on the entire stein, or a portion of the stem, on only die screw main body, on only the thread of the screw, on only the first portion of the stem, on only die second portion of the stem, and any other portion of a tissue anchor considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Examples of techniques and methods of including a material that has a color on a tissue anchor, or portion of a tissue anchor, include incorporating the material within the material that forms the tissue anchor, or a portion of the tissue anchor, applying the material using a tool (e.g., marker, paint brush), and any other technique or method considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- While
kit 200 has been illustrated as including three tissue anchors 202, 204, 206, atissue anchor driver 208, asuture 210, adrill bit 212, areamer 214, abeath pin 216, aneedle 218, asuture loop 220, agraft sizing block 222, astorage container 224, and instructions foruse 226, a kit can include any suitable number, and type, of tissue anchors, screws, drivers, sutures, drill bits, reamers, beath pins, needles, suture loops, graft sizing blocks, storage containers, and/or instructions for use. Selection of a suitable number, and/or type, of tissue anchors, tissue anchor drivers, sutures, drill bits, reamers, beath pins, needles, suture loops, graft sizing blocks, storage containers, and/or instructions for use to include in a kit can be based on various considerations, such as the treatment intended to be performed. Examples of suitable numbers of tissue anchors, screws, drivers, sutures, drill bits, reamers, beath pins, needles, suture loops, graft sizing blocks, storage containers, and/or instructions for use to include in a kit include at least one, one, two, a plurality, three, four, five, six, and any other number considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Examples of tissue anchors and screws considered suitable to include in a kit includetissue anchor 10,tissue anchor 110, variations of die tissue anchors described herein,screw 712,screw 812, tissue anchors that include alternative screws, such asscrew 712, and/or screw 812, and/or any other tissue anchor and/or screw considered suitable for a particular embodiment. - A tissue anchor driver, drill bit, reamer, and beath pin included in a kit can have any suitable structural arrangement and be formed of any suitable material and selection of a suitable structural arrangement and material to form a tissue anchor driver, a reamer, and a beath pin can be based on various considerations, including the structural arrangement of an opening defined on a tissue anchor that is sized and configured to receive a portion of the tissue anchor driver and/or material that forms a tissue anchor. Examples of tissue anchor drivers considered suitable to include in a kit include handheld, or mechanically driven, drivers, such as star (torx) drivers, slotted drivers, phillips head driver, allen wrench drivers, Robertson drivers, hex drivers, and any other driver considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Optionally, a kit can include a driver that is pre-loaded with a tissue anchor (e.g., a portion of the driver is disposed within a lumen defined by the screw and/or a suture is disposed through one, or both, of the passageways defined by a stem and/or the lumen of the screw). Examples of drill bits considered suitable to include in a kit include handheld, or mechanically driven drill bits, drill bits that have an outside diameter at the distal end equal to, greater than, less than, or about 0.236 inches, and any other drill bit considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Examples of reamers considered suitable to include in a kit include handheld, or mechanically driven reamers, reamers that have an outside diameter along the blade equal to, greater than, less than, or about 0.236 inches, reamers that have a blade length equal to, greater than, less than, or about 0.386 inches, reamers that include a bore through a portion, or the entirety, its length, and any other reamer considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Examples of beath pins considered suitable to include in a kit include beath pins that have an outside diameter equal to, greater than, less than, or about 2.44 millimeters, and any other beath pin considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Examples of materials considered suitable to form a tissue anchor driver, a reamer, and/or a beath pin include biocompatible materials, materials that can be made biocompatible, metals such as stainless steel, titanium, metal alloys, thermoplastics, polymers, nylon, polyethylene, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), high-performance polyethylene (HPPE), polyurethane, silicone, combinations of the materials described herein, and any other material considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- A storage container included in a kit can have any suitable structural arrangement and be formed of any suitable material and selection of a suitable structural arrangement and material to form a storage container can be based on various considerations, including the number of tissue anchors included in a kit. Examples of structural arrangements considered suitable to form a storage container include boxes, boxes that include a lid, boxes that include a lid attached to the box (e.g., pivotably attached), bags, and any other structural arrangement considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Examples of materials considered suitable to form a storage container include woods, metals, plastics, cardboards, fabrics, and any other material considered suitable for a particular embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the
storage container 224 is abox 240 formed of a plastic. - While each
tissue anchor - Optionally, various components described herein can included in separate kits. For example, a first kit can include a tissue anchor according to an embodiment, a tissue anchor driver, a suture, a reamer, and a storage container and a second, separate, kit can include a beath pin, a needle, a suture loop, a graft sizing block, and a
storage container 220. Optionally, one, or both, of the two kits can include instructions for use. - Various methods of treatment are described herein. While the methods described herein are shown and described as a series of acts, it is to be understood and appreciated that the methods are not limited by the order of acts, as some acts may in accordance with these methods, occur in the order shown and described, in different orders, and/or concurrently with other acts described herein.
-
FIG. 17 is a schematic illustration of amethod 300 of anchoring tissue to a bone using an interference fit such that the tissue is anchored between the wall of the bone and a tissue anchor. - A
step 302 comprises creating an opening over the tissue intended to be anchored to a bone. Anotherstep 304 comprises locating the tissue. Anotherstep 306 comprises trimming a portion of the tissue. Anotherstep 308 comprises selecting a tissue anchor. Anotherstep 310 comprises drilling a passageway into a bone. Anotherstep 312 comprises reaming the passageway to a desired diameter based on the diameter of the selected tissue anchor. Anotherstep 314 comprises advancing a portion of the tissue into the passageway such that a portion of the tissue is disposed within the passageway. Anotherstep 316 comprises introducing the screw of the selected tissue anchor into the passageway containing a portion of the tissue such that a portion of the tissue disposed within the passageway is disposed adjacent to the distal portion of the screw. Anotherstep 318 comprises advancing the screw into the passageway such that the issue is anchored between the screw and the bone. Anotherstep 320 comprises closing the opening. - Step 302 can be accomplished using any suitable medical device, such as a scalpel, or any other tool and can be performed using any suitable method and/or technique at any suitable location on a body. For example, in embodiments in which the tissue being treated is a bicep, step 302 can be accomplished using a scalpel to create an opening on, or near, the shoulder of a patient.
