Patent ID: 8021390
Filing Date: 2011-09-20
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method of anchoring a suture to live human bone through a substantially cylindrical bone hole having a longitudinal axis, the method comprising the steps of: providing an insertion tool comprising a main body and a flexible insertion end having elastic properties for returning the insertion end to an initial configuration; providing a substantially rigid suture anchor of human femur cortical bone having at least one generally conical surface and a central axis and a bore at an angle to the central axis, and a substantially planar base oblique to the central axis; securing a suture to the suture anchor by threading the suture through the bone; positioning the insertion end of the insertion tool through the bore; advancing the insertion tool towards the bone hole with the main body parallel to the longitudinal axis and the insertion end in the initial configuration, wherein the suture anchor, as oriented on the insertion end, is too large to fit through the bone hole; advancing the insertion tool and the suture anchor into the bone hole, causing the suture anchor to reorient by bending on the insertion end of the insertion tool; and advancing the insertion tool into the bone hole until the insertion tool end having elastic properties is able to return to an initial configuration, thereby reorienting the suture anchor to the orientation prior to insertion into the bone hole.