SUTURE ANCHOR ASSEMBLY AND METHODS

Abstract: A suture anchor assembly (10) is described which includes an elongated insertion stem (12), and an approximately cylindrical anchoring element (20) having an axial channel (26) for receiving the insertion stem (12). In its non-expanded state, the anchoring element (20) can be placed into a pre-drilled opening in a bone. An expander element (35) loaded onto the insertion stem (12) is engaged with a proximal end (22) of the anchoring element (20). The proximal end (22) of the anchoring element (20) is capable of telescoping or cam movement over the distal end (40) of the expander element (35) so that resilient proximal portions of the anchoring element (20) are forced outward against the expander element (35) causing the resilient proximal portions of the anchoring element (20) to expand into the bone hole, fixing the anchoring element (20) in a pressure fit firmly within the opening. A kit for emplacing and removing the suture anchor is also provided, as well as methods for attaching a suture to a bone using the present assembly.

Description: SUTURE ANCHOR ASSEMBLY AND METHODS This application is a continuation in part of copending, commonly assigned United States Patent Application Serial No. 08/337,944, fUed November 10, 1994, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference. This application is also a continuation in part of United States Patent Application Serial No. 08/568,348, filed December 6, 1995, and of United States Patent Application Serial No. 08/574,463, filed December 7, 1995, both of which are pending and which are incorporated herein by reference. A variety of techniques are available for affixing objects such as soft tissue to bone. The oldest technique utilizes thread passed through the bone and the tissue to sew the tissue down to the bone. Many sizes, shapes and types of suture and suture needles are available to accomplish this task. Today, this method is still used for repair of tendons and ligaments in older osteoarthritic patients, although passing a suture through bone is generally difficult and tedious. Soft tissue repairs also have been accomplished with metal screws or staples that attach soft tissue to bone. Metal screws and/or staples are, however, subject to corrosion and consequent loss of structure. Moreover, the presence of metal in an anatomical site can interfere with imaging and diagnostic or therapeutic treatments near the site. For example, any metal implants may have to be removed by surgery prior to magnetic resonance imaging. Patient sensitivity to nickel ions and stainless steel implants has fueled a growing controversy regarding the use of materials containing high quantities of nickel including nickel -titanium alloys such as Nitinol. Also, it is almost impossible to adjust the compression exerted by screws and staples on soft tissue. Thus, these devices are not fully satisfactory for soft tissue repair. Other devices employ a suture anchor installation affixed to an arc of wire or a plurality of barbs disposed on an outer surface of the suture anchor body. The barbs or arc of wire are set into a bone by applying traction to the suture. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to position the anchor at a precise location within a bone if an anchor is being drawn upwards in a bone hole by applying tension to a suture. Furthermore, many of the fastening devices require some type of impact or impulse to set the fastener in position. Impact emplacement or setting of bone/suture anchors may result in injury to the patient as well as placing unnecessary strain on the bone/suture fastener itself. This is especially problematic when suture anchors are intended to be placed in soft bone such as in procedures to repair anterior cruciate ligaments or repair torn rotator cuffs Summary of the Invention One embodiment of the invention is an anchoring device to affix a suture in a bone The suture anchor includes an expander element having proximal and distal ends, d e distal end for engagement with a proximal end of an anchoring element The anchor also includes an anchoring element for insertion into a bone hole, the element being adapted for movement within the bone hole from a first position, where a proxunal end of the insertion element is in facing relationship to the distal end of die expander element, to a second position, where the anchoring element moves proxunally within the bone hole so that its proximal end telescopes over the distal end of die expander element, forcing the proximal end of me anchoring element into a wall of the bone hole The anchor further includes means for moving the anchoring element from the first to the second position In a further embodiment, the device includes a tubular anchoring element for engagement with a hole drilled in a bone that has opposed proximal and distal ends connected by way of a central longitudinal axis The element has defmed between die ends an axial channel extending from the proxunal end of the element to the distal end of the element and having inner and outer peripheral surfaces forming a wall between the surfaces The wall further has defined in it a series of axially-oπented slots beginning at the proximal end and extending distally Λ suture retainer is engaged with die anchoring element The anchoring element further includes a plurality of wall sections that are defined between the axially-oπented slots Proxunal ends of the wall sections include a first camming surface for mating with another camming surface on an expander element so that the first camming surface is arranged for -> . telescoping movement over the other camming surface to expand the wall sections The invention also encompasses an anchoring device to affix a suture in a bone that includes a tubular anchoring element having opposed proxunal and distal ends and an axial channel extending from die proxunal end of the element to the distal end of the element The anchoring element has several flexible wall sections that are adapted for movement from a first position, where the flexible wall sections are arranged along d e outer peripheral surface of the element, to a second position, where proximal ends of die flexible wall sections are forced to obliquely expand outwardly into a wall of the bone hole. A suture retainer is also engaged with the element Preferably, the wall sections are more flexible at their respective proximal ends dian at their respective distal ends Other embodiments of the anchoring element include diose hav g screw threads disposed on the distal end at an inner peripheral surface The invention also pertains to a suture anchor assembly The assembly includes an insertion stem having proxunal and distal ends, the distal end for engagement widi a distal end of a tubular anchoring element, a tubular anchoring element of the invention; and a tubular expander element having an axial channel defined between the proximal and distal ends The expander element is adapted for loading onto die stem and has a distal end designed to engage with die proximal end of the tubular anchor element The anchor element is adapted for movement from a first position, where its proximal end is engaged with the distal end of die expander element, to a second position, so mat the tubular anchor element telescopes over the distal end of die expander element and the flexible wall sections of the anchoring element expand mto a wall of the bone hole Most preferably, the insertion stem includes a frangible section adjacent to its distal end and designed to break when sufficient tension is applied to the stem The proximal end of e expander element may include a peripheral flange integral with the proximal end Included at the distal end of the expander and the proximal end of d e flexible wall sections are camming surfaces adapted to engage with each odier in order to expand the wall sections mto the bone The preferred assembly of the invention also includes a tool for removing the anchor element once the anchor element is deployed in bone hole