- Step 304 can be accomplished using any suitable technique or method of visualizing the tissue intended to be anchored to a bone. Examples of suitable techniques and methods of visualizing tissue include using direct visualization, using a scope, and any other technique or method considered suitable for a particular embodiment. In embodiments, in which a scope is used, other steps that can be included in a method of anchoring tissue to a bone include applying a force on a scope toward the opening until a portion of the scope is disposed within the body of the patent and observing the body of the patient through the scope to identify the tissue intended to be anchored to a bone.
- Step 306 can be accomplished using any suitable medical device, such as a scalpel or scissors, or any other tool and can be performed using any suitable method and/or technique. For example, in embodiments in which the tissue being treated is a bicep, step 306 can be accomplished using a scalpel to trim a portion of the bicep (e.g., near the end that has torn from the bone). Optionally, step 306 can be omitted from
method 300 in embodiments in which the tissue being repaired does not require trimming. - Step 308 can be accomplished using any suitable tissue anchor and selection of a suitable tissue anchor can be based on various considerations, including the anatomy of the patient being treated. For example, step 308 can be accomplished by visualizing the tissue intended to be repaired and/or the bone to which the tissue is intended to be anchored to determine which type of tissue anchor should be selected. Examples of tissue anchors and/or screws considered suitable to use to complete
method 300, or any other method described herein, includetissue anchor 10,tissue anchor 110, variations of the tissue anchors described herein,screw 712,screw 812, tissue anchors that include alternative screws, such asscrew 712, and/or screw 812, and/or any other tissue anchor and/or screw considered suitable for a particular embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment,tissue anchor 10 has been used to illustrate performance of method 3), as shown inFIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C, and 17D . - Step 310 can be accomplished by drilling a passageway at a desired location on a bone. Step 310 can be accomplished using any suitable drill and a drill bit that has a first outside diameter.
FIG. 17A illustrates apassageway 330 drilled intobone 332 and a portion oftissue 334 separated from thebone 332. Thetissue 334 has anend 336 that has been trimmed, as described instep 306. A passageway can have any suitable diameter (e.g., sized and configured to allow a portion of, or the entirety of, a tissue anchor to pass into the passageway) and/or depth (e.g., greater than, less than, or equal to the length of the selected tissue anchor), and can have any suitable configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, thepassageway 330 extends through the entire thickness of thebone 332. However, alternative embodiments can include a passageway that extends through only a portion of the thickness of a bone (e.g., creating a blind passageway). A drill bit used complete any step of the methods described herein can have any suitable outside diameter and selection of a suitable outside diameter for a drill bit can be based on various considerations, including the structural arrangement of a tissue anchor intended to be implanted in a bone. - A passageway can be drilled at any suitable location and on any suitable bone, or portion of the body, and selection of a suitable location to drill a passageway and a suitable bone, or portion of the body, to drill a passageway can be based on various considerations, including the treatment intended to be performed. Examples of suitable locations to drill a passageway include at, or near, an original point of attachment of the tissue on a calcaneus (e.g., Achilles tendon attachment), a tarsal, a tibia, a fibula, a scapula, a humerus, a tibia, a femur, a radius, and any other location considered suitable for a particular embodiment (e.g., posterior tibial tendon attachment, any other location where a tendon attaches to a portion of the foot or ankle). Examples of bones, or portions of the body, considered suitable to drill a passageway include the calcaneus, tarsal, talus, tibia, fibula, scapula, humerus, tibia, femur, radius, and any other bone, or portion of the body, considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
- Step 312 can be accomplished using any suitable drill and a drill bit that has a second outside diameter that is greater than the first outside diameter (e.g., reamer). The diameter of the passageway created in the bone in
step 312 is sized and configured to allow a portion of, or the entirety of, the selected tissue anchor to pass into the passageway. Optionally, step 312 can be omitted frommethod 300 in embodiments in which die passageway created instep 310 is sufficiently sized to receive a portion, or the entirety, of the selected tissue anchor. - Step 314 can be accomplished using any medical device (e.g., beath pin), such as forceps, or the hands of an individual, and until a desired portion of the tissue is disposed within the passageway. For example, step 314 can be accomplished by applying a force on a portion of the tissue directed toward the passageway such that a portion of the tissue is disposed within the passageway.
FIG. 17B illustrates a portion of the length of thetissue 334 disposed within apassageway 330 that has been reamed such that dieend 336 of the portion of thetissue 334 is disposed within thepassageway 330. Alterative embodiments, however, can position a portion of tissue within a passageway that has not been reamed and/or such that die end of die tissue is disposed outside of the passageway (e.g., in embodiments in which the tissue is folded over on itself). - Step 316 can be accomplished using any medical device (e.g., driver), such as forceps, or the hands of an individual, and until the screw is partially disposed within the passageway and a portion of the tissue disposed within the passageway is disposed adjacent the distal portion of the screw. For example, step 316 can be accomplished by applying a force on the screw of the selected tissue anchor directed toward the passageway containing a portion of the tissue until a portion of the screw is disposed within the passageway. In embodiments in which the screw of the tissue anchor includes a distal portion that tapers from the proximal portion to the screw distal end, step 316 can be accomplished such that a portion of the tissue disposed within the passageway is disposed adjacent the tapered distal portion of the screw.
FIG. 17C illustrates atissue anchor 340 that has ascrew 342 and astein 344. Thetissue anchor 340 is partially disposed within thepassageway 330 and adjacent to a portion of thetissue 334. - Step 318 can be accomplished by introducing a tool into a first opening defined by a screw such that the distal end of the tool engages with the inner surface of the first opening and applying torque to any suitable portion of the tool such that the applied torque is transferred to the tissue anchor. Torque can be applied in the clockwise direction to rotatably advance the tissue anchor into the passageway (e.g., using a driver). An optional step comprises applying torque on any suitable portion of the tool in the counterclockwise direction to rotatably withdraw the tissue anchor from the passageway. Alternatively, in embodiments in which the thread of a screw extends in a counterclockwise direction, torque can be applied in the counterclockwise direction to rotatably advance the tissue anchor into the passageway and in a clockwise direction to rotatably withdraw the tissue anchor from the passageway.
