Fixation anchor

• US 6,562,071 B2
• Filed: 06/14/2001
• Issued: 05/13/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 06/14/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Järvinen, Teppo
• Original Assignee: Järvinen, Teppo
• Inventors: Järvinen, Teppo
• Primary Examiner(s): Philogene, Pedro
• Application Number:
  US09/881,563
• Publication Number:
  US 20020040241A1
• Time in Patent Office: 698 Days
• Field of Search: 623/13.14, 623/13.11, 623/13.12, 623/13.13, 623/13.15, 623/13.16, 623/13.17, 623/13.18, 606/72, 606/232, 606/73, 606/90, 606/102, 606/80, 606/98
• US Class Current: 623/13.14
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/0805 Implements for inserting tendons or ligaments
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/0811 Fixation devices for tendons or ligaments
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/0829 without deformation of anchor parts, e.g. fixation screws on bone surface, extending barbs, cams, butterflies, spring-loaded pins
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/0835 with deformation of anchor parts, e.g. expansion of dowel by set screw
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/0852 Fixation of a loop or U-turn, e.g. eyelets, anchor having multiple holes
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/0882 Anchor in or on top of a bone tunnel, i.e. a hole running through the entire bone
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/0071 breakable or frangible
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 606/908 Bioabsorbable material
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 606/91 Polymer

Abstract

A anchor for fixation of an artificial or natural ligament or tendon into a drill-hole in the bone. The device features an anchoring member and a clamp member. According to one embodiment, the anchoring member is U-shaped with two arms that are joined at one end, around which the transplant is passed. The clamp member is designed to be placed between the two arms of the anchoring member or one arm and the wall of the drill-hole thereby locking the anchor in place in the drill-hole.

Claims

1. An endosteal anchor for fixation of a transplant into a drill-hole in a bone, the anchor comprising:

an anchoring member and a clamp member, wherein the anchoring member comprises an anchor element with at least one opening suitable for the transplant to loop around and at least one locking element for fixing the anchoring member within the drill-hole, the anchor element and locking element being coupled in series in relation to each other, and the clamp member being engageably disposable in relation to the locking element for fixing the anchoring member into the drill-hole.

2. The anchor of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the surface of the anchor element around which the transplant loops is substantially smaller than the diameter of the drill-hole into which the anchor is secured.

3. The anchor of claim 1 wherein the anchoring member and the clamp member each comprise a plurality of interlocking members.

4. The anchor of claim 2 wherein the anchoring member and the clamp member each comprise a plurality of interlocking members.

5. The anchor of claim 3 wherein the interlocking members provide means for interlocking the anchoring member and the clamp member together and locking the anchor within the drill-hole.

6. The anchor of claim 1 wherein the locking element comprises two substantially parallel arms and wherein the distance between the two arms of the anchoring member are capable of increasing and the arms are locked with frictional forces against the walls of the drill-hole when the arm(s) press against the walls of the drill-hole.

7. The anchor of claim 1 wherein the anchor element comprises an extension part that urges the transplant against a bone surface within the drill-hole.

8. The anchor of claim 7 wherein the extension part comprises a substantially flat shape.

9. The anchor of claim 7 wherein the extension part comprises one or more longitudinal or horizontal ridges on its surface.

10. The anchor of claim 7 wherein the extension part is expandable.

11. The anchor of claim 6 wherein first ends of the two arms are joined.

12. The anchor of claim 1 wherein the at least one opening includes a longitudinal ridge to create two slots for the transplant(s) to pass around.

13. The anchor of claim 1 wherein the at least one opening includes a longitudinal ridge to create two separate holes for the transplant(s) to pass around.

14. The anchor of claim 1 wherein the locking element further includes an elongated gripping element.

15. The anchor of claim 1 wherein the anchoring member comprises a recess for the insertion of a gripping instrument.

16. An anchor system for fixation of an artificial or natural ligament or tendon into a drill-hole in a bone, the system comprising of at least an anchoring member and a clamp member, wherein the anchoring member comprises of:

a U-shaped anchor element for placement into a drill-hole in the bone, from the anchor element emerging two arms with first ends, and second ends, which join at a connecting portion to create a slot, around which the ligament passes;

and a clamp member that will be adjustably, and at least partly, mounted between the two arms of the anchoring member or between one arm of the anchoring member and a wall of the drill-hole to lock the anchor into the drill-hole.

17. The anchor of claim 16 wherein the anchoring member comprises locking protrusions.

18. The anchor of claim 16 wherein at least part of the clamp member has a diameter substantially greater than a diameter of the anchoring member or the drill-hole.

19. The anchor of claim 16 wherein a distance between two arms of the anchoring member increases and the arms are locked with frictional forces against the walls of the drill-hole when the arms press against the walls of the drill-hole.

