Abstract:
A surgical drill guide device for drilling an angled osteal tunnel having an support rack having a first end and a second end; a drill guide sleeve having a passage for receiving a drill therethrough, the drill guide sleeve being adjustably securable and positionable on the rack between the first end and the second end of the rack; and a guide component secured on the first end of said rack, the guide component having a suture seizing mechanism for seizing a suture.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Technical Field 
         [0002]    The present invention generally is related to the field of osteal guides, surgical drilling systems and methods and devices for drilling osteal tunnels, and more particularly is related to osteal guides capable of being used for drilling angled osteal tunnels. 
         [0003]    2. Related Art 
         [0004]    The anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments in the knee assist in providing stability to the function of the knee. The cruciate ligaments control gliding, sliding, and rotation of the knee. To accomplish this, the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments function according to the principles of a crossed four bar linkage, which is closely related to and dependent upon the bony constraints of the surrounding bones. Thus, the anatomic origin and insertion of both of the ligaments is crucial. Often the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) becomes ruptured or torn, requiring replacement and reconstruction of the ligament in order to restore normal usage of the knee. When the ACL is restored or replaced, the ACL or a substitute synthetic or harvested graft must be reattached to the bone. The ACL graft is anchored in place either inside or outside of osteal tunnels or passages formed in the tibia or femur. It is preferential to locate and drill the tunnels at precise locations so the ACL will be reattached at the natural location or so the graft will be implanted in the optimum position. If a ligament reconstruction is performed in the appropriate location, then normal motion and stability can be restored. Otherwise, the ligament will eventually be too loose or too tight for normal function. 
         [0005]    Similarly, tissue repair to the shoulder area, such as reattaching torn rotator cuff tendons to bone, also can be accomplished through open surgery or arthroscopic surgery. Because open surgery introduces potential problems with the trauma associated with the large area of skin, muscle and tissue that must be incised to perform such surgery, arthroscopic surgery is preferred because it has the advantages of requiring only a small incision, thus reducing the risk of infection, blood loss and the like sometimes caused by open surgery. The rotator cuff can be reattached to the humerus by suturing the tendon to the bone by passing the suture through a transosteal tunnel drilled through the proximal portion of the humerus. The location at which the tunnel is to be drilled is paramount because the axillary nerve, a major nerve which innervates the deltoid muscle, lies close to the preferred reattachment site. Movement of the shoulder may be impaired if the axillary nerve is damaged. Often, this results in a tunnel being close to the surface of the bone, which tunnel may have a thin wall and therefore be relatively weak and subject to breaking. 
         [0006]    The repair of torn ligaments by anchoring them into an osteal tunnel created within the affected bone is dependent upon complex interdependencies between the ligaments of a human body. Not only must an osteal tunnel be created so as to provide optimal positioning and tension, but avoidance of major nerves, blood vessels, and other anatomical obstructions also dictate the positioning of the tunnels. Further, while it may be desirable for surgeons to employ their discretion in selecting the entrance site of the osteal tunnel, limitations in visibility and accuracy considerations dictate that surgical positioning instruments are needed to ensure that an osteal tunnel has a precise drill exit point. Often, surgeons are required to work in an area that is “boxed in” by nerves, which gives rise to a need for surgeons to forego the use of conventional surgical positioning instruments that might interfere with these delicate areas. 
         [0007]    There are several limitations to current techniques of fixing soft tissue to bone. The primary methods can be divided into two categories, the implementation of bone tunnels or the use of fixation devices such as suture anchors. The latter carries the risk of implant complications including infection and bony osteolysis in addition to failure of fixation. Transosseous tunnels are a more attractive option. Current transosseous tunnel techniques can be divided into two types. The first involves the creation of a straight tunnel using guides placed on the surface of the bone and drilling from one point to the other. The second involves the creation of curved tunnels using drilling or awling devices that begin at both entry point of the tunnel and meet in the middle. However, these techniques are limited by technical constraints including the size of the bony bridge, surgical exposure required to allow for access to the bone, and anatomical constraints such as nerve and vessel proximity. As such, these limitations further limit the use of transosseous techniques in the setting of arthroscopic surgery, especially in the shoulder. This is because such this type of surgery is performed through limited exposure and is technically constrained by anatomic landmarks. 