- The torque applied to the tool is relative to the longitudinal axis of the tissue anchor and can be applied until the tissue anchor contacts the portion of the tissue disposed within the passageway, the tissue anchor compresses the tissue disposed within the passageway against the wall of the bone, and/or a predetermined, or desired, final position the tissue anchor and/or tissue being treated has been achieved. For example, torque can be applied on the tool until the tissue anchor is positioned within the passageway at a desired depth (e.g., such that a screw proximal end is near, adjacent, or coplanar with, the surface of the bone).
FIG. 17D illustrates thetissue anchor 340 advanced into thepassageway 330 such that it contacts a portion of thetissue 334 disposed within thepassageway 330 and the tissue anchorproximal end 346 is coplanar with a surface of thebone 332. It is considered advantageous to utilize a tissue anchor that has a screw with a screw main body that tapers along a distal portion and includes a blunted crest at least because these tissue anchors decrease the potential for damaging the tissue during performance of the procedure. - While the
tissue anchor 340 has been illustrated inFIG. 171 ) as being positioned such that the tissue anchorproximal end 346 is coplanar with a surface of thebone 332, a tissue anchor can be advanced into a bone such that a tissue anchor proximal end is positioned at any suitable location relative to a surface of a bone. Selection of a suitable position for a tissue anchor proximal end relative to a surface of a bone can be based on various considerations, including the treatment being performed. Examples of positions of tissue anchors considered suitable include those in which a tissue anchor proximal end is positioned above a surface of the bone (e.g., such that the tissue anchor protrudes from the bone), coplanar with a surface of the bone, within a passageway defined within the bone (e.g., the tissue anchor is countersunk), and any other position considered suitable for a particular embodiment. - Step 320 can be accomplished using any suitable device and/or method, such as by suturing the opening created in
step 302 using a suture and needle. - While
method 300 has been described as anchoring tissue to a bone, a tissue anchor, such as those described herein, can be used to anchor tissue to any suitable device, feature, element, component, or portion of a body. Selection of a suitable device, feature, element, component, or portion of a body to anchor tissue using a tissue anchor can be based on various considerations, including the material that forms the tissue intended to be anchored. Examples of devices, features, elements, components, and portions of a body considered suitable to anchor tissue using a tissue anchor, such as those described herein, include bone, other tissue, plates, and any other device, feature, element, component, and/or portion of a body considered suitable for a particular embodiment. -
FIG. 18 is a schematic illustration of amethod 400 of anchoring tissue to a bone using a suture anchor. - A
step 402 comprises creating an opening over the tissue intended to be anchored to a bone. Anotherstep 404 comprises locating the tissue. Anotherstep 406 comprises selecting a tissue anchor. Anotherstep 408 comprises drilling a passageway into a bone. Anotherstep 410 comprises passing the first end of a suture through the lumen defined by the screw and the first passageway defined by the stem. Anotherstep 412 comprises passing the first end of the suture through the second passageway defined by the stem and through the lumen defined by the screw such that the first and second ends of the suture are disposed outside of the screw. Anotherstep 414 comprises introducing the screw of the selected tissue anchor into the passageway such that a portion of the tissue anchor is disposed within the passageway. Anotherstep 416 comprises advancing the screw into the passageway. Anotherstep 418 comprises positioning a portion of the tissue adjacent the tissue anchor. Anotherstep 420 comprises attaching the tissue to the screw using the suture such that the tissue is anchored to the screw. Anotherstep 422 comprises closing the opening. - Step 402 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 302. Step 404 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 304. Step 406 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 308. Step 408 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 310.
- Step 410 can be accomplished using any suitable medical device, such as forceps, a guide wire, or the hands of an individual and a suture having any suitable structural arrangement and formed of any suitable material. For example, step 410 can be accomplished by applying a first force on a suture that is directed toward the tissue anchor such that the first end of the suture is passed through the lumen defined by the screw and the first passageway defined by the stem.
FIG. 18A illustrates atissue anchor 430 that has ascrew 432 and astem 434 and asuture 436 that has afirst end 438 and asecond end 440. Thestem 434 is releasably attached to thescrew 432. The stemmain body 442 defines afirst passageway 444 and asecond passageway 446. Thefirst end 432 of thesuture 430 has been passed through the lumen defined by thescrew 432 and thefirst passageway 444 defined by thestem 434. - Step 412 can be accomplished using any suitable medical device, such as forceps, a guide wire, or the hands of an individual. For example, step 412 can be accomplished by applying a second force on a suture that is directed toward the tissue anchor such that the first end of the suture is passed through the second passageway defined by the stem and through the lumen defined by the screw and the first and second ends of the suture are disposed outside of the screw.
FIG. 18B illustrates thesuture 436 passed through the lumen defined by thescrew 432 and through each of the first andsecond passageways stem 434. Step 410 and step 412 can be accomplished prior to, or subsequent to, step 402,step 404,step 406,step 408,step 414,step 416, and/or step 418. Alternatively, in embodiments in which an open passageway is created through the thickness of the bone,step 410 and/or step 412 can be accomplished prior to, or subsequent to, step 402,step 404,step 406,step 408,step 414,step 416, and/or step 418 and through the open passageway. - Step 414 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 316. Step 416 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 318.
- Step 418 can be accomplished using any medical device, such as forceps, or the hands of an individual, and until the tissue is positioned adjacent a portion of the tissue anchor (e.g., screw proximal end). For example, step 418 can be accomplished by applying a force on a portion of the tissue directed toward the tissue anchor such that a portion of the tissue is disposed adjacent the tissue anchor.
FIG. 18C illustrates thetissue anchor 430 advanced into the passageway 448 such that the tissue anchorproximal end 450 is coplanar with a surface of thebone 452 and a portion of thetissue 454 is disposed adjacent to thetissue anchor 430. - Step 420 can be accomplished using any medical device, such as forceps, or the hands of an individual, and by using any suitable technique or method of attachment between tissue and a suture. Selection of a suitable technique or method of attachment between tissue and a suture can be based on various considerations, including the material that forms the suture. Examples of techniques and methods of attachment considered suitable between tissue and a suture include tying a knot, or multiple knots, passing the suture through one or more portions of the tissue, combinations of the techniques and methods described herein, and any other technique or method considered suitable for a particular embodiment.