20. The anchor of claim 16 wherein the anchor element comprises an extension part that urges the transplant against a bone surface within the drill-hole.

21. The anchor of claim 20 wherein the extension part comprises a substantially flat shape.

22. The anchor of claim 20 wherein the extension part comprises longitudinal or horizontal ridges on its surface.

23. The anchor of claim 20 wherein the extension part is expandable.

24. The anchor of claim 16 wherein the first ends of the two arms are joined.

25. The anchor of claim 16 wherein a longitudinal ridge extends within the slot to create two slots for the transplant(s) to pass around.

26. The anchor of claim 16 wherein a longitudinal ridge extends within the slot to create two separate holes for the transplant(s) to pass around.

27. The anchor of claim 16 wherein at least one first end of the two arms includes an elongated gripping element.

28. The anchor of claim 16 wherein the anchoring member has a recess for the insertion of a gripping instrument.

29. An anchoring member for fixation of a graft ligament or tendon into a drill-hole in a bone comprising:

an anchor element configured to retain the graft, and

a locking element extending from the anchor element and configured to frictionally engage a wall of the drill-hole.

30. The anchoring member according to claim 29 wherein the locking element comprises locking protrusions.

31. The anchoring member according to claim 29 further comprising a clamp member for engaging the locking element.

32. The anchoring member according to claim 29 wherein the anchor element and the locking element are connected in series relation and with the anchor element configured to urge the graft against the wall of the drill-hole.

33. The anchoring member according to claim 29 wherein the locking element comprises two arms extending from the anchor element and configured to frictionally engage a wall of the drill-hole.

34. The anchoring member according to claim 32 wherein the anchor element is substantially flat in shape.

35. The anchoring member according to claim 32 wherein the anchor element comprises one or more longitudinal or horizontal ridges on its surface.

36. The anchoring member according to claim 32 wherein the anchor element is expandable.

37. The anchoring member according to claim 29 wherein the anchor element includes a slot into which the graft is looped.

38. The anchoring member according to claim 29 wherein the anchor element includes two slots into which the graft is looped.

39. The anchoring member according to claim 29 wherein the anchor element includes two separate holes into which the graft is looped.

40. The anchoring member according to claim 29 further including an elongated gripping element.

41. The anchoring member of claim 29 wherein the locking element includes extendable tabs for frictionally engaging a wall of the drill-hole.

42. The anchoring member of claim 41 wherein the extendable tabs are moveably responsive to insertion of a clamp member.

43. The anchoring member of claim 31 wherein the clamp member comprises an insertion part configured to engage the anchoring member and a wall of the drill-hole.

44. The anchoring member of claim 43 further comprising a stay part for securing the insertion part to the anchoring member and the wall of the drill-hole.

45. The anchoring member of claim 29 wherein the anchor element includes one or more channels on each face of the anchor element for receiving the graft.

46. A method for securing a graft within a drill-hole in a bone comprising

securing a graft to an anchoring member comprising an anchor element configured to retain the graft and a locking element extending from the anchor element and configured to frictionally engage a wall of the drill-hole;

extending the graft along the anchor element and away from the locking element;

placing the anchoring member entirely within the drill-hole such that the locking element is free of contact with the graft with the graft extending away from the locking element; and

securing the anchoring member within the drill-hole.

47. The method of claim 46 wherein the step of securing the anchoring member within the drill-hole includes engaging a clamp member to the locking element.

48. The method of claim 46 wherein the locking element comprises locking protrusions.

49. The method of claim 46 wherein the anchor element and the locking element are connected in series relation and with the anchor element configured to urge the graft against the wall of the drill-hole.

50. The method of claim 46 wherein the locking element comprises two arms extending from the anchor element and configured to frictionally engage a wall of the drill-hole.

51. The method of claim 46 wherein the step of securing the graft includes looping the graft around a slot in the anchor element.

52. The method of claim 46 wherein the step of securing the graft includes looping the graft through an opening in the anchor element.

53. The method of claim 46 wherein the anchoring member includes a gripping element for adjusting the anchoring member within the drill-hole.

54. An anchor for fixation of a transplant into a drill-hole in a bone, the anchor comprising:

an anchoring member and a clamp member, wherein the anchoring member comprises an anchor element with at least one opening suitable for the transplant to loop around and at least one locking element for fixing the anchoring member within the drill-hole, the anchor element and locking element being coupled in series in relation to each other,

the anchor element including an extension part that urges the transplant against a bone surface within the drill-hole,

the locking element including at least one elongated gripping element, and

the clamp member being engageably disposable in relation to the locking element for fixing the anchoring member into the drill-hole.

