Patent ID: 7056340
Filing Date: 2006-06-06
Classification: A61B,A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method for fixing a piece of tissue in a bone tunnel in a bone, the method comprising the steps of: advancing a first trocar and sleeve assembly through the bone and toward the bone tunnel; advancing a second trocar and sleeve assembly through the bone and toward the bone tunnel; each of the assemblies comprising a trocar disposed within a sleeve and having a sharpened end extending beyond an end of the sleeve, the trocar substantially filling the sleeve within which the trocar is disposed; the first and second assemblies being advanced spaced apart and generally normal to the bone tunnel; placing a bone block having the piece of tissue attached thereto in the bone tunnel; withdrawing the first trocar from the first sleeve, leaving the first sleeve in the bone; advancing a first bio-absorbable rod into the first sleeve and through the bone block; withdrawing the first sleeve from the bone block and the bone, leaving the first bio-absorbable rod in place; withdrawing the second trocar from the second sleeve, leaving the second sleeve in the bone; advancing a second bio-absorbable rod into the second sleeve and through the bone block; and withdrawing the second sleeve from the bone block and the bone, leaving the second bio-absorbable rod in place; wherein the rods retain the bone block, and thereby the piece of tissue, in the bone tunnel; and wherein the bio-absorbability of the rods is such as to enable absorption of the rods by a body in which the rods are disposed over time, such that the tissue is initially attached to the bone by the rods and, subsequently, the rods are absorbed into the body.