Multi-anchor suture

• US 20030167072A1
• Filed: 03/10/2003
• Published: 09/04/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 08/25/1999
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Michael A. Oberlander
• Original Assignee: Michael A. Oberlander
• Inventors: Oberlander, Michael A.
• Application Number:
  US10/385,037
• Publication Number:
  US 20030167072A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/232
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/0401 Suture anchors, buttons or pledgets, i.e. means for attaching sutures to bone, cartilage or soft tissue; Instruments for applying or removing suture anchors A61B17/0642 takes precedence; fixation devices for tendons or ligaments A61F2/0811
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/0642 for bones, e.g. for osteosynthesis or connecting tendon to bone
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/0682 for applying U-shaped staples or clamps, e.g. without a forming anvil
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0409 Instruments for applying suture anchors for applying suture clamps, clips or locks A61B2017/0488
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0412 having anchoring barbs or pins extending outwardly from suture anchor body
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0427 having anchoring barbs or pins extending outwardly from the anchor body
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0438 slotted, i.e. having a longitudinal slot for enhancing their elasticity
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/044 with a threaded shaft, e.g. screws
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0445 cannulated, e.g. with a longitudinal through-hole for passage of an instrument
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0647 having one single leg, e.g. tacks
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0648 threaded, e.g. tacks with a screw thread
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 606/916 Tool for installing or removing orthopedic fastener

Abstract

A multi-anchor suture is provided which comprises at least two anchors and at least one suture attached to each anchor. The multiple anchors are inserted into a patient'"'"'s bone and the suture connecting the anchors facilitates reattachment of soft tissue to the bone. Also provided is a method of attaching soft tissue to bone using the inventive multi-anchor suture.

Claims

1. A device for attaching soft tissue to bone during arthroscopic surgery comprising:

two anchors that are capable of being at least partially inserted into a bone, wherein each anchor has a region adapted to reduce the possibility that the anchor will disengage from the bone; and

a knotless suture attached to each anchor.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the region adapted to reduce the possibility that the anchor will disengage from the bone comprises barbs.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein the suture is attached to at least one barb.

4. The device of claim 2 wherein the barbs bend slightly during insertion of the anchor into the bone.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the region adapted to reduce the possibility that the anchor will disengage from the bone comprises threads.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein the anchors each have a length and the suture has a length, and wherein the length of the suture is less than the length of at least one anchor.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein the anchors are relatively firmly embedded in the bone.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein the suture and both anchors are intregal.

9. The device of claim 1 wherein at least one anchor is non-cannulated.

10. The device of claim 1 wherein the anchors are cannulated.

11. The device of claim 1 wherein the anchors are held in place during initial insertion into the bone by guide wires.

12. The device of claim 1 wherein the suture is attached to each anchor at a single position on each anchor.

13. The device of claim 1 wherein the two anchors are substantially identical.

14. A method for attaching soft tissue to bone during arthoscopic surgery comprising:

inserting at least two anchors partially into a bone; and

connecting the anchors with a knotless suture to maintain a soft tissue adjacent to the bone.

15. The method of claim 14 comprising the further step of:

applying force to the anchors to insert the anchors into the bone at least approximately 5-6 millimeters.

16. The method of claim 14 comprising the further step of:

applying force to the anchors at least until the suture is taut.

17. The method of claim 14 wherein the anchors are space apart in the bone approximately 5 millimeters.

18. The method of claim 14 wherein the anchors are cannulated.

19. The method of claim 14 wherein at least one anchor is inserted into the soft tissue.

20. A device for re-attaching soft tissue to bone comprising:

two anchors for insertion into a tissue and a bone; and

a suture which is eccentrically attached to each anchor without the use of a knot.