55. An anchoring member for fixation of a transplant into a drill-hole in a bone comprising:

an anchor element configured to retain the transplant, the anchor element including an extension part that urges the transplant against a bone surface within the drill-hole, and

a locking element extending from the anchor element and configured to frictionally engage a wall of the drill hole with the locking element including at least one elongated gripping element.

56. An anchor system for fixation of a transplant into a drill-hole in a bone, the system comprising an anchoring member for placement into a drill-hole in a bone and a clamp member,

the anchoring member including a U-shaped anchor element defining a slot around which a transplant passes and having two parallel arms, the anchor element further having an extension part that urges the transplant against a bone surface within the drill-hole,

at least one of the two arms further including an elongated gripping element,

and a clamp member configured to be adjustably, and at least partly, mounted between the two arms of the anchoring member or between one arm of the anchoring member and a wall of the drill-hole to lock the anchor into the drill-hole.

57. A method for securing a transplant within a drill-hole in a bone comprising

engaging a transplant and an anchoring member comprising an anchor element configured to retain the transplant and a locking element extending from the anchor element and configured to frictionally engage a wall of the drill-hole, the locking element including a gripping element for adjusting the anchoring member within the drill-hole;

extending the transplant along the anchor element and away from the locking element;

placing the anchoring member entirely within the drill-hole such that the locking element is free of contact with the transplant and with the transplant extending away from the locking element;

urging the transplant against the wall of the drill-hole;

adjusting the anchoring member within the drill-hole; and

securing the anchoring member within the drill-hole.

58. An anchor for fixation of a transplant into a drill-hole in a bone, the anchor comprising:

an anchoring member and a clamp member, wherein the anchoring member comprises an anchor element with at least one opening suitable for the transplant to loop around and at least one locking element for fixing the anchoring member within the drill-hole, the anchor element and locking element being coupled in series in relation to each other,

the anchor element including an extension part that urges the transplant against a bone surface within the drill-hole,

the locking element including an interior to receive a clamp member, and

the clamp member being engageably disposable in relation to the locking element for fixing the anchoring member into the drill-hole.

59. An anchoring member for fixation of a transplant into a drill-hole in a bone comprising:

an anchor element configured to retain the transplant, the anchor element including an extension part that urges the transplant against a bone surface within the drill-hole, and

a locking element extending from the anchor element and configured to frictionally engage a wall of the drill hole with the locking element having an interior to receive a clamp member.

60. An anchor system for fixation of a transplant into a drill-hole in a bone, the system comprising an anchoring member for placement into a drill-hole in a bone and a clamp member,

the anchoring member including a U-shaped anchor element defining a slot around which a transplant passes and having two parallel arms forming a locking element, the anchor element further having an extension part that urges the transplant against a bone surface within the drill-hole,

the locking element including an interior for receiving a clamp member,

and the clamp member configured to be adjustably, and at least partly, mounted between the two arms of the anchoring member or between one arm of the anchoring member and a wall of the drill-hole to lock the anchor into the drill-hole.

61. An endosteal anchor for fixation of a transplant into a drill-hole in a bone, the anchor comprising:

an anchoring member and a clamp member, wherein the anchoring member comprises an anchor element with at least one opening suitable for the transplant to loop around and at least one locking element for fixing the anchoring member within the drill-hole, the anchor element and locking element being coupled in series in relation to each other, and the clamp member being engageably disposable in relation to the locking element for fixing the anchoring member into the drill-hole, wherein the at least one opening includes a longitudinal ridge to create two slots for the transplant(s) to pass around.

62. An endosteal anchor for fixation of a transplant into a drill-hole in a bone, the anchor comprising:

an anchoring member and a clamp member, wherein the anchoring member comprises an anchor element with at least one opening suitable for the transplant to loop around and at least one locking element for fixing the anchoring member within the drill-hole, the anchor element and locking element being coupled in series in relation to each other, and the clamp member being engageably disposable in relation to the locking element for fixing the anchoring member into the drill-hole, wherein the at least one opening includes a longitudinal ridge to create two separate holes for the transplant(s) to pass around.

63. An endosteal anchor for fixation of a transplant into a drill-hole in a bone, the anchor comprising:

an anchoring member and a clamp member, wherein the anchoring member comprises an anchor element with at least one opening suitable for the transplant to loop around and at least one locking element for fixing the anchoring member within the drill-hole, the anchor element and locking element being coupled in series in relation to each other, and the clamp member being engageably disposable in relation to the locking element for fixing the anchoring member into the drill-hole, wherein the locking element further includes an elongated gripping element.

64. An anchoring member for fixation of a graft ligament or tendon into a drill-hole in a bone comprising:

an anchor element configured to retain the graft, and

a locking element extending from the anchor element and configured to frictionally engage a wall of the drill-hole;

wherein the anchor element comprises a hook-shaped extension around which the graft is looped.