         [0008]    Surgical drill guides for use in drilling precision transosteal tunnels through bone are known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,163,940, 5,330,468 and 6,120,511 all disclose surgical drill guides. Drill guide devices, such as those taught in the above-referenced patents, generally comprise a housing having an axial opening, a probe connected to the housing and having a tip that is adapted to be disposed within the interior of the joint at the distal point where one end of the tunnel is to exit the target bone, and a guide wire sleeve for directing a guide wire into position on the surface of one of the bones of the joint. The housing is connected to the probe by an adjustable rack that is generally of a circular arc configuration. The housing is arranged so that its axial opening is more or less aligned to intersect with the aforementioned probe tip, and the guide wire sleeve is generally slidable or variable in position within the housing&#39;s axial opening. The relative angular position of the probe and the guide wire sleeve contained within the housing is slidably adjustable on the rack in order to accommodate differently sized human bones and joints. All of the aforementioned parts are held in relation to one another by releasable locking means known in the art. 
         [0009]    The guide wire sleeve is positioned such that a guide wire can be inserted into the bone in order to properly position a drill. Once the guide wire is inserted, the sleeve is removed from the guide wire, leaving the guide wire embedded in the bone. A cannulated drill bit is then positioned about the guide wire and a straight hole is drilled to the exit point initially marked by the tip of the probe. A suture is then affixed to, through, or around the torn ligament, and the suture or both are drawn into the osteal tunnel by a needle eye or alligator clamp that is run through either the sleeve, the osteal tunnel, or both. The suture is then tied in a knot, stapled to the bone, or the instrument used to pull the suture through the osteal tunnel remains in the tunnel as an anchor which must later be removed from the bone. 
         [0010]    In use, the drill guide device tip is placed at the desired exit point of the tunnel and the guide wire sleeve is positioned at the desired entry point of the tunnel. A drill bit is inserted through the guide wire sleeve and a tunnel is drilled through the bone from the guide wire sleeve (entry point) to the tip (exit point). Generally, the tunnel is a straight bore in the form of a hypotenuse across the corner of the bone. With smaller bones, this tunnel can be very close to the surface of the bone, and therefore the tunnel wall closest to the surface of the bone can be thin and weak. 
         [0011]    Each of the disclosed prior art guides are for performing straight transosteal tunneling, which can result in a weakening of the bone, especially when the tunnel created is close to the bone surface, or the guides require entry or exit points for the tunnel which are difficult to access. Further, prior art guides do not allow for flexibility in the positioning on the entrance point of the osteal tunnel, which is desirable when a surgeon meets with biological obstacles such as nerves or blood vessels. Also, many different and complex instruments are required to perform the completed surgery, which makes the surgery more difficult and susceptible to error. Finally, prior art methods of attaching the suture to or within the bone often require either a complex procedure to secure the suture, or a second surgery to remove an embedded anchoring device. 
         [0012]    Accordingly, there is a need for an improved osteal guide, more particularly an osteal guide with improved stability and performance, resulting in improved tunnel strength. There is also a need for an improved method for drilling osteal tunnels, more particularly angled osteal tunnels, which allows a surgeon to be both flexible and accurate in the placement of the osteal tunnels. Further, there is a need for improved osteal guide components that simplify surgery while maintaining accuracy. Finally, there is a need for an improved device for securing or anchoring sutures used in ligament reconstruction. It is to these and other needs that the present invention is directed. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    Briefly, the present invention comprises: 
         [0014]    (a) Osteal guides capable of facilitating the accurate drilling of an angled osteal tunnel, namely, an osteal tunnel having an angle or turn within the bone, which guides also can allow for the preparation or creation of an angled osteal tunnel having an intraosseous angle; 
         [0015]    (b) Methods for drilling an angled osteal tunnel in which a first tunnel portion can be drilled free-hand into the bone, a second tunnel portion can be drilled into the bone using a guide component to guide the drill bit to the interior end (the end of the tunnel within the bone, the exterior being at the surface of the bone), such that the two portions of the tunnel intersect and connect at an angle, which methods also can include the intraosseous (that is, blind or without direct visualization) retrieval of sutures from within the osteal tunnel; 
         [0016]    (c) Guide components that can be inserted into the first tunnel portion and can function as a guide into which the drill bit is aimed for drilling the second tunnel portion and for receiving and seizing a suture or another feeding device, such as a wire, inserted through the second tunnel portion (or alternatively if the suture is inserted through the first tunnel portion, the guide component can be inserted into the second tunnel portion for receiving and seizing a suture inserted through the first tunnel portion); 
         [0017]    (d) Retrieving systems to grab or seize a suture or another suture-feeding device, which retrieving systems also can allow for the intraosseous (that is, blind or without direct visualization) retrieval of sutures from within a bone; and 
         [0018]    (e) Suture anchoring methods and components that can secure or anchor a suture from within or outside of an osteal tunnel when a suture is positioned within an anchor and the anchor is compressed and deformed tightly about the suture. 