and a tool for applying tension to die insertion stem A kit for deploying a suture anchor in a bone hole includes the suture anchor assembly of the invention, a drill, a drill guide, a deployment device, and a tool for removing the anchor element once deployed. Mediods for deploying a suture anchor m a bone hole are described and include providing an anchoring element of die invention for insertion into an opemng in a bone and engaging the anchoring element widi an insertion stem. Next, an expander element is engaged with die insertion stem so that a distal end of the expander element is engaged with a proximal end of the anchoring element The insertion stem widi its loaded anchoring element is placed into the bone hole and die expander element is fixed in position in the bone hole A tensional force is applied to die insertion stem so that the proximal end of the anchoring element telescopes over the distal end of d e expander element and an outer surface of the anchoring element engages widi the bone. The insertion stem is then released from die anchoring element Most preferably, the step of releasing includes activating a frangible section of the insertion stem so that it breaks It is an object of the present invention to provide a suture anchor of simple design and construction It is anodier object of the present invention to provide a suture anchor havmg one or more bioabsorbable components It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for emplacing a suture anchor in a bone that does not require an impact or impulse in order to deploy d e anchor It is anodier object of die present invention to provide a mediod for emplacing a suture anchor that can be used in soft bone and can be removed from die soft bone after deployment Brief Description of the Drawings The following description of the preferred embodiments serves in conjunction with the drawings to explain the invention in further detail, in which: Figure 1 is an exploded view of a suture anchor of the invention; Figure 2 is a partial cut-away view through the suture anchor of Figure 1 emplaced in a bone hole; Figure 3 is a plan view of the embodiment of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a partial cut-away view through the suture anchor of Figure 1 as it is being deployed in a bone hole; Figure 5 is a partial cut-away view through the suture anchor of Figure 4 after emplacement in a bone hole; Figure 6 is a plan view of another embodiment of the suture anchor emplaced in a bone hole; Figure 7 is a partial cut-away view through a third embodiment of the suture anchor emplaced in a bone hole; Figures 8A and 8B illustrate deployment of the suture anchor of Figure 7, in which Figure 8A illustrates deployment of the sunire anchor and Figure 8B illustrates removal of the insertion stem from the bone hole; Figure 9 is a partial, cut-away view of deployment of the suture anchor of Figure 1 using a pop-rivet gun; Figure 10 is cut-away view of another embodiment of the suture anchor deployment device; Figure 1 1 is a cross-sectional view of a hand-held deployment means used with the device of Figure 10; Figure 12 is a cut-away view of a device and method for removing the suture anchor of the present invention; Figure 13A is an exploded view of a preferred suture anchor device of the invention; Figure 13B depicts the suture anchor of Figure 13A partially assembled; Figure 14 depicts in cross-section a preferred anchoring element of the suture anchoring device of Figure 13 A; Figure 15 depicts in side view a preferred expander element of the suture anchoring device of Figure 13 A; Figures 16 and 17 depict an insertion stem incorporated in a preferred suture anchor assembly according to the invention; Figures 18 and 19 depict an anchoring element incorporated in a preferred suture anchor assembly according to die invention; Figure 20 depicts an expander element incorporated in a preferred suture anchor assembly according to the invention; and Figures 21 - 22 depicts a suture anchor device according to the invention including two anchoring elements. Detailed Description of the Invention The suture anchor assembly, according to die invention, generally includes an elongated insertion stem and an approximately cylindrical anchoring element having an axial channel for receiving the insertion stem. In its nonexpanded state, the anchoring element can be placed into a pre-drilled opening in a bone. An expander element is engaged widi a proximal end of die anchoring element. The term "proximal" refers to a point that is spaced-apart from the bottom of a bone hole in a direction towards die point of origin of the assembly (i.e. towards die surgeon), as opposed to a "distal" point diat is closer to die bottom of the bone hole (i.e. farthest from die point of origin; the surgeon). The anchoring element is capable of moving proximally within the bone hole (i.e. towards the bone surface) so that the proximal end of die anchoring element telescopes over a distal end of the expander element. As a result of d is movement, resilient proximal portions of the anchoring element are forced outward against the expander element, causing die resilient proximal portions of the anchoring element to expand into die bone hole, fixing the anchoring element in a pressure fit firmly within the opening. The term "telescopes" has its commonly understood meaning in this context and refers to surfaces diat slide against each other in which one surface is forced into another. In particular, the distal end of die expander is forced into d e proximal end of the moving anchoring element. A. The Insertion Stem Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of the suture anchor assembly of the invention containing an insertion stem onto which is loaded an anchoring element and an expander element. One component of die suture anchor assembly 10 is an insertion stem 12, an elongated cylinder having distal 14 and proximal 16 ends. Distal end 14 is preferably formed as a shoulder 15 designed to engage a distal end 24 of an anchoring element 20. The insertion stem 12 has a frangible portion 18 disposed some distance proximal to end 14. The term "frangible" refers to a portion of stem 12 that is breakable or fragile. In particular, Figure 1 illustrates frangible portion 18 as a section of stem 12 having a thinner diameter dian the remainder of the stem. The frangible section 18 is designed to sever or break when sufficient tension is applied to the stem 12 in a proximal direction (shown by arrow A) that is parallel to longitudinal axis (B-B) of the stem. The frangible portion, however, may be other than a diin-walled section of stem 12 and may include a series of spokes or webbing or a plurality of very attenuated membranes. B. The Anchoring Element Anchoring element 20 is substantially tubular, having opposed proximal 22 and distal 24 ends connected by way of a central axial channel 26 extending from the proximal end 22 of element 20 to the distal end 24 of the element. Distal end 24 is engaged widi shoulder 15 of stem 12. Element 20 has inner 28 and outer 30 peripheral surfaces forming a wall. Defined in die wall, and in communication widi axial channel 26, are a series of axially-oπented slots 34 that begin at the proximal end 22 and extend some distance towards die distal end 24 Each of the series of axially-oriented slots 34 in the anchoring element 20 define a flexible wall section 33 located between each slot. Each wall section 33 is more flexible at its respective proximal end, in part because the wall section is defined between slots that extend directly from the proximal end 22 of die anchoring element. The distal ends of die respective wall sections 33 are co-extensive with die distal end 24 of anchormg element 20 Figure 1 also illustrates a suture retainer 48 located adjacent the distal end 24 of anchormg element 20. Sumre retainer 48 is most preferably an aperture for receiving an mtermediate portion of a sumre (I e a segment between die free ends of die sumre) This allows the anchoring element to be