Patent ID: 6206886
Filing Date: 2001-03-27
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
A method for arthroscopic reattachment of torn tissue to a bone at a surgical site using an expandable soft tissue suture anchor having at least one suture secured thereto, comprising the steps of:positioning the torn tissue onto the bone at the proper location for reattachment;inserting a first cannula having an axial bore through the skin substantially to the torn tissue;inserting into the cannula a tubular drill guide having a distal end, a proximal end and an axial bore;inserting a bone drill bit into said drill guide and drilling a hole through the torn tissue and completely through the bone, and thereafter removing said drill bit;inserting a second cannula having an distal end, a proximal end, and an axial bore into said drill guide axial bore;releasably connecting an expandable soft tissue suture anchor to a distal end of a tubular deployment tool, said anchor having at least one suture secured thereto with a free end extending through the interior of said deployment tool;passing said deployment tool and said anchor connected thereto through said second cannula bore and said drilled hole until said expandable anchor exits said drilled hole a sufficient distance to allow said anchor to expand to a diameter larger than the diameter of said drilled hole;removing said deployment tool, said second cannula, and said drill guide;applying tension to said at least one suture to engage said expanded anchor on the exterior surface of said bone surrounding said drilled hole; and thereaftersecuring said free end of said at least one suture to said torn tissue such that said torn tissue is secured to said bone by said suture and said suture is anchored to said bone exterior surface by said expanded anchor.