FIG. 18D illustrates the portion of thetissue 454 attached to thetissue anchor 430 using aknot 456. - Step 422 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 320.
-
FIG. 19 is a schematic illustration of amethod 500 of anchoring tissue to a bone using an interference fit and a suture anchor. - A
step 502 comprises creating an opening over the tissue intended to be anchored to a bone. Anotherstep 504 comprises locating the tissue. Anotherstep 506 comprises trimming a portion of the tissue. Anotherstep 508 comprises selecting a tissue anchor. Anotherstep 510 comprises drilling a passageway into a bone. Anotherstep 512 comprises advancing a portion of the tissue into the passageway such that a portion of the tissue is disposed within the passageway. Anotherstep 514 comprises introducing the screw of the selected tissue anchor into the passageway such that a portion of the tissue anchor is disposed within the passageway. Anotherstep 516 comprises advancing the screw into the passageway such that the tissue is anchored between the screw and the bone. Anotherstep 518 comprises passing the first end of a suture through the lumen defined by the screw and the first passageway defined by the stem. Anotherstep 520 comprises passing the first end of the suture through the second passageway defined by the stem and through the lumen defined by the screw such that the first and second ends of the suture are disposed outside of the screw. Anotherstep 522 comprises positioning a portion of the tissue adjacent the tissue anchor. Anotherstep 524 comprises attaching the tissue to the screw using the suture such that the tissue is anchored to the screw. Anotherstep 526 comprises closing the opening. - Step 502 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 302. Step 504 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 304. Step 506 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 306. Step 508 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 308.
- Step 510 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 310 and/or 408. As shown in
FIGS. 19A, 19B, 19C, and 19D , apassageway 530 has been created through die entire thickness of thebone 532. - Step 512 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 314.
FIG. 19A illustrates a portion of the length of thetissue 534 disposed within thepassageway 530 such that theend 536 of the portion of thetissue 534 is disposed within thepassageway 530. Alterative embodiments, however, can position a portion of tissue within a passageway such that the end of the tissue is disposed outside of the passageway (e.g., on afirst side 538 of thebone 530, or on asecond side 539 of the bone 530). - Step 514 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 316.
FIG. 19A illustrates atissue anchor 540 that has ascrew 542 and astem 544, Thetissue anchor 540 is partially disposed within thepassageway 530 and adjacent to the portion of thetissue 534 disposed within thepassageway 530. - Step 516 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 318. Step 518 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 410.
FIG. 19B illustrates thetissue anchor 540 advanced into thepassageway 530 such that the tissue anchor proximal end is coplanar with a surface ofdie bone 532. In addition,FIG. 19B illustrates asuture 548 that has afirst end 550 and asecond end 552. The stemmain body 554 defines a first passageway and a second passageway. Thefirst end 550 of thesuture 548 has been passed through the lumen defined by thescrew 542 and the first passageway defined by thestem 544. - Step 520 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 412.
FIG. 19C illustrates thesuture 548 passed through die lumen defined by thescrew 542 and through each of the first and second passageways defined by thestein 544. - Step 522 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 418.
FIG. 191 ) illustrates a portion oftissue 534 that is separated from thebone 532 disposed adjacent to the tissue anchor 530 (e.g., the proximal end of the screw 542). - Step 524 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 420.
FIG. 19D illustrates the portion of thetissue 534 attached to thetissue anchor 530 using aknot 558. - Step 526 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 320.
-
FIG. 20 is a schematic illustration of anothermethod 600 of anchoring tissue to a bone using an interference fit and a suture anchor. - A
step 602 comprises creating an opening over the tissue intended to be anchored to a bone. Anotherstep 604 comprises locating the tissue. Anotherstep 606 comprises selecting a tissue anchor. Anotherstep 608 comprises drilling a passageway into a bone. Anotherstep 610 comprises advancing a portion of the tissue into the passageway such that a portion of the tissue is disposed within the passageway. Anotherstep 612 comprises advancing a guide wire through the passageway such that a portion of the guide wire is disposed within the passageway. Anotherstep 614 comprises advancing the screw of the selected tissue anchor over the guide wire such that the screw is disposed on the guide wire. Anotherstep 616 comprises introducing the screw of the selected tissue anchor into the passageway such that a portion of the tissue anchor is disposed within the passageway. Anotherstep 618 comprises advancing the screw into the passageway such that the tissue is anchored between the screw and the bone. Anotherstep 620 comprises advancing a wire that has a first end, a second end, and that defines a loop on its second end through the lumen of the screw such that the first end of the wire is disposed on a first side of the screw and the second end of the wire is disposed on a second side of the screw. Anotherstep 622 comprises passing the first end of a suture through the first passageway defined by the stem. Anotherstep 624 comprises passing the first end of the suture through the second passageway defined by the stein. Anotherstep 626 comprises passing the first end of the suture through the loop defined by the wire. Anotherstep 628 comprises passing the second end of the suture through the loop defined by the wire. Anotherstep 630 comprises withdrawing the wire and the portion of the suture disposed through the loop defined by the wire through the lumen defined by the screw such that the first and second ends of the suture are disposed outside of the screw. Anotherstep 632 comprises attaching the stem to the screw. Anotherstep 634 comprises attaching the tissue to the screw using the suture such that the tissue is anchored to the screw. Anotherstep 636 comprises closing the opening. - Step 602 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 302. Step 604 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 304. Step 606 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 308. Step 608 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 310. As shown in
FIGS. 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E, 20F, and 20G apassageway 640 has been created through the entire thickness of thebone 642. - Step 610 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 314.
FIG. 20A illustrates a portion of the length of thetissue 644 disposed within thepassageway 640 such that theend 646 of the portion of the tissue (44 is disposed within thepassageway 640. - Step 612 can be accomplished using any suitable guide wire having any suitable length and diameter and selection of a suitable guide wire can be based on various considerations, including the diameter of the passageway created through a bone. Step 612 can be accomplished using any suitable medical device (e.g., beath pin), such as forceps, or the hands of an individual, and until the guide wire is disposed through the passageway, or partially disposed within the passageway, and a portion of the tissue disposed within the passageway is disposed adjacent the guide wire. For example, step 612 can be accomplished by applying a force on the guide wire directed toward the passageway containing a portion of the tissue until the guide wire is advanced through the passageway.