a so-called "shdable" sumre anchor The sumre retainer may be configured in a variety of other ways, including any number of sumre retammg configurations, such as a slit, a groove, a clip or wire and die like (e.g. , sumre engaging slot 221 of stem 212, described above) C. The Expander Element Expander element 35 is substantially tubular, having opposed proxunal 38 and distal 40 ends connected by way of a central axial channel 36, the axial channel defining a longitudinal axis (D-D). The respective inner diameters of the expander element 35 and anchoring element 20 are of sufficient size to allow them to be loaded onto stem 12, anchoring element 20 being engaged first, so that proxunal end 22 of the anchormg element 20 is engaged in facing relationship to distal end 40 of expander element 35 This is shown in Figure 2 which illustrates in partial cross-section the configuration resulting when anchoring element 20 and expander element 35 are disposed by way of stem 12 into a hole 41 drilled in a bone 42 The proximal end 22 of each of die flexible wall sections 33 has a camming surface 44 that is designed to mate widi a corresponding camming surface 46 at the distal end of die expander element 35 The cammmg surface 46 of expander element 35 is preferably tapered or beveled, die taper ranging from about 10 degrees to about 45 degrees, relative to axes (B-B) and (D-D) Most preferably, the tapered camming surface is at an angle of about 30° degrees relative to diese longitudinal axes Corresponding tapered camming surfaces 44 of the anchoring element 20 are also disposed at die proximal end 22 of wall sections 33 Figures 3 and 4 illustrate operation of dus embodiment of the sumre assembly and die forces imposed on die components of the assembly in order to set die sumre anchor into a bone hole 41 Expander element 35 is substantially fixed at the bone surface 47 and dus may be accomplished by using an expander element 35 containing a flange 50 diat is integral with the proximal end 38 of element 35 and extending radially outwardly around the periphery of the proximal end 38. In this embodiment, flange 50 serves as a support/countersink to brace the expander element 35 against die bone surface 47 and against a housing 57 of the stem 12 (Shown in Figure 4) to provide a solid surface onto which a force is exerted diat is opposite to die tension force applied to stem 12. When tension is applied to stem 12 (in the direction shown by arrow A), die stem 12 and anchoring element 20 are forced in die indicated direction (i.e. proximal to the bone hole) but the expander element 35 remains substantially immobile within die bone hole 41 as the result of a distally-applied counterforce (arrow X) exerted against flange 50 by a distal end 59 of die stem housing 57 (See also Figure 6). A proximally directed force diat is substantially equal in magnitude and in direction to die stem tension force (arrow A) is applied to die proximal end of anchoring element 20. The anchoring element moves proximally in the bone hole and camming surfaces 44, 46 are forced into mating engagement. As shown in Figure 4, anchoring element 20 telescopes over the substantially fixed expander element 35. In the embodiment illustrated, distal camming surfaces 46 of expander element 35 remain substantially fixed in position widiin the bone hole and proximal camming surfaces 44 of anchoring element 20 are forced to ride over diem. Wall sections 33 defined between die series of axially-oriented slots 34 are flexible and will expand into die bone when die camming surfaces are mutually engaged and die anchoring element 20 telescopes over the expander element 35 when tension is applied to die stem 12. Wall sections 33 have proximal ends that are more flexible then odier portions thereof. As a result, expansion of the wall sections 33 by the telescoping movement of the anchoring element 20 over the fixed expander element 35 results in the wall sections 33 having a substantially arcuate cross section when fully deployed and expanded in die bone, the proximal ends of the wall sections being driven radially outward and in an oblique direction (i.e., at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the stem). The frangible portion 18 of stem 12 is adapted to break when die flexible wall sections are in dieir fully expanded position. Once severed, the stem 12 may be removed from the rest of the assembly, leaving die anchormg element 20, expander element 35 and attached sumre (not illustrated) locked in die bone hole (See Figure 5). The frangible portion 18 of insertion stem 12 is preferably located at a distance above the distal end 14 of die stem so mat, when die stem is removed, the remaining severed smb of the insertion stem does not extend above die level of the bone surface 47. In other embodiments of die invention, expander element 35 need not have a proximal flange 50 Figure 6 is a partial, plan section of a bone hole 41 into which a non-flanged expander element 35 is disposed. The distal end 59 of stem housing 57 is wide enough so that it is partially coextensive with the bone hole 41 opemng and thus simultaneously contacts both the bone surface 47 and proximal end 38 of expander element 35 Functionally, this configuration may be considered similar to that of Figure 3 because engagement of proxunal end 38 of expander element 35 and die distal end 59 of stem housing 57 also serve to set up a counterforce (arrow E) in opposition to die tension force applied to the insertion stem 12, the counterforce sufficient to fix element 35 in position within bone hole 41. In further embodiments, illustrated in Figure 7, distal portions of insertion stem 12 may include screw direads 52 for mating engagement with corresponding screw threads 54 on die inner surface 28 of anchoring element 20. Stem 12 includes a proximal slot 49 for engagement with a screwdriver. Expander element 35 may include proximal flange 50 and stem 12 is rotatable within the expander 35. Expander element 35 is countersunk into the bone so that flange 50 rests upon a shoulder 51 defined in the wall 53 of the bone hole 41. The screw threads 52,54 provide for positioning of die anchoring element 20 in me hole 41 at its desired depth and for applying a desired telescoping force to the anchoring element by turning the insertion stem 12 into the axial channel 26 of the anchoring element 20. In such a turnable screw thread configuration, illustrated in Figure 8A, as the threaded insertion stem 12 is turned clockwise, die expander element 35 remains fixed in the bone hole 41 by way of counterforce pressure against flange 50, but the proximal end 22 of anchoring element 20 is forced to telescope over the distal end 40 of expander element 35 as the direads on the insertion stem are turned. Cammmg surfaces 44,46 engage and flexible wall sections 33 are expanded into die bone 42 Once die anchoπng element is fixed into the bone, the stem and expander may be released by backing out the threaded stem (See Figure 8B). In anodier embodiment of die assembly, the distal end 14 of insertion stem 12 and die distal end 24 of anchoring element 20 are attached as an integral unit so diat only the expander element 35 need be loaded onto the insertion stem. Alternately, the assembly may comprise the integral anchormg element and insertion stem and an expander element that is molded to, or extruded integrally with, a distal end of a housing as described below with reference to Figure 9 The component parts of the sumre anchor assembly may be fabricated by conventional molding or extrusion procedures. Element 20 is preferably constructed of a biocompatible material. The term "biocompatible" means mat the anchoring element material is chemically and biologically inert. Suitable materials for the anchoring element include, for example, an implant grade high density polyediylene, low density polyediylene (PE 6010 and PE 2030); acetal (trademark "Delrin", manufactured by Dupont Chemical Co.) and polypropylene (13R9A and 23M2: all made by Rexene. Dallas. Texas). Of these, PE 