Apparatus and method for tendon or ligament repair
First Claim
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1. Apparatus for repairing a tear in a tendon or ligament, the apparatus comprising:
- an elongate tensile member adapted to extend within the interior of said tendon or ligament from a first side of said tear to a second side of said tear;
a first anchor body connected with said elongate tensile member, said first anchor body configured for insertion within the interior of said tendon or ligament;
first securing structure operable to at least assist in holding said first anchor body within the interior of said tendon or ligament on the first side of said tear;
a second anchor body connected for movement along said elongate tensile member, said second anchor body configured for insertion and retention within the interior of said tendon or ligament;
second securing structure operable to at least assist in holding said second anchor body within the interior of said tendon or ligament on the second side of said tear; and
locking structure operable to hold said second anchor body at a desired distance from said first anchor body along said elongate tensile member.
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Abstract
A device and method for repairing a torn tendon or ligament wherein three incisions are made. A suture is passed from one side of the tear to the other. The suture is tightened to achieve an abutting relationship between the two sides and is secured. A similar product is also shown for use with a flexible suture for repairing bones.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. Apparatus for repairing a tear in a tendon or ligament, the apparatus comprising:
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an elongate tensile member adapted to extend within the interior of said tendon or ligament from a first side of said tear to a second side of said tear; a first anchor body connected with said elongate tensile member, said first anchor body configured for insertion within the interior of said tendon or ligament; first securing structure operable to at least assist in holding said first anchor body within the interior of said tendon or ligament on the first side of said tear; a second anchor body connected for movement along said elongate tensile member, said second anchor body configured for insertion and retention within the interior of said tendon or ligament; second securing structure operable to at least assist in holding said second anchor body within the interior of said tendon or ligament on the second side of said tear; and locking structure operable to hold said second anchor body at a desired distance from said first anchor body along said elongate tensile member. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method of repairing a tendon or ligament having a tear, the method comprising:
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connecting a first anchor body to an elongate tensile member; securing said first anchor body within the interior of said tendon or ligament on a first side of said tear; connecting a second anchor body to said elongate tensile member; securing said second anchor body within the interior of said tendon or ligament on a second side of said tear; adjusting the distance between the first and second anchor bodies along said elongate tensile member to bring the first and second sides together at said tear; and holding the first and second sides together at said tear with at least said anchor bodies and said elongate tensile member. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method of repairing a tendon or ligament having a tear, the method comprising:
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inserting a first anchor body and an elongate tensile member connected therewith through the interior of said tendon or ligament and across said tear; securing said first anchor body within said tendon or ligament; connecting a second anchor body to said elongate tensile member; inserting said second anchor body within said tendon or ligament on an opposite side of said tear from said first anchor body while allowing movement of said second anchor body along said elongate tensile member; pulling the tendon or ligament together by tensioning the elongate tensile member between said first and second anchor bodies; and fixing said second anchor body on said elongate tensile member at a location which holds the elongate tensile member in tension and holds the tendon or ligament together at said tear.
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18. A method of repairing a tendon or ligament having a tear, the method comprising:
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connecting a first anchor body to an elongate tensile member; securing said first anchor body within the interior of said tendon or ligament on a first side of said tear; securing a second anchor body within the interior of said tendon or ligament on a second side of said tear; tensioning the elongate tensile member to adjust the distance between the first and second anchor bodies and bring the first and second sides together at said tear; and holding the first and second sides together at said tear with at least said anchor bodies and said elongate tensile member.
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Specification