Patent ID: 8870955
Filing Date: 2014-10-28
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A method for repairing a damaged ligament surgically, comprising: preparing a ligament graft to be inserted in place of the damaged ligament, wherein the graft comprises an anteromedial (AM) bundle having a plurality of graft strands and a posterolateral (PL) bundle having a plurality of graft strands, the preparing step including a step of securing the end of each graft strand of both bundles using suture, and a step of doubling the graft over itself; selecting a femoral implant, which comprises movable portions which may be deployed to expand outwardly to engage adjacent bone, having a size suitable for the size of the prepared ligament graft; creating a tibial tunnel and a femoral socket for receiving the ligament graft; securing the graft strand bundles to the femoral implant so that they extend proximally from both sides of the implant, wherein the AM bundle extends along one side of the implant and the PL bundle extends along an opposing side of the implant; securing ends of the suture used to secure the graft bundles to an insertion device in a manner as to ensure optimal anatomical placement of the AM and PL graft bundles, wherein the step of securing the ends of the suture to an insertion device comprises securing the ends of the suture extending from the AM bundle to one side of the insertion device and the ends of the suture extending from the PL bundle to an opposing side of the insertion device; inserting the femoral implant through the tibial tunnel and into the femoral socket to a desired depth; deploying the movable portions of the femoral implant to expand outwardly into adjacent bone; disengaging the suture securing ends from the insertion device; releasing the insertion device from the femoral implant and proximally withdrawing the insertion device from the tibial tunnel; and tensioning the graft bundles and ensuring their proper positioning in the knee.