6010 and 13R9A have been FDA listed as class 6 materials. The anchoring element may also be bioabsorbable The term "bioabsorbable" refers to those materials mat are meant to be decomposed or degraded by bodily fluids, such as, for example, blood and lymph. The anchoring element is preferably made from a biodegradable polymer or copolymer of a type selected in accordance widi die desired degradation tune That time in turn depends upon die anticipated healing tune of die tissue which is die subject of the surgical procedure. Known bioabsorbable polymers and copolymers range in degradation tune from about 3 months for polyglycolide to about 48 months for polyglutamic-co-leucine. A common bioabsorbable polymer used in absorbable sutures is poly (L-lactide) which has a degradation time of about 12 to 18 months. The preferred anchoring element is comprised of an absorbable copolymer derived from glycolic and lactic acids, such as a syndietic polyester chemically similar to other commercially available glycolide and lactide copolymers. Glycolide and lactide degrade and absorb in die body by hydrolysis into lactic acid and glycolic acid which are then metabolized by the body. The following Table set forth below lists polymers which are useful for the bioabsorbable material employed for die anchoring element, and odier parts of the bone fastener as described below. These polymers are all biodegradable into water-soluble, non-toxic materials which can be eliminated by die body. TABLE Polycaprolactone Poly (L-lactide) Poly (DL-lactide) Polyglycolide 95:5 Poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) Polydioxanone Polyesteramides Copolyoxalates Polycarbonates Poly (glutamic-co-leucine) 90: 10 Poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) 85: 15 Poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) 75:25 Poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) 50:50 Poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) 90: 10 Poly (DL-lactide-co-caprolactone) 75:25 Poly (DL-lactide-co-caprolactone) 50:50 Poly (DL-lactide-co-caprolactone) D Apparatus for Deployment A preferred deployment apparams of die invention retains the insertion stem, expander element and anchoring element prior to emplacement and includes a tool for exertmg tension on the insertion stem The preferred apparams also allows for separating the insertion stem and expander element from e anchoring element after the frangible section is severed Figure 9 is a partial, plan view illustrating one embodiment of a deployment apparams of die invention and its mode of operation The insertion stem 12 is pre-loaded with d e anchoring element 20 and d e expander element 35 and die stem 12 is then placed into an apparams similar to a pop-πvet gun 56 The stem 12 is encased widun a housing 57 of die apparams so mat a toodied collet 58 or other similar grasping means engages the insertion stem 12 The anchor assembly is then placed in a hole 41 drilled into a bone 42 and a distal end 59 of the housing 57 is pressed into contact with the bone surface 47 This helps fix the flange 50 of expander element 35 into position at the bone surface 47 Activation of the apparams 56 retracts the insertion stem 12 proximally (arrow A) to induce tension on die stem The camming surfaces 44,46 of the respective anchor 20 and expander 35 elements come into telescoping contact and the flexible wall sections 33 of anchoring element 35 are set into the bone 42 Tension is continually exerted on stem 12 until the stem shears off from die remainder of d e sumre assembly at the frangible section 18 In those embodiments of the apparams in which expander element 35 is molded or extruded integrally as one-piece with distal end 59 of housing 57, once the stem is sheared die rest of die stem and the expander element are removed to leave die anchoring element with its attached sumre ( and severed stem) in the bone In die other embodiments where the expander element is not integral with the housmg, the severed stem and d e expander element are left in the bone Figure 10 illustrates another embodiment of an emplacement apparams of die invention and its mode of operation. The apparams includes a housing 57 which encloses insertion stem 12 held co-axially in place by a toodied collet 58. The proximal end 60 of die housing 57 is engaged with arms 90 of a push rod 92 in die shape of an inverse T. Proxunal end 60 of housmg 57 also includes an aperture (not shown) for receiving the collet 58. The collet 58 is integral with a bayonet-type connector 64 that allows the combined connector and housing to be removably attached to a hand held means 120 ( See Figure 11). The stem 12 is thus co-axially arranged around die collet 58 and die collet can move co-axially within the housmg 57 The anchoring element 20 and expander element 35 are direaded on the stem and die stem 12 is positioned in die collet. Referring now to Figure 1 1 , the hand-held means 120 is of similar design to the hand held means described in co-pending and commonly assigned patent application Serial Number 08/163,130, "Bone Fastener" , filed December 6, 1993, incorporated herein by reference. Briefly, the hand held means 120 consists of two handle elements 122, 124 slidably engaged to provide a comfortable pistol grip 126 by which handle element 124 can be moved in a proximal-distal direction with respect to die handle element 122 by squeezing die pistol grip 126. The distal end 123 of the handle element 122 is adapted for removably mounting the bayonet connector 64 The distal end 125 of handle element 124 includes a rod 129 whose distal end 127 abuts push rod 92 when die handle elements are assembled and die connector 64 is mounted onto end 123 of handle element 122 With the apparams so assembled, the surgeon grasps die apparams by die pistol gπp 126, and directs die anchoring assembly into the predπlled hole in the bone The distal end 59 of die housing 57, and optionally die flange 50 of the expander element, engage die bone surface Then, the surgeon squeezes the grip 126 sliding die handle 124 frontward widi respect to the handle element 122. as indicated by the arrow 131 Rod 129 presses against push rod 92 in die distal direction (arrow X in Figure 10) and die downward force is transmitted d rough the inverse-T arms 90 to die housing 57 and against die bone surface 47 At the same time the connector 64 and attached co-axially moveable stem 12 are urged proximally (arrow A), translating the distal force on die push rod 92 to a proxunal, tensioning force on the insertion stem 12 E Apparatus for Removal A significant feamre of the present sumre assembly is that the anchor element may be removed after deployment by forcing die anchoring element distally back down into the bone hole 41 A removal apparams as illustrated in Figure 12 consists of a cannulated rod 60 whose distal end 62 is adapted to engage widi distal end 24 of anchormg element 20 or with the severed end of the insertion stem 12 at die frangible section As illustrated, rod 60 is engaged widi anchormg element 20 and pressed distally (arrow F) to drive die anchor element 20 back down into die bone hole until the flexible wall sections 33 are substantially parallel to the longimdinal axis (F-F) of the bone hole and extend in a proximal -distal direction. A sheadi 64 is then slid (arrow G) over the rod 60 to engage outer peripheral surfaces of die anchoring element 20. This engagement may be facilitated by a series of detents (not shown) located on the distal end 65 of sheadi 64 which fixedly engages the anchoring element. The anchoring element, any insertion stem remaining, and sheadi are removed (arrow H) from the bone hole as a unit. F. Methods One method, although by no means the only method, for attaching soft tissue to bone will be described below. To attach soft tissue to bone, a surgeon takes the sharpened proximal end of a K- wire (manufactured, for example, by Kirschner Medical Company) and spears the tissue diat is to be attached. The proximal end of the K-wire is then placed over the