         [0019]    For the purposes of this specification, the term “drilling” includes all forms of tunnel creation performed by physicians, such as, but not limited to, drilling with bits or wires, tamping, punching, and using awls. 
         [0020]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , a typical prior art surgical drill guide comprises three primary components: a guide sleeve through which a drill bit is passed for drilling the osteal tunnels through a bone, a guide tip for guiding the drilling direction of the drill bit, and a rack onto which the guide sleeve and the guide tip are mounted. The guide sleeve and/or guide tip are typically slidably mounted on the rack, which may be arcuate, such that different angles of osteal tunnels can be drilled through the bone. The guide sleeve also can be displaceably mounted on the rack such that different sized bones can be accommodated and different lengths of osteal tunnels can be drilled. 
         [0021]    In the device of the present invention, the typical guide tip is replaced with a novel guide component that facilitates the drilling of an angled osteal tunnel, namely an osteal tunnel having a first portion drilled from one surface of the bone, a second portion drilled from a second surface of the bone, wherein the first portion and the second portion intersect and connect at an angle in the interior of the bone. This guide component is structured to be insertable into the first tunnel portion so as to guide the drilling of the second tunnel portion at the appropriate angle and depth to connect and intersect with the first tunnel portion within the interior of the bone. The resulting tunnel generally will have straight or approximately straight first and second portions intersecting at an angle such that the tunnel as a whole will be more within the interior of the bone and farther away from the surface of the bone than a typical transosteal tunnel, resulting in a stronger tunnel. An angled osteal tunnel created in this manner gives a surgeon the ability to allow small distances between the entry sites into the bone and at the same time have a sufficiently strong bony bridge to maintain the integrity of the surgical site. 
         [0022]    In the method of the present invention, the first tunnel portion can be and preferably is drilled or punched free-hand at a predetermined distance into any bone in a human body located a suitable distance from a torn tendon or ligament, such as those in the hand, elbow, shoulder, ankle, and knee. Various devices can be used in conjunction with the free-hand drilling or punching such that the first tunnel is drilled in a proper direction, at a proper angle and for a proper distance. For example, drill stops known in the art can be attached to the drill bit or the drill guide to set or limit the depth of the drilling. 
         [0023]    After the first tunnel portion is drilled or punched into the bone, the guide component is inserted into the first tunnel portion a certain distance, usually a distance equal or approximately equal to (but not necessarily) the length of the first tunnel portion. The guide sleeve then is adjusted on the rack to allow for a drilling angle and distance desired for the second tunnel portion. The second tunnel portion then is drilled or punched using the guide sleeve, guide component, and rack configuration (that is, not free-hand) whereby the second tunnel portion is drilled or punched at a specific angle and length so as to intersect and connect with the first tunnel portion. The configuration of the guide sleeve and guide component on the rack provides that the guide sleeve is angled directly at the interior (inserted) end of the guide component such that the second tunnel is drilled directly at the interior end of the guide component. The guide component can include a target at the interior end, specifically, a hole or open area, such that the drill bit passes through the target and does not contact the guide component. The devices and methods of this invention thus can allow the surgeon to drill an angled osteal tunnel without direct visualization of the intersection of the first tunnel portion and the second tunnel portion. 
