Patent ID: 6547778
Filing Date: 2003-04-15
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
A ligament strand tensioner comprising:a frame member for slidingly retaining loops of suture strands extending from ligament strands, and having a collar portion; a cylincdrically-shaped tube on which the collar portion is mounted; a spherically curved section fixed at a distal end of said tube; and a handle connected to said tube; the collar portion being tiltingly movable on said spherically curved section when manipulation of said handle, to pull the suture strands on said frame member taut, causes said spherically curved section to engage the collar portion; wherein proximal axial movement of said frame member effects application of the tension on the strands; wherein the sliding retention of the suture strands and the tilting movement of the collar portion provide substantial equalization of tension in the ligament strands; and wherein said tensioner further comprises a spring, biasing said handle against proximal movement of said handle, on the tube.