bone surface at die approximate site of attachment. The K-wire is men drilled into the bone at mat site. If the location is where the surgeon wants it, the surgeon then threads a cannulated drill of die appropriate size over the K-wire. A hole is dien drilled into die bone using the cannulated drill. Then drill and K-wire is are removed. It will be understood diat die use of a K-wire is not essential to this method of drilling a bone hole. Whemer or not the K-wire is used, die sumre assembly of the invention is men loaded widiin an emplacement apparams (for example, described above widi reference to Figures 9-11). The assembly is pressed downwards through the tissue and into the bone hole so that the anchoring element is emplaced into the bone hole If die surgeon decides that the orientation of the assembly and soft tissue is correct, the emplacement apparams is triggered by applying a tensional force to the insertion stem so that the proximal end of die anchoring element telescopes over the distal end of die expander element. The outer, flexible surfaces of the anchoring element engage with the bone and the msertion stem is released from the anchoring element to set the anchor element within the bone hole. The apparams is removed Odier variations on this technique clude first drilling a bone hole and dien punching a hole dirough the soft tissue The tissue is dien moved over the bone hole usmg, for example, a K-wire or a sumre passer grasping device It is an important feature of the present invention that the force needed to telescope die anchoring element may be substantially continuous and spread out over tune The anchoring element is telescoped over the expander element widi a compressive motion at is axially delivered in a direction substantially parallel to the longimdinal axis of the insertion stem Thus, the apparams for deploying die present assembly requires an advancing drive mechanism which lacks any impact or impulse characteristics The components of the bone fastener of the invention may be included in a surgical fastener kit An exemplary kit may include an anchoring element of the invention, an insertion stem of the invention and a holder for engaging with the anchoring element, the holder capable of maintaining the anchoring element in position with the bone opemng. Other embodiments of the kit may include a grasper/manipulator for grasping free ends of the su re to pass the suture through soft tissue. Such a suture- grasping device is described in commonly assigned and co-pending application U.S. Application Serial Number , filed 26 July 1993, and convention applications corresponding thereto, including PCT/US 94/08546 incorporated herein by reference. A K-wire, drill and drill guide may also be also included. Preferably, the kit is encased in a sterile tray or other receptacle for use by an operator at a site. The invention will now be illustrated by the following non-limiting examples. Three different polysulfone anchor elements were fabricated by machining polysulfone, extruded bar stock. The elements included several of 2.8 mm length (wall thickness of 0.018, 0.024 and 0.035 inches); 3.5 mm long (0.018 " wall thickness) and 3.8 mm long (0.025" wall thickness). Anchors were attached to sutures and were set using the procedures described herein into an artificial bone made of foam made by Sawbones, Inc. , P.O. Box 589, Vashon, Washington 98070. Tension was applied to the sutures by a stainless steel hardened wire attached to the back of the anchor. Tension was measured by a force gauge. The foam/sumre assembly was observed for anchor failure. Results are presented below in the Table. Diameter Wall Force Observations (mm) (inches) (lb) 2.8 0.018 29.0 Failure; 3 wall sections bent back on themselves; foam cone pulled out 0.25 " diameter 0.024 32.8 Failure; 4 wall sections bent back on themselves; foam cone pulled out 0.23 " diameter 0.035 33.4 Failure; 4 wall sections bent back on themselves; foam cone pulled out 0.23 " diameter 3.5 0.018 37.2 Failure, anchor broken with half pulled through ; wall sections on the broken half were straight. 0.018 43.0 Failure; wall sections bent back over themselves 3.8 0.025 33.0 No anchor failure; foam bone wedge pulled out and only 2 wall sections were spread; foam pullout 5 " diameter/.25" deep 0.025 51.0 No anchor failure; all wall sections spread; foam bone wedge pulled out; 75' diameter/.25" deep G. Further Embodiments Figure 13A depicts an insertion stem 212 according to a preferred practice of the mvention. As with die stem 12 depicted in Figure 1 and described in connection therewidi, the stem 212 is elongate and has distal 214 and proxunal 216 ends. Distal end 214 is formed with a shoulder (or head) 215 designed to engage a distal end 224 of an anchoring element 220. The insertion stem 212 has a frangible portion 218, disposed some distance proxunal from end 214, and designed to sever or break when sufficient tension is applied to die stem 212 in a proximal direction parallel to longimdinal axis of die stem. As above, die frangible portion may be odier than a thm-walled section of stem 12 and may include a series of spokes or webbing or a plurality of very attenuated membranes. The stem 212 includes threading 217 for direaded engagement by the deployment apparams of Figures 9 - 11 Ridges 219, which are disposed distal of frangible portion 218 of stem 212, provide ratchet-like retention of the expander element 235 in the assembled sumre anchor assembly, thereby preventing unwanted or excess movement of 5 die expander element relative to die anchoring and insertion elements Sumre engaging slot 221 provides a track in which a loop of a sumre may be retained, diereby providing additional control over the sumre, e.g. , for purposes of knot-tying. Widi continued reference to Figure 13 A, i±e anchormg element 20 depicted in Figure 1 and described connection dierewidi, anchoring element 220 is substantially ι tubular, havmg opposed proxunal 222 and distal 224 ends connected by way of a central axial channel (not shown) extending from die proxunal end 222 to the distal end 224 Distal end 224 engages widi shoulder 215 of stem 212. As above, element 220 has inner and outer peripheral surfaces forming a wall Defined in die wall, and in communication widi the axial channel, are a series of axially-oπented slots 234 that begin at die proxunal 15 end 222 and extend some distance towards the distal end 224. Each of the series of axially-oπented slots 234 in the anchoring element 220 define a flexible wall section 233 located between each slot The anchoring element can include a plurality of slots 234 and, diereby, a corresponding number of wall sections 233 Aldiough the number of slots (and wall sections) can range from 2 to 10 (or upwards), a preferred number of 0 slots (and wall sections) is diree or four Referring to Figure 14, the anchoring element 220 is shown in cross-section As evident in die drawing, each wall section 233 tapers gradually from a base portion 231 to the proximal end 222. That taper can be, for example, 0° to 20° degrees and, preferrably, is about 8°. Camming surfaces 244 at the tips of the walls have more pronounced tapers. These can range, e.g. , from 30° to 75° and is, preferrably, about 60°. Referring to Figure 13 A, a preferred expander element 235, like element 35 depicted in Figure 1 and described in connection dierewidi, has opposed proximal 238 and distal 240 ends connected by way of a central axial channel 236. The diameter of channel 236 is of sufficient size to allow it to be loaded onto stem 212, along widi anchoring element 220, so mat proximal end 222 of die anchoring element 220 is engaged in facing relationship to distal end 240 of expander element 235. This is shown in Figure 13B, which illustrates in partial cross-section die configuration resulting when anchoring element 220 and expander element 235 are are readied for assembly on stem 212. Referring Figure 14. the proximal end 222 of each of the flexible wall sections 233 of anchoring element 220 has a camming