         [0024]    After the second tunnel is drilled, the guide component can be left in place in the first tunnel portion such that a suture or wire inserted into the length of the second tunnel portion can reach the guide component. The guide component also can have a suture seizing mechanism, so that the suture or wire can be seized by this suture seizing mechanism, and the suture or wire can be pulled through the first tunnel portion. Thus, the present guide component can allow for the retrieval of a suture from within a bone without direct visualization of the interior of the osteal tunnel or the osteal tunnel end points. Alternatively, a wire having a loop at one end can be pulled through the osteal tunnels so that a suture can be inserted into the loop and pulled back through the osteal tunnels. One end of the suture or wire can be attached to the ligament or muscle in known manners, and another end of the suture can be attached to the bone in known manners, or tied together to the ends of other sutures emanating from other tunnels, or anchored together with sutures emanating from other tunnels using the novel anchor and anchoring method of the present invention. A suture also can be tied off in a “mattress” tying method, by looping a suture around a torn ligament or tendon in a mattress suture pattern, and then pulling the suture, and often with it, a portion of the tendon, into the tunnel. In another illustrative embodiment, one or more ends of a suture that have been drawn through an angled osteal tunnel can be wrapped around both the torn ligament or tendon and the bony bridge between the tunnel entrances and tied or stapled off. 
         [0025]    In the guide component of the present invention, the interior end (the end that is inserted into the osteal tunnel) comprises a target and a suture seizing ring. For example, the guide component can be a cylinder having a grip and trigger mechanism on the exterior end and a target ring and piston or pestle on the interior end. Alternatively, hinged scissor handles can be used on the exterior end. The target ring can be structured to accommodate the drill bit exiting the second tunnel portion as the drill bit causes the second tunnel portion to intersect and connect with the first tunnel portion. The trigger mechanism or scissor handles can be squeezed or engaged to force the piston or pestle axially in the cylinder and into the target ring so as to pin a suture or wire against the inner surface of the target ring, thus seizing the suture. Thus, the suture can inserted into the second tunnel portion, or can be gripped by a suture inserter and inserted into the second tunnel portion, a distance where the suture interacts with the guide component such that the suture can be seized by the guide component. As the guide component is removed from the first tunnel portion, the captured suture or wire is pulled through the tunnel. Suture inserters are known and can have a mechanism for gripping and releasing the suture, such as a claw grip. 
         [0026]    An illustrative alternative of the method for creating osteal tunnels includes drilling or punching multiple second tunnel portions all intersecting and connecting with a single first tunnel portion. For example, a single first tunnel portion can be drilled as disclosed previously. After the first tunnel portion is drilled, the guide component is inserted into the first portion a certain distance as disclosed previously. The guide sleeve is then moved to a first location on the surface of the bone and is adjusted on the rack to allow for a drilling angle and distance desired for a first second tunnel portion. This first second tunnel portion then is drilled using the guide sleeve, guide component, and rack configuration as disclosed previously so as to intersect and connect with the first tunnel portion. The guide sleeve then is moved to a second location on the surface of the bone and is adjusted on the rack to allow for a drilling angle and distance desired for a second second tunnel portion. This second second tunnel portion then is drilled using the guide sleeve, guide component, and rack configuration in the same manner as the first second tunnel portion so as to intersect and connect with the first tunnel portion. The guide sleeve then can be moved to drill third and additional second tunnel portions, all of which intersect with the first tunnel portion. 
         [0027]    A suture or wire is inserted into each of the second tunnel portions so as to reach the guide component. The sutures are seized by the suture seizing mechanism of the guide component, preferably all at once but potentially individually, and are pulled through the first tunnel portion. One end of each of the sutures can be attached to the ligament or muscle in known manners, and other ends of the sutures can be attached to the bone in known manners, or tied together to ends of other sutures emanating from other tunnels, or anchored together with sutures emanating from other tunnels using the novel anchor and anchoring method of the present invention. Sutures also can be tied off in the “mattress” tying method, or by wrapping the suture around both the torn ligament or tendon and the bony bridge between the tunnel entrance and tied or stapled off, as disclosed earlier. The second tunnel portions can be in a fan-shaped configuration or in a linear configuration, or any geometric configuration, relative to the first tunnel portion. 
         [0028]    Another illustrative alternative of the method for drilling osteal tunnels includes drilling a number of second tunnel portions for intersecting with a smaller number of first tunnel portions such that at least one first tunnel portion intersects and connects with at least two second tunnel portions. This alternative is similar to the alternative disclosed above, but at least two first tunnel portions are drilled, and at least three second tunnel portions are drilled, with at least two of the second tunnel portions intersecting and connecting with one of the first tunnel portions. 