FIG. 20B illustrates aguide wire 648 that has afirst end 650 and asecond end 652. As shown inFIG. 20B , theguide wire 648 has been advanced through thepassageway 640. - Step 614 can be accomplished using any medical device, such as forceps, or the hands of an individual, and until the guide wire is passed through the lumen defined by the screw and the screw is disposed over the guide wire. For example, step 614 can be accomplished by applying a force on the screw of the selected tissue anchor directed toward the guide wire until the first end of the guide wire is passed through the lumen defined by the screw.
FIG. 20C illustrates ascrew 654 advanced over theguide wire 648 such that theguide wire 648 is disposed within the lumen defined by thescrew 654. - Step 616 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 316. An optional step comprises withdrawing the guide wire from the screw such that the guide wire is free of the screw and can be accomplished prior to, or subsequent to, step 616 or
step 618. This optional step can be accomplished by applying a force on the guide wire away from the screw such that the guide wire is withdrawn from the lumen defined by the screw. - Step 618 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 318.
FIG. 201 ) illustrates thescrew 654 advanced into thepassageway 640 such that the screw proximal end is coplanar with a surface of thebone 642 and a portion of thetissue 644 is disposed adjacent to thescrew 654. - Step 620 can be accomplished using any suitable wire (e.g., suture loop) having any suitable length, diameter, and defining a loop with any suitable diameter at its second end. Selection of a suitable wire can be based on various considerations, including the diameter of the passageway created through a bone. Step 620 can be accomplished using any suitable medical device, such as forceps, or the hands of an individual, and until the wire is disposed through die lumen defined by the screw. For example, step 620 can be accomplished by applying a force on the wire directed toward the lumen defined by the screw until the second end of the wire is advanced through the lumen defined by the screw.
FIG. 20E illustrates awire 656 that has afirst end 658 and asecond end 660 that defines aloop 662. As shown inFIG. 20E , thewire 656 has been advanced through the lumen defined by thescrew 654. - Step 622 can be accomplished using any suitable medical device, such as forceps, a guide wire, or the hands of an individual and a suture having any suitable structural arrangement and formed of any suitable material. For example, step 622 can be accomplished by applying a first force on a suture that is directed toward the stem of a tissue anchor such that the first end of the suture is passed through the first passageway defined by the stem.
- Step 624 can be accomplished using any suitable medical device, such as forceps, a guide wire, or the hands of an individual. For example, step 624 can be accomplished by applying a second force on a suture that is directed toward the stein of the tissue anchor such that the first end of the suture is passed through the second passageway defined by the stem and the first and second ends of the suture are disposed outside of the stem.
FIG. 20E illustrates asuture 664 that has afirst end 666 and asecond end 668 and thestem 670. Thestem 670 has amain body 672 defines afirst passageway 674 and asecond passageway 676. Thefirst end 666 of thesuture 664 has been passed through thefirst passageway 674 defined by thestem 670 and thesecond passageway 676 defined by thestem 670. - Step 626 can be accomplished using any suitable medical device, such as forceps, a guide wire, or the hands of an individual. For example, step 626 can be accomplished by applying a first force on the first end of the suture that is directed toward the loop defined by a wire until the first end of the suture is passed through the loop defined by the wire.
- Step 628 can be accomplished using any suitable medical device, such as forceps, a guide wire, or the hands of an individual. For example, step 628 can be accomplished by applying a second force on the second end of the suture that is directed toward the loop defined by a wire until the second end of the suture is passed through the loop defined by the wire.
FIG. 20E illustrates both thefirst end 666 and thesecond end 668 of thesuture 664 disposed through theloop 662 defined by thewire 656. - Step 630 can be accomplished using any suitable medical device, such as forceps, or die hands of an individual, and until the wire is withdrawn from the screw of the tissue anchor. For example, step 630 can be accomplished by applying a force on the wire directed away from the screw until the wire is withdrawn from the lumen defined by the screw and the first and second ends 666, 668 of the suture are advanced through the lumen defined by the screw.
FIG. 20F illustrates thewire 656 withdrawn from the lumen defined bydie screw 654. - Step 632 can be accomplished using any suitable medical device, such as forceps, or the hands of an individual, and until the stem is attached to the screw. For example, step 632 can be accomplished by applying a force on the suture directed away from the screw until the stem is attached to the screw using an interference fit between the screw and the stem.
FIG. 20G illustrates thestem 670 attached to thescrew 654. - Step 634 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 420.
FIG. 20G illustrates the portion of thetissue 644 attached to the tissue anchor using aknot 678. - Step 636 can be accomplished as described above with respect to step 320.
- An alternative step that can be included in a method of anchoring tissue comprises the step of determining whether the tissue will be anchored to a bone using an interference fit, using a suture anchor, or both. This step can be completed prior to, concurrently with, or subsequent to, a step of creating an opening over the tissue intended to be anchored to a bone, a step of locating the tissue, a step of trimming a portion of the tissue, a step of drilling a passageway into a bone, and/or a step of reaming the passageway to a desired diameter. This step can be accomplished using any suitable technique or method of determining whether the tissue should be anchored to a bone using an interference fit, a suture anchor, or both, and selection of a suitable technique or method can be based on various considerations, including the anatomy of the patient being treated. For example, this step can be accomplished by visualizing the tissue intended to be attached to a bone and/or the bone to which the tissue is intended to be anchored to determine which type of attachment should be utilized.
- It is considered advantageous to utilize a tissue anchor that is capable of being utilized as both an interference screw and as a suture anchor at least because such a tissue anchor provides a user with the ability to attach tissue to a bone using one or more methods using the same device. This is particularly advantageous in situations in which knowledge of the type of anchoring device that should be used is unknown until a surgical procedure has been initiated, allowing a user to select the appropriate anchoring device once a review of the tissue intended to be anchored and/or die bone have been inspected.