surface 244 that is designed to mate widi a corresponding camming surface 246 at the distal end of die expander element 235. The camming surface 246 of expander element 235 is tapered at approximately 45°, though that taper can be as little as about 10° and as much as 60°. To prevent the anchoring element 220 from telescoping, or "camming, " too far over the expander element 235, die expander element 235 includes projections or wings 237, each of which corresponds widi a slot 234 of anchoring element 220. The wings 237 slidingly engage with slots 234 as the sumre anchor system is being assembled. This permits the anchoring element 220 to telescope or cam over expander element 235 until the wings 237 reach the bottoms 229 of dieir respective slots 234. As a less preferred alternative, the anchoring element 220 can include an internal shoulder, or odier such protrusion, diat prevents the anchoring element 220 from telescoping or camming too far over expander element 235. The expander element 235 is shown in side view at Figure 15. There, it is seen that the element 235 has a height (i.e., lengdi along the longimdinal axis) less d an that of the sides 233 of die anchoπng element 220. Preferrably, die height of element 235 is approximately one-half that of the sides 233 and. still more preferably, a height substantially equal to that ot the camming surface 244 Further embodiments of the invention incorporate refinements that facilitate fabrication of a smaller sumre anchoring assembly of the type used in facial reconstructive surgery and other surgeries involving diinner bone structures These refinements strengthen the assembly by reducing die stresses placed on its components of e assembly and, thereby, prevent failure of the anchoring assemblies durmg and subsequent to emplacement in die bone structures. At the outset, referring to Figure 16. die insertion stem 212 incorporates a sumre retaining slot 221 mat provides a track in which the sumre (not shown) is slidingly engaged as it loops over die head 215 of the insertion stem. This slot prevents the sumre from sliding off die head 215 during sumre knot-tying or during and subsequent to emplacement of die anchor assembly in die bone. In embodiments where the head 215 is integral with the anchoring element, the sumre retaimng slot may be said to reside at die distal end of die anchormg element 220 It will be appreciated diat looping a sumre over the head 215 provides added strength to the overall assembly Particularly, when the sumre is under tension (e.g , during and subsequent to tying), die sumre retaimng slot is in compression, as are head 215 and adjacent portions of die stem 212 This configuration gives the sumre retainer (and, therefore, d e assembly as a whole) greater streng i then found in configurations (such as where a suture-retaining aperture is disposed at die proxunal end of the insertion stem 212) in which the sumre retainer is placed under tension when the sumre itself is under tension Alternatives to the illustrated slot include placing an aperture (e g , hole) through which the sumre can be tied, or a shoulder around which the sumre can be looped, at locations on anchoring element 220 or insertion stem head 215 diat are distal to the slot ends 229 of the assembled sumre anchor device With further reference to Figure 16, a track 314 extends from the slot 221 toward die proximal end of die stem 212 This serves to guide and protect the sumre from being crimped by die anchor assembly during and subsequent to its emplacement in bone The slot and track widths are sized in accord with the expected sumre gauge Preferably, the widd is such that the sumre can slide freely without excessive width-wise plaj The slot and track depdis are likewise determined by die expected sumre gauge Figure 17 depicts a side cut-away view of insertion stem 212 and shows the shape of die support base (or floor) 316, at the base of the slot 221 and track 314, supporting die sumre As illustrated, the support base 316 runs longimdmally, parallel to the major axis of the stem 212 and ends in a tear drop shape 318 at the distal end of the stem, i.e. , at slot 221 , where die sumre loops over head 215. The tear drop shape is advantageous over a conventional rectilinear shape insofar as the tear drop distributes over a greater surface area the compressional load applied to the head 215 by die sumre, e.g. , during and subsequent to its being tied As shown in the drawing, die tear drop opens at an angle of 30° - 60° and, more preferably, of 41° beginning a point distal to the proximal side 320 of the head. As further illustrated the "corners" of the tear drop 318 define a radius R, of 0.001 - 0.020 inches and, preferably, 0 010 inches for a #2 sumre Proportionally sized radii can be selected for where die expected sumre gauge differs from this Referring back to Figure 16, the stem 212 incorporates a chamfer at the junction of die elongate portion of the stem and head 215 The chamfer 312, which is angled at 20° - 70° and, more preferably, 45°, also serves to reduce die concentration of tensional stress on head 215 during and subsequent to emplacement of die anchor assembly in bone A used herein, the term "chamfer" refers to conventional straight-edge chamfers, as well as blend radii. In a preferred embodiment, die stem 212 incorporates a reverse taper 310 in place of ridges 219 discussed above. The taper 310, which is exaggerated in die drawing for visualization purposes, describes an included angle of 1° - 10° and, preferably, of 2°, relative to die longimdinal axis of die stem 212. As above, the reverse taper serves to prevent unwanted or excess movement of the expander element relative to the anchormg and insertion elements In order to widistand the stresses placed on the walls 233 and slot bases 229 of die sumre anchoring assembly and, especially, smaller sumre anchoring assemblies, the anchormg element mcorporates a number of feamres to distribute die stresses of emplacement This gives smaller assemblies, which may be constructed from polymers and copolymers (as described above), greater holding strengdi without risk of failure As shown in Figures 18 and 19, stress distribution is accomplished by rounding, or chamfering, stress-bearing edges of the walls 233 and slots bases 229, as well as by tapering the walls, in order to distribute applied loads For example, as shown in Figure 18, the distal ends 229 of die slots of anchoring element 220 are rounded This reduces stress on, and thereby prevents failure of, the anchormg element 220 in the region adjacent to diose rounded distal ends As illustrated, the rounded ends of die slots 234 define radii R 2 of 0 001 - 0 020 m and, preferably, 0 010 in for a three-wing or four-wing polymer anchor having an outside diameter of 3 5 mm, an inside diamter of 2 mm, an overall length of 5 5 mm, and a wing lengdi of 3 mm Proportionally sized radii can be selected for anchoring elements whose dimensions differ from t is As further shown in Figure 18, the slots 234 are tapered Particularly, they are wider at die proximal end dien at die distal end The degree of taper may vary from 0° - 10° and, preferably, is about 2° This taper also reduces the stress on, and diereby prevents failure of, the anchoring element 220 in the region adjacent to the distal ends of die slots 234 Figure 19 is a top view of a preferred anchoring element 220 according to die invention As shown in the drawing, the edges of wall sections 233 are chamfered to reduce stress dunng and subsequent to emplacement of the assembly in bone More particularly, each wall section 233 is chamfered along its inner-top edge 330. as well as along die edges of die slot 234 diat defines its mner-side edges 332, as shown Chamfermg along die inner-top edge 330 is preferably accomplished via a blend radius For a like-sized anchoring element, the inner-side edges 332 are also chamfered by a blend radius of. c g , of 0 001 - 0 020 inches and, preferably, 0 010 inches for a three-wing or four-wing anchor having dimensions as specified