         [0029]    In the anchor component of the present invention, at least one suture extending through the tunnel can be secured using an anchor, thus avoiding the use of knots or a staple into the bone. An illustrative anchor is an oval device through which one or more sutures can extend. The anchor is then compressed or deformed to anchor the suture, thus preventing the suture from being pulled back through the tunnel. In the multi-tunnel embodiments, the multiple sutures all can be passed through a single anchor. Alternatively, knots can be used to secure a suture in accordance with the present invention. 
         [0030]    The present invention, including both the devices and the methods, can be performed during open surgery and during arthroscopic surgery. The present invention also can be used or performed generally anywhere on a human body affected by a torn muscle, ligament or tendon. 
         [0031]    The present invention involves both methodology and tools necessary to allow for the creation of angled tunnels, including the blind creation of angled osteal tunnels, and the intraosseous retrieval of sutures from osteal tunnels. This entails the use of an intraosseous guide, a feeder and retrieval system. The resultant tunnels provide robust bony bridges even with minimal distance between the surface points of entry and exit on the bone, can be created through limited exposure, and the technique may be performed arthroscopically, especially in the shoulder. Arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder to repair a torn rotator cuff involves fixation of the torn tendon to bone. Straight tunnels are precluded because the closer the point of entry and exit, the more shallow the tunnel and the weaker the bony bridge. The setting of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair allows for an excellent example of the utility of the present invention. 
         [0032]    These features, and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art when the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments is read in conjunction with the appended figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0033]      FIG. 1  is a prior art surgical drill guide device. 
           [0034]      FIG. 2A  is an elevational view of an embodiment of the present invention having a movable drill guide. 
           [0035]      FIG. 2B  is a top plan view of the present invention shown in  FIG. 2A , further showing the attachment of the drill guide. 
           [0036]      FIG. 2C  is bottom plan view of an embodiment of the guide component with suture seizing mechanism of the present invention. 
           [0037]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a human bone showing an angled osteal tunnel drilled using the method and device of present invention and having a single entrance and exit point. 
           [0038]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a human bone with an angled osteal tunnel similar to that shown in  FIG. 3 , showing the typical positional relationships of both the drill guide and guide component with suture seizing mechanism of  FIG. 2A  and showing scissor handles on the suture seizing mechanism. 
           [0039]      FIG. 4A  is a top cross-sectional view of a human bone as shown in  FIG. 4  showing the typical positional relationship of the guide component with suture seizing mechanism within the angled osteal tunnel. 
           [0040]      FIG. 5  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a human bone showing an embodiment of the suture seizing mechanism and method of the present invention in use prior to the seizing of a suture. 
           [0041]      FIG. 6  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a human bone showing an embodiment of the suture seizing mechanism and method of the present invention in use subsequent to the seizing of a suture. 
           [0042]      FIG. 7  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a human bone showing osteal tunnels having one entrance point and multiple exit points formed by an alternate embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
           [0043]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a human bone showing osteal tunnels having multiple entrance points and one exit point formed by an alternate embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
           [0044]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a human bone showing osteal tunnels having one entrance point and multiple exit points formed by an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
           [0045]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the anchor of the present invention showing the typical positioning of a suture to be anchored. 
           [0046]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the anchor of the present invention showing an alternate method for anchoring multiple sutures within the same anchor. 
           [0047]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the anchor of  FIG. 10  in a deformed and anchored position about a suture. 
           [0048]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a human bone showing the anchor and alternate method for anchoring multiple sutures within the same anchor of  FIG. 11  in use, with multiple sutures emerging from multiple osteal tunnel exit points. 
           [0049]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a human bone, anchor, and sutures of  FIG. 13 , showing the anchor in a deformed and anchored position about the multiple sutures. 
           [0050]      FIG. 15A  is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a guide component showing an illustrative suture seizing mechanism. 
           [0051]      FIG. 15B  is a top plan view of an illustrative insertion end of an embodiment of a guide component with the seizing pestle in the retracted position. 
           [0052]      FIG. 15C  is a top plan view of an illustrative insertion end of an embodiment of a guide component with the seizing pestle in the extended or seizing position. 
           [0053]      FIG. 16  is an alternate embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 2A  having a movable guide component and showing a straight rod and plunger suture seizing mechanism. 
           [0054]      FIG. 17  is an alternate embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 2A  having a movable drill guide and a movable guide component. 