-
FIGS. 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 illustrate analternative screw 712 that can be included in a tissue anchor. Thescrew 712 is similar to thescrew 12 illustrated inFIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4 and described above, except as detailed below. Thescrew 712 has alengthwise axis 719, a screwmain body 720, and athread 722. The screwmain body 720 has ascrew length 721, a screwproximal end 724, a firstoutside diameter 725, a screwdistal end 726, a secondoutside diameter 727, and defines afirst opening 728, asecond opening 730, alumen 732, awall 734, aproximal portion 735, and adistal portion 737. Thescrew length 721 extends from the screwproximal end 724 to the screwdistal end 726. Theproximal portion 735 extends from the screwproximal end 724 toward the screwdistal end 726. Thedistal portion 737 extends from the screwdistal end 726 toward the screwproximal end 724. In the illustrated embodiment, thedistal portion 737 extends from theproximal portion 735 to the screwdistal end 726. In the illustrated embodiment, the outside diameter of the screwmain body 720 tapers along thedistal portion 737 of the screwmain body 720. - The first
outside diameter 725 is disposed at the screwproximal end 724 and the secondoutside diameter 727 is disposed at the screwdistal end 726. Thefirst opening 728 is defined at the screwproximal end 724 and thesecond opening 730 is defined at the screwdistal end 726. Each of thefirst opening 728 and thesecond opening 730 is sized and configured to receive a portion of a hex drive to accomplish advancement of the screw into a portion of a body (e.g., bone). Thesecond opening 730 is sized and configured to receive a portion of a stem. Thelumen 732 extends from thefirst opening 728 to thesecond opening 730 and is sized and configured to receive one or more portions (e.g., lengths) of a suture and has a constant diameter, and cross-sectional configuration, along its length. Alternative embodiments, however, can include a lumen that has a cross-sectional configuration that varies along the length of the lumen. Thewall 734 extends from the screwproximal end 724 to the screwdistal end 726 and has a thickness along thescrew length 721 such that no openings extend through thewall 734 and provide access to thelumen 732. - The
thread 722 has a plurality ofturns 738, a threadproximal end 740, a threaddistal end 742, athread length 743, apitch 744, aheight 746, afirst side 748, asecond side 750, athickness 752, aroot 754, acrest 756, afirst portion 758, and asecond portion 760. Thethread length 743 extends from the threadproximal end 740 to the threaddistal end 742 and is less than thescrew length 721. Thefirst portion 758 extends from the threadproximal end 740 toward the threaddistal end 742 and thesecond portion 760 extends from thefirst portion 758 to the threaddistal end 742. Theheight 746 of thethread 722 extends from theroot 754 to thecrest 756 and is constant along thefirst portion 758 of the of thethread 722 and tapers from thefirst portion 758 along thesecond portion 760 of thethread 722 to the threaddistal end 742. Thethickness 752 of thethread 722 extends from thefirst side 748 of thethread 722 to thesecond side 750 of thethread 722 at theroot 754. Thethickness 752 increases from thefirst portion 758 along thesecond portion 760 of thethread 722 to the threaddistal end 742. In the illustrated embodiment, thecrest 756 is blunted along thefirst portion 758 of thethread 722 and thesecond portion 760 of thethread 722. The inclusion of acrest 756 that is blunted along the length of thethread 722 is considered advantageous at least because it reduces the possibility of damaging tissue as thethread 722 is advanced into a passageway and die tissue is secured between thethread 722 and die wall defining the passageway (e.g., the wall defining a passageway created in a bone). This can be important because inclusion of a crest that is blunted can prevent tissue damage, including severing of the tissue, which could eliminate any anchoring provided by the tissue anchor. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
screw length 721 is equal to about 0.591 inches, die thread height. 746 is equal to about 0.028 inches, each thread includes a radius ofcurvature 770 equal to about 0.012 proximal, and adjacent, to thecrest 756 and distal, and adjacent, to thecrest 756, each thread includes a radius ofcurvature 772 equal to about 0.018 inches proximal, and adjacent, to theroot 754 and distal, and adjacent, to theroot 754, thelumen 732 has a hexagonal cross-sectional configuration and an inside diameter equal to about 0.1 inches, diepitch 744 is equal to about 0.079 inches, the thread has athread angle 774 equal to about 48 degrees, a distal portion of die thread 722 (e.g., the thread second side 750) is disposed at anangle 776 equal to about 40 degrees relative to an axis that is disposed orthogonally to thelengthwise axis 719 of thescrew 712, a proximal portion of the thread 722 (e.g., the thread first side 748) is disposed at anangle 778 equal to about 8 degrees relative to an axis that is disposed orthogonally to thelengthwise axis 719 of thescrew 712, and thethread 722 has amajor diameter 780 and aminor diameter 782. While particular dimensions have been described, a screw can have any suitable dimensions and selection of suitable dimensions can be based on various considerations, including the type of bone within which a screw is intended to be disposed. Example screw lengths considered suitable for a screw include those that are equal to, greater than, less than, or about 0.591 inches, those between about 0.4 inches and about 0.8 inches, and any other length considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Example thread heights considered suitable for a screw include those that are equal to, greater than, less than, or about 0.028 inches, those between about 0.02 inches and about 0.04 inches, and any other height considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Example radii of curvature considered suitable for inclusion on a thread include those that are equal to, greater than, less than, or about 0.012 inches, 0.018 inches, those between about 0.005 inches and about 0.02 inches, those between about 0.01 inches and about 0.03 inches, and any other radius of curvature considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Example inside diameters considered suitable for lumen of a screw include those that are equal to, greater than, less than, or about 0.1 inches, those between about 0.05 inches and about 0.15 inches, and any other inside diameter considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Example pitches considered suitable for a thread include those that are equal to, greater than, less than, or about 0.079 inches, those between about 0.06 inches and about 0.1 inches, and any other pitch considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Example thread angles considered suitable for a screw include those that are equal to, greater than, less than, or about 48 degrees, those between about 38 degrees and about 58 degrees, and any other thread angle considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Example major diameters considered suitable for a screw include those that are equal to, greater than, less than, or about 0.225 inches, 0.227 inches, 0.229 inches, those between about 0.2 inches and about 0.3 inches, those less than 0.2 inches, those greater than 0.3 inches, and any other diameter considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Example minor diameters considered suitable for a screw include those that are equal to, greater than, less than, or about 0.169 inches, 0.171 inches, 0.173 inches, those between about 0.1 inches and about 0.2 inches, those less than 0.1 inches, those greater than 0.2 inches, and any other diameter considered suitable for a particular embodiment. - Any suitable technique or method of manufacture can be utilized to form a screw and selection of a suitable technique or method can be based on various considerations, such as the material that forms a screw. For example, a blank used to form a screw can include a radius of curvature equal to about 0.05 inches that extends from a proximal end of the blank to an outer surface of the blank and a distal end of the blank can include a radius of curvature equal to about 0.005 inches. In addition, a blank used to form a screw can include a distal portion that extends from a location between a proximal end of the blank and a distal end of the blank to the distal end of the blank that is disposed at an angle relative to a proximal portion of the blank that extends from the distal portion to the proximal end of the blank. The angle can be equal to about 30 degrees and a radius of curvature equal to about 0.20 inches can be disposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion. When forming the thread, the beginning of a thread lead out can be disposed at any suitable position along the length of the blank. For example, the beginning of a thread lead out can be disposed about 0.532 inches from a distal end of a blank when the blank has a length equal to about 0.591 inches. The tool path can include any suitable path capable of forming a thread, such as those described herein. For example, a tool path can extend from a proximal end of a blank at an inward angle of about 3 degrees relative to an axis that is parallel to the lengthwise axis of the blank to the beginning of a thread lead out, then parallel to the lengthwise axis of the blank, and then at an inward angle of about 7 degrees relative to an axis that is parallel to the lengthwise axis of the blank starting a distance from the distal end of the blank equal to about 0.180 inches.