above Again proportionally sized radii can be selected for anchormg elements whose dimensions differ from us This chamfering continues along the entire inside edge of each slot 234. including die inside edge 334 at the bottom 229 of each slot Referring to Figure 20, a preferred expander element 235 , can have cammmg surfaces 340 that are rounded in order to mate with the chamfered inner-top edge 330 of expander element 220 As above, the surface 340 can have an overall angle tapered at approximately 45° (or little as about 10° and as much as 60°) It is rounded to a degree sufficient to allow the wings of the anchoring element to cam over the expander element when opposing force is applied to the anchoring element Figure 21 depicts a sumre anchor assembly according to a further embodiment of die invention incorporating two anchoring elements for added strengdi The assembly includes, stem 212, anchoring element 220 and expander element 235, as well as additional anchoring element 350. As shown in e drawing, die additional anchoring element 350 is disposed between expander element 235 and die anchormg element 220. Element 350 is constructed in die same manner as element 220 except insofar as its distal end 352 has chamfered camming surfaces 354 similar to surfaces 340 of expander element 235. As above, d ose camming surfaces 354 can be straight chamfers or blended radii. In eidier event the surfaces are angled and/or rounded to a sufficient degree allow die wings of die anchoring element 220 to cam over the distal end 352 of element 350 upon assembly of die device, as shown in Figure 22. With reference to Figure 21 , it will be appreciated that a sumre anchor assembly according to die invention, more generally, may include a plurality of tubular anchoring elements 220, 350, loaded "in series" on the stem 212 as shown. A distal-most anchoring element 220 has its distal end in engagement widi die proximal side 320 of die stem's head, while the other anchoring elements 350 having their distal ends in engagement widi a proximal end of the adjacent anchoring element. Upon assembly, the proximal-most anchoring element 350 moves proximally within the bone hole (not shown) from a first position, where that anchoring element ' s proximal end is engaged widi die distal end of the expander element 235, to a second position, where the proximal end cams over the distal end so diat flexible wall sections expand, as shown in Figure 22, into a wall of the bone hole. Likewise, upon assembly, the other anchoring element 220 is adapted for proximal movement within the bone hole from its respective first position, where its proximal end is engaged widi die distal end of the adjacent anchoring element 350, to a respective second position, where diat proximal end cams over diat distal ends, as shown in Figure 22, so that die respective flexible wall sections expand into a wall of the bone hole. Although Figures 21 and 22 show only two anchoring element, those skilled in the art will appreciate that still further embodiments of die invention may include diree or more anchoring elements. A further appreciation of an exemplary apparams of the type shown in Figures 13 A - 20 may be attained by reference to die diree-dimensional drawings shown in die Appendix filed herewidi. Equivalents It should be understood that various changes and modifications of die preferred embodiments may be made wid in the scope of the invention. Thus, for example, it will be appreciated diat, while die illustrated embodiments are constructed of polymers, copolymers, and bioabsorable materials, diey can also be contstructed of metals and odier biocompatible materials. Thus it is intended d at all matter contained in the above description be interpreted in an illustrative and not limited sense. In view of die forgoing, what I claim is:

Claims: 1 A sumre anchor assembly, comprising- a tubular anchormg element having defined therein an axial channel for loading onto a stem and having a distal end for engagement widi die distal end of the stem, die anchormg element including inner and outer peripheral surfaces forming a wall therebetween, the wall havmg defined dierein a plurality of axially-onented slots in communication wi i the axial channel, die slots beginning at a proximal end of die element and extending distally, wherein die plurality of slots further define a plurality of flexible wail sections disposed between adjacent, axially-onented slots, a tubular expander element having defined dierein an axial channel, the expander element for loading onto the stem and having a distal end for engagement with the proxunal end of the tubular anchoπng element, wherein the tubular anchormg element is adapted for proxunal movement within a bone hole from a first position, where a proxunal end diereof is engaged with the distal end of the expander element, to a second position, where the proxunal end of the tubular anchoring element cams over the distal end of d e expander element so that flexible wall sections expand into a wall of the bone hole, and a sumre retainer coupled to the anchoring element and disposed such diat an under-tension sumre therein places the sumre retainer in compression 2 A sumre anchor assembly, compπsmg an msertion stem havmg proximal and distal ends, the distal end for engagement with a distal end of a tubular anchoπng element, a tubular anchoπng element having defined therein an axial channel for loading onto the stem and having a distal end for engagement with the distal end of the stem, the anchoring element including inner and outer peripheral surfaces forming a wall dierebetween, the wall having defined therein a plurality of axially-onented slots in communication widi the axial channel, the slots beginning at a proximal end of the element and extending distally, wherein the plurality of slots further define a plurality of flexible wall sections disposed between adjacent, axially-onented slots, a tubular expander element having defined therein an axial channel, die expander element for loading onto die stem and having a distal end for engagement widi the proximal end of die tubular anchoπng element, wherein the tubuiar anchoring element is adapted for proxunal movement within a bone hole from a first position, where a proxunal end thereof is engaged with the distal end of the expander element to a second position, where die proximal end of the tubular anchoring element cams over die distal end of die expander element so mat flexible wall sections expand into a wall of the bone hole, and a sumre retainer coupled to die insertion stem and disposed such that an under- tension sumre therein places the sumre retainer in compression 3 A sumre anchor assembly according to any of claims 1 and 2, wherein the sumre retainer is disposed at the distal end of the anchoring element 4. A sumre anchor assembly according to claim 3, wherein the sumre retainer comprises a slot disposed at die distal end of the anchoring element. 5. A sumre anchor assembly according to claim 4, wherein the sumre retainer has a base that is rounded at die distal end of die anchoring element. 6. A sumre anchor assembly according to claim 5, wherein die sumre retainer has a base that is tear drop shaped. 7. A sumre anchor assembly according to any of claims 1 and 2, wherein die sumre retainer is disposed distal to a distal end of die axially-oriented slots defined in die walls. 8. A sumre anchor assembly according to claim 7, wherein die sumre retainer comprises any of a slot, shoulder and aperture. 9. A sumre anchor assembly according to any of claims 1 and 2, wherein die anchoring element comprises means for distributing one or more stresses placed on die anchoring element by emplacement of die anchor assembly into e bone. 10. A sumre anchor assembly according to claim 9, wherein die means for distributing stresses comprises an inner edge of at least one of die walls at a slot dierein having at least one of a chamfer and a blend radius. 