           [0055]      FIG. 18A  is a perspective view of a clamp and tightening screw that can be used with the movable drill guide and/or movable guide component. 
           [0056]      FIG. 18B  is a cross-sectional side view of a clamp and tightening screw shown in  FIG. 18A . 
           [0057]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a human bone showing an alternate method for tying and anchoring a ligament with a suture between osteal tunnels. 
           [0058]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a suture feeding sleeve as part of the present invention. 
           [0059]      FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional side view of the suture feeding sleeve of  FIG. 20  in use. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0060]    The following detailed description of preferred embodiments is presented only for illustrative and descriptive purposes and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiments were selected and described to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many variations can be made to the invention disclosed in this specification without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. 
         [0061]    Illustrative embodiments of a device and method for drilling angled osteal tunnels and anchoring sutures therein according to the present invention are shown in  FIGS. 2A through 9 .  FIG. 2A  is an elevation view of an embodiment of the present invention having a movable drill guide.  FIG. 2B  is a top plan view of the present invention shown in  FIG. 2A , further showing the attachment of the drill guide.  FIG. 2C  is bottom plan view of an embodiment of the guide component with suture seizing mechanism of the present invention. 
         [0062]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a human bone showing an angled osteal tunnel drilled using the method and device of present invention and having a single entrance and exit point.  FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a human bone with an angled osteal tunnel similar to that shown in  FIG. 3 , showing the typical positional relationships of both the drill guide and guide component with suture seizing mechanism of  FIG. 2A  and showing scissor handles on the suture seizing mechanism.  FIG. 4A  is a top cross-sectional view of a human bone as shown in  FIG. 4  showing the typical positional relationship of the guide component with suture seizing mechanism within the angled osteal tunnel. 
         [0063]      FIG. 5  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a human bone showing an embodiment of the suture seizing mechanism and method of the present invention in use prior to the seizing of a suture.  FIG. 6  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a human bone showing an embodiment of the suture seizing mechanism and method of the present invention in use subsequent to the seizing of a suture.  FIG. 7  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a human bone showing osteal tunnels having one entrance point and multiple exit points formed by an alternate embodiment of the method of the present invention.  FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a human bone showing osteal tunnels having multiple entrance points and one exit point formed by an alternate embodiment of the method of the present invention.  FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a human bone showing osteal tunnels having one entrance point and multiple exit points formed by an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         [0064]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the anchor of the present invention showing the typical positioning of a suture to be anchored.  FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the anchor of the present invention showing an alternate method for anchoring multiple sutures within the same anchor.  FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the anchor of  FIG. 10  in a deformed and anchored position about a suture.  FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a human bone showing the anchor and alternate method for anchoring multiple sutures within the same anchor of  FIG. 11  in use, with multiple sutures emerging from multiple osteal tunnel exit points.  FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a human bone, anchor, and sutures of  FIG. 13 , showing the anchor in a deformed and anchored position about the multiple sutures. 
         [0065]      FIG. 15A  is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a guide component showing an illustrative suture seizing mechanism.  FIG. 15B  is a top plan view of an illustrative insertion end of an embodiment of a guide component with the seizing pestle in the retracted position.  FIG. 15C  is a top plan view of an illustrative insertion end of an embodiment of a guide component with the seizing pestle in the extended or seizing position. 
         [0066]      FIG. 16  is an alternate embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 2A  having a movable guide component and showing a straight rod and plunger suture seizing mechanism.  FIG. 17  is an alternate embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 2A  having a movable drill guide and a movable guide component. 
         [0067]      FIG. 18A  is a perspective view of a clamp and tightening screw that can be used with the movable drill guide and/or movable guide component.  FIG. 18B  is a cross-sectional side view of a clamp and tightening screw shown in  FIG. 18A . 
         [0068]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a human bone showing an alternate method for tying and anchoring a ligament with a suture between osteal tunnels. 
         [0069]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a suture feeding sleeve as part of the present invention.  FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional side view of the suture feeding sleeve of  FIG. 20  in use. 