-
FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate analternative screw 812 that can be included in a tissue anchor. Thescrew 812 is similar to thescrew 712 illustrated inFIGS. 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 and described above, except as detailed below. Thescrew 812 has alengthwise axis 819, a screwmain body 820, and athread 822. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
wall 834 extends from the screwproximal end 824 to the screwdistal end 826 and defines a plurality ofpassageways 870. Each passageway of the plurality ofpassageways 870 extends through thewall 834, provides access to thelumen 832, and has aninside diameter 871 equal to about 0.042 inches. As shown inFIG. 26 , a first set ofpassageways 872 of the plurality ofpassageways 870 is disposed on afirst side 874 of thescrew 812. As shown inFIG. 27 , a second set ofpassageways 876 of the plurality ofpassageways 870 is disposed on asecond side 878 of thescrew 812. The first set ofpassageways 872 and the second set ofpassageways 876 is disposed on a plane that contains thelengthwise axis 819 of thescrew 812. Afirst passageway 880 of the first set ofpassageways 872 is disposed alength 881 from theproximal end 824 of thescrew 812 equal to about 0.119 inches. Asecond passageway 882 of the first set ofpassageways 872 is disposed alength 883 from theproximal end 824 of thescrew 812 equal to about 0.279 inches. Athird passageway 884 of the first set ofpassageways 872 is disposed alength 885 from theproximal end 824 of thescrew 812 equal to about 0.437 inches. Afirst passageway 886 of the second set ofpassageways 876 is disposed alength 887 from theproximal end 824 of thescrew 812 equal to about 0.079 inches. Asecond passageway 888 of the second set ofpassageways 876 is disposed alength 889 from theproximal end 824 of thescrew 812 equal to about 0.238 inches. Athird passageway 890 of the second set ofpassageways 876 is disposed alength 891 from theproximal end 824 of thescrew 812 equal to about 0.399 inches. The inclusion of one or more passageways that extend through a wall of a screw is considered advantageous at least because it provides a mechanism for achieving bone ingrowth after implantation of the screw. - While
screw 812 is illustrated as including a plurality ofpassageways 870 such that each passageway has a particular inside diameter and is disposed at a specific location on die screw, a screw can include any suitable number of passageways, having any suitable inside diameter, and positioned at any suitable location on the screw. Examples of numbers of passageways considered suitable to include on a screw include one, at least one, two, a plurality, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, more than ten, and any other number considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Examples of inside diameters considered suitable for a passageway included on a screw include diameters equal to, greater than, less than, or equal to 0.042 inches, between about 0.03 inches and about 0.05 inches, and any other diameter considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Examples of locations considered suitable to position a passageway, or set of passageways, include between a proximal end and a distal end of a screw, such that one or more passageways are disposed on a first plane that extends through a lengthwise axis of a screw and one or more passageways are disposed on a second plane that extends through the lengthwise axis of the screw that is coplanar with, or disposed at angle relative to the first plane that is equal to, greater than, less than, or about 90 degrees, 180 degrees, 270 degrees, between about 1 degree and about 359 degrees, and any other position considered suitable for a particular embodiment. - Those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various modifications and alternatives for the described and illustrated embodiments can be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are intended to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the Full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.
Claims (20)
1. A tissue anchor comprising:
a screw having a lengthwise axis, a screw main body, and a thread extending from the screw main body and away from the lengthwise axis, the screw main body defining a first opening, a second opening, and a lumen extending from the first opening to the second opening; and
a stem releasably attached to the screw and partially disposed within the lumen defined by the screw, the stem having a stem proximal end, a stem distal end, and a stem main body defining a first portion, a second portion, a first recess, a second recess, a first passageway, and a second passageway, the first portion of the stem having a first portion proximal end, a first portion distal end disposed between the stem proximal end and the stem distal end, and a first outside diameter, the second portion of the stein having a second outside diameter that is greater than the first outside diameter, each of the first recess and the second recess defined on the first portion of the stem and extending from the first portion proximal end to the first portion distal end, each of the first and second passageways extending through the second portion of the stem and in communication with the lumen defined by the screw.
2. The tissue anchor of claim 1 , wherein the first portion of the stem has a first side and a second side; and
wherein the first recess is positioned on the first side of the first portion of the stem and the second recess is positioned on the second side of the first portion of the stem.
3. The tissue anchor of claim 1 , wherein the second portion of the stein has a second portion proximal end disposed between the stem proximal end and the stem distal end and a second portion distal end; and
wherein each of the first passageway and the second passageway has an opening defined on the second portion proximal end.
