Patent ID: 7357803
Filing Date: 2008-04-15
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method for retaining a graft in a bone tunnel formed in a bone, the method comprising: positioning an encircling means adjacent the bone tunnel in a first position such that it at least partially encircles a portion of the graft with the graft passing generally straight through the encircling means, the encircling means comprising a lumen for receiving the graft, a prong for gripping the bone outside of the tunnel to create a center of rotation, and a fixation tab for engaging an interference screw, the step of positioning the encircling means adjacent the bone tunnel comprising placing the prong into engagement with the bone outside of the bone tunnel and placing the graft through the lumen positioning an interference screw adjacent the fixation tab; and driving the interference screw into the bone tunnel to rotate the encircling means about the center of rotation created by the prong from the first position to a second position, within the bone tunnel, in which the graft is forced into a tortuous path through the encircling means such that the encircling means grips the graft and the interference screw grips the encircling means to secure the graft and encircling means relative to the bone tunnel with the encircling means in the second position.