Multi-anchor suture

• US 6,554,852 B1
• Filed: 08/24/2000
• Issued: 04/29/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 08/25/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Michael A. Oberlander
• Original Assignee: Michael A. Oberlander
• Inventors: Oberlander, Michael A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lindsey, Rodney M.
• Application Number:
  US09/645,671
• Time in Patent Office: 978 Days
• Field of Search: 606/232, 606/104, 606/219, 606/220, 606/72, 606/75, 411/457, 411/921
• 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
• 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 system for attaching soft tissue to bone including an assembly comprising:

(a) at least two anchors each having a region for insertion into the bone and a region for suture connection; and

(b) a knotless suture attached to the suture connection region of each anchor.

2. A system as in claim 1 wherein at least one of the anchors is cannulated.

3. A system as in claim 1 wherein the suture is attached eccentrically to the insertion region of at least one of the anchors.

4. A system as in claim 1 having two anchors.

5. A system as in claim 4 having one suture.

6. A system as in claim 1 further comprising a gun for firing the assembly into soft tissue and bone.

7. A system as in claim 6 wherein the gun has at least one cannula.

8. A system as in claim 1 further comprising a grasper tool having at least one cannulated barrel.

9. A system as in claim 1 further comprising an initial anchor impactor tool having at least one cannula, a region adapted to receive an applied force, and a region adapted to apply force to at least one of the anchors.

10. A system as in claim 1 further comprising a final impactor tool having at least one cannula, a region adapted to receive an applied force, and a region adapted to apply force to at least one of the anchors.

11. The system of claim 1 wherein the region for suture connection on at least one anchor has a rotatable collar to prevent the suture from moving relative to the bone during rotation of the anchor, wherein the rotatable collar is positioned between the region for insertion into the bone and a region for receiving an applied force.

14. The system of claim 1 wherein the region for suture connection on at least one anchor has a rotatable collar to prevent the suture from moving relative to the bone during rotation of the anchor, wherein the anchor has a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a region for receiving an applied force, and wherein the diameter of the rotatable collar is generally equal to the diameter of the first portion.

15. The system of claim 1 wherein the region for suture connection on at least one anchor has a rotatable collar to prevent the suture from moving relative to the bone during rotation of the anchor, wherein the rotatable collar is generally cylindrical.

12. A method for attaching soft tissue to bone comprising:

(a) inserting at least two guide wires through the soft tissue and into the bone;

(b) inserting at least two anchors along the guide wires, the anchors being connected by at least one suture; and

(c) inserting the anchors into the bone.

13. A method for attaching soft tissue to bone comprising:

providing an assembly for attaching soft tissue to bone, the assembly comprising at least two anchors, each anchor having an insertion region for insertion into the bone and a suture region for suture connection and a suture attached to the suture connection region of each anchor;

inserting the insertion region of each anchor into the bone while the suture is attached to the suture connection region of each anchor.