4. The tissue anchor of claim 1 , wherein the second portion of the stem has a second portion proximal end disposed between the stem proximal end and the stein distal end, a second portion distal end, and a second portion length extending from the second portion proximal end to the second portion distal end; and
wherein each of the first passageway and the second passageway extends through the entire second portion length.
5. The tissue anchor of claim 1 , wherein the first portion of the stem has a first portion length extending from the first portion proximal end to the first portion distal end;
wherein the second portion of the stein has a second portion proximal end disposed between the stem proximal end and the stem distal end, a second portion distal end, and a second portion length extending from the second portion proximal end to the second portion distal end, the second portion length being less than the first portion length.
6. The tissue anchor of claim 1 , wherein each of the first passageway and the second passageway extends only through die second portion.
7. The tissue anchor of claim 1 , wherein the screw main body has a screw proximal end, a screw distal end, a distal portion extending from the screw distal end toward the screw proximal end, a third outside diameter at the screw proximal end, and a fourth outside diameter at the screw distal end that is less than the third outside diameter, the outside diameter of the screw main body tapering along the distal portion of the screw main body.
8. The tissue anchor of claim 1 , wherein the first recess has a first radius of curvature and the second recess has a second radius of curvature that is the same as the first radius of curvature.
9. The tissue anchor of claim 1 , wherein each of the first passageway and the second passageway has an oval cross-sectional shape.
10. The tissue anchor of claim 1 , wherein the first passageway is disposed adjacent to the first recess and the second passageway is disposed adjacent to the second recess.
11. The tissue anchor of claim 1 , wherein the stem main body defines a first continuous surface extending from the first portion proximal end to the first portion distal end.
12. Ile tissue anchor of claim 11 , wherein the first continuous surface defines a portion of the first passageway and the first recess.
13. The tissue anchor of claim 11 , wherein the first continuous surface defines the entire first recess.
14. The tissue anchor of claim 11 , wherein the stem main body defines a second continuous surface extending from the first portion proximal end to the first portion distal end.
15. The tissue anchor of claim 14 , wherein the second continuous surface defines a portion of the second passageway and the second recess.
16. The tissue anchor of claim 14 , wherein the second continuous surface defines the entire second recess.
17. A tissue anchor comprising
a screw having a lengthwise axis, a screw main body, and a thread extending from the screw main body and away from the lengthwise axis, the screw main body defining a first opening, a second opening, and a lumen extending from the first opening to the second opening; and
a stem releasably attached to the screw and partially disposed within the lumen defined by the screw, the stem having a stem proximal end, a stem distal end, and a stem main body defining a first portion, a second portion, a first recess, a second recess, a first passageway, and a second passageway, the first portion of the stem having a first portion proximal end, a first portion distal end disposed between the stem proximal end and the stem distal end, and a first outside diameter, the second portion of the stem having a second portion proximal end disposed between the stein proximal end and the stem distal end, a second portion distal end, a second portion length extending from the second portion proximal end to the second portion distal end, and a second outside diameter that is greater than the first outside diameter, each of the first recess and the second recess defined on the first portion of the stem and extending from the first portion proximal end to the first portion distal end, each of the first and second passageways extending only through the second portion and in communication with the lumen defined by the screw, each of the first and second passageways extending through the entire second portion length.
18. A method of anchoring tissue to a bone comprising:
creating an opening over said tissue;
locating said tissue;
selecting a tissue anchor comprising:
a screw having a lengthwise axis, a screw main body, and a thread extending from the screw main body and away from the lengthwise axis, the screw main body defining a first opening, a second opening, and a lumen extending from die first opening to the second opening; and
a stem releasably attached to the screw and partially disposed within the lumen defined by the screw, the stem having a stem proximal end, a stem distal end, and a stem main body defining a first portion, a second portion, a first recess, a second recess, a first passageway, and a second passageway, the first portion of the stem having a first portion proximal end, a first portion distal end disposed between the stem proximal end and the stem distal end, and a first outside diameter, the second portion of the stem having a second outside diameter that is greater than the first outside diameter, each of the first recess and the second recess defined on the first portion of the stem and extending from the first portion proximal end to the first portion distal end, each of the first and second passageways extending through the second portion of the stein and in communication with the lumen defined by the screw;
drilling a passageway into said bone;
introducing die screw of die tissue anchor into the passageway;
advancing the screw into the passageway;
passing a suture through the lumen defined by the screw and the first passageway defined by the stem;
passing the suture through the second passageway defined by the stem and the lumen defined by the screw;
positioning a portion of said tissue adjacent the tissue anchor;
attaching said tissue to the screw using the suture such that said tissue is anchored to the screw; and
closing the opening.
19. The method of claim 18 , wherein the tissue anchor has a tissue anchor proximal end and a tissue anchor distal end; and
wherein advancing the screw into the passageway comprises advancing the screw into the passageway such that the tissue anchor proximal end is coplanar with a surface of said bone.
20. The method of claim 18 , wherein attaching said tissue to the screw using the suture such that said tissue is anchored to the screw comprises attaching said tissue to the screw by knotting the suture such that said tissue is anchored to the screw.
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US17/128,835 US20210106418A1 (en) | 2017-02-24 | 2020-12-21 | Tissue Anchors, Kits, and Associated Methods |
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US17/128,835 US20210106418A1 (en) | 2017-02-24 | 2020-12-21 | Tissue Anchors, Kits, and Associated Methods |
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US11684467B2 (en) * | 2016-11-07 | 2023-06-27 | Acuitive Technologies, Inc. | In-situ curing biodegradable anchor with reinforcement |
US10893933B2 (en) * | 2017-02-24 | 2021-01-19 | James Jastifer | Tissue anchors, kits, and associated methods |
WO2020068933A1 (en) * | 2018-09-25 | 2020-04-02 | The Board Of Supervisors Of Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College | Surgical line fixation device and methods of use thereof |
AU2022360982A1 (en) * | 2021-10-08 | 2024-03-28 | Seaspine, Inc. | Expandable vertebral implant |
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US20180243078A1 (en) | 2018-08-30 |
US10893933B2 (en) | 2021-01-19 |
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