11. A sumre anchor assembly according to claim 9, wherein the means for distributing stresses comprises a distal end of at least one of die axially-oriented slots that is at least one of radiused and rounded. 12. A sumre anchor assembly according to claim 9, wherein d e means for distributing stresses comprises inner edges of die walls at the slots therein having at least one of a chamfer and a blend radius, and distal ends of die axially-oriented slots being at least one of radiused and rounded. 13. A sumre anchor assembly according to claim 9, wherein the means for distributing stresses comprises at least one of the axially-oriented slots being tapered. 14. A sumre anchor assembly comprising: an expander element having proximal and distal ends; an anchoring element for movement widiin a bone hole from a first position, where a proximal end of die anchoring element is in facing relationship to the distal end of die expander element, and d en to a second position, where the anchoring element moves within the bone hole so diat its proximal end cams over die distal end of the expander element, forcing die proximal end of the anchoπng element into a wall of die bone hole; the anchoring element including inner and outer peripheral surfaces forming a wall therebetween, the wall having defined therein a plurality of axially-oriented slots in communication with the axial channel, the slots beginning at a end of the element, wherein the plurality of slots further define a plurality of flexible wall sections disposed between adjacent, axially-onented slots, means for distributing one or more stresses placed on the anchoring element by emplacement of die anchor assembly into the bone 15 A sumre anchor assembly according to claim 14, wherein the means for distributing stresses comprises an inner edge of at least one of die walls at a slot therem having at least one of a chamfer and a blend radius 16 A sumre anchor assembly according to claim 14, wherein the means for distπbutmg stresses comprises a distal end of at least one of the axially-onented slots that is at least one of radiused and rounded 17 A sumre anchor assembly according to claim 14, wherein the means for distributing stresses comprises inner edges of the walls at the slots therein having at least one of a chamfer and a blend radius, and distal ends of the axially-onented slots being at least one of radiused and rounded 18 A sumre anchor assembly according to claim 14 wherein the means for distributing stresses comprises at least one of the axially-onented slots being tapered 19. A sumre anchor assembly comprising a plurality of tubular anchoring elements, each having defined dierein an axial channel for loading onto a common stem, the anchoring elements being arranged in series on that stem; a distal-most anchoring element having a distal end for engagement with a proximal end of a distal end of the stem, each of the other anchoring elements having distal ends for engagement with a proximal end of an adjacent anchoring element; each anchoring element including inner and outer peripheral surfaces forming a wall therebetween, die wall having defined therein a plurality of axially-oriented slots in communication with the axial channel, the slots beginning at a proximal end of he element and extending distally, wherein the plurality of slots further define a plurality of flexible wall sections disposed between adjacent, axially-oriented slots; a tubular expander element having defined dierein an axial channel, the expander element for loading onto the stem and having a distal end for engagement with a proximal end of a proximal-most anchoring element; wherein die proximal-most anchoring element is adapted for proximal movement within a bone hole from a first position, where a proximal end thereof is engaged widi the distal end of die expander element, to a second position, where die proximal end of that anchoring element cams over the distal end of die expander element so that flexible wall sections expand into a wall of die bone hole; wherein die odier anchoring elements are adapted for proximal movement within a bone hole from respective first positions, where their respective proximal ends are engaged with distal ends of respective adjacent anchormg elements, to respective second positions, where die respective proximal ends cam over respective distal ends so that die respective flexible wall sections expand into a wall of die bone hole, a sumre retainer coupled to the anchoring element and disposed such that an under-tension sumre therein places the sumre retainer in compression 20 A sumre anchor assembly comprising- an expander element having proximal and distal ends, a plurality of anchoring elements, each havmg proximal and distal ends, and each for movement within a bone hole from (a) a first position, where a proximal end of die anchormg element is in facing relationship to die distal end of an adjacent one of die expander element and an anchoring element, to (b) a second position, where the anchoring element moves within the bone hole so that its proximal end cams over the distal end of an adjacent one of die expander element and an anchoring element, forcing die proxunal end of die anchoring element into a wall of die bone hole, die anchoring elements each including inner and outer peripheral surfaces forming a wall ierebetween. the wall having defined therein a plurality of axially-onented slots in communication widi the axial channel, the slots beginning at a end of the element, wherein die plurality of slots further define a plurality of flexible wall sections disposed between adjacent, axially-onented slots 21. A sumre anchor assembly according to any of claims 19 and 20 comprising a sumre retamer coupled to a selected anchoπng element and disposed such that an under- tension sumre therein places the sumre retainer in compression 22 A sumre anchor assembly according to any of claims 20 and 21 , wherein the sumre retamer is disposed at the distal end of die selected anchoring element 23 A sumre anchor assembly according to claim 22, wherein the sumre retainer comprises a slot disposed at the distal end of the selected anchoπng element 24 A sumre anchor assembly according to claim 23, wherein the sumre retainer has a base that is rounded at die distal end of the selected anchoπng element 25 A sumre anchor assembly according to claim 24, wherein the sumre retainer has a base that is tear drop shaped 26 A sumre anchor assembly according to any of claims 20 and 21 , wherein die sumre retamer is disposed distal to a distal end of the axially-onented slots defined in d e walls of the selected anchoring element 27 A sumre anchor assembly according to claim 26, wherein the sumre retamer comprises any of a slot, shoulder and aperture 28. A sumre anchor assembly according to any of claims 20 and 21 , wherein at least a selected one of die anchoring elements includes means for distributing one or more stresses placed diereon by emplacement of the anchor assembly into the bone 29. A sumre anchor assembly according to claim 28, wherein the means for distributing stresses comprises an inner edge of at least one of die walls at a slot therein having at least one of a chamfer and a blend radius. 30 A sumre anchor assembly according to claim 28, wherein the means for distπbutmg stresses comprises a distal end of at least one of die axially-onented slots diat is at least one of radiused and rounded 31. A sumre anchor assembly according to claim 28, wherein die means for distributmg stresses comprises inner edges of die walls at the slots dierein having at least one of a chamfer and a blend radius, and distal ends of die axially-onented slots bemg at least one of radiused and rounded 32 A sumre anchor assembly according to claim 28, wherein the means for distributmg stresses comprises at least one of die axially-onented slots of the selected anchoring element being tapered.

Inventors: MCDEVITT DENNIS, RICE JOHN, MCDEVITT, DENNIS, RICE, JOHN
Applicants: INNOVASIVE DEVICES INC, INNOVASIVE DEVICES, INC.
Application year: 1997
Main classification: A61B17
IPC codes: A61B17, A61B19