         [0070]    The present invention is an improved drill guide device for drilling osteal tunnels and methods for using the same, and components to be used therewith. The present invention is suitable for use in conjunction with ACL and rotator cuff ligament repair surgery in humans, as well as other human ligament, muscle and tendon repairs. Currently, there is a need for devices and methods for creating angled osteal tunnels in conjunction with human ligament, muscle and tendon repair that allows users to be both accurate and flexible, as wells as devices to simplify surgery, improve surgical results, and minimize errors. There is a further need for intraosseous devices and methods for creating osteal tunnels and retrieving sutures from within osteal tunnels without having to see or visualize within the bone or osteal tunnels. 
         [0071]      FIG. 1 , shows is an illustrative example of a known surgical drill guide  201  comprising three primary components: a drill guide sleeve  202  through which a guide wire and/or drill bit  203  is passed for drilling the osteal tunnel  204  through the bone  205 ; a guide tip  206  for guiding the drilling direction of the drill bit  203  or guide wire; and a rack  207  onto which the drill guide sleeve  202  and the guide tip  206  are mounted, which may be arcuate in shape. The drill guide sleeve  202  and/or guide tip  206  are typically slidably mounted on the rack  207  such that different angles of osteal tunnels  204  can be drilled through the bone  205 . The drill guide sleeve  202  also can be displaceably mounted on the rack  207  such that different sized bones  205  can be accommodated and different lengths of osteal tunnels  204  can be drilled. 
         [0072]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B and  2 C, an illustrative example of the surgical tool  8  of the present invention comprises a guide component  10  mounted to an end of rack  7  which may be arcuate in shape, and a drill guide sleeve  2  slidably or removably mounted to the rack  7 , which is capable of being securely positioned about the rack  7 , toward either end. The guide component  10  facilitates the drilling of an angled osteal tunnel  11  ( FIG. 3 ), namely an osteal tunnel  11  having a first tunnel portion  12  drilled from a first surface  12   a  of the bone  5 , a second tunnel portion  13  drilled from a second surface  13   a  of the bone  5 , wherein the first tunnel portion  12  and the second tunnel portion  13  meet at an intersection  14  and connect at an angle  15  in the interior of the bone  5 . The guide component  10  is structured to be insertable into the first tunnel portion  12  ( FIG. 4 ) so as to guide the drilling of the second tunnel portion  13  at the appropriate angle  15  and depth to connect with the first tunnel portion  12  at the intersection  14  within the interior of the bone  5 . The resulting osteal tunnel  11  generally will have straight or approximately straight first and second portions  12 ,  13  intersecting at an angle  15  such that the osteal tunnel  11  as a whole tends to be situated deeper within the interior of the bone  5  and farther away from the surface of the bone  5  than a typical transosteal tunnel, resulting in a stronger osteal tunnel  11 . 
         [0073]    The guide component  10  of one embodiment of the surgical tool  8  comprises an interior end  16 , which is inserted into an osteal tunnel  11  within a bone  5  during a surgical procedure. The interior end  16  comprises a target ring  17  and a suture seizing pestle  18 . The guide component  10  further comprises an exterior end  19 , which is mounted on an end of rack  7 . A grip  20  and a trigger mechanism  21  facilitate the operation of the target ring  17  and suture seizing pestle  18 , such that a suture  22  (see  FIG. 5 ) or wire can be seized within an osteal tunnel  11  and pulled from an entrance point at the surface of the bone  5  to an exit point at another location at the surface of the bone  5 . For example, the guide component  10  can be a hollow cylinder attached to the rack  7  at the exterior end  19  and having a blunt or rounded tip. The guide component  10  also has an opening near the tip of the interior end  16  that forms the target ring  17 . The opening within the target ring  17  may be round, oval, or otherwise shaped so as to accommodate a suture. 
         [0074]    The guide component  10  of another embodiment of the surgical tool  8  comprises an interior end  16  having an awl tip  16   a  and an exterior end  19  having a tamping plate  19   a . Depending on the conditions and quality of the bone  5  in which the osteal tunnel is formed, it may be preferable to tamp or punch any portion of the angled osteal tunnel  4  using a punching device with a sharp tip, such as an awl. A surgeon can punch an osteal tunnel  4  by either pushing the awl tip  16   a  into the bone  5 , or using a hammer or other suitable object to tap the tamping plate  19   a , thus driving the awl tip  16   a  of the guide component  10  into the bone  5 . The guide component  10  can remain in a tamped or punched first tunnel portion  12 , and the drill guide sleeve  2  can be coupled with a drill to create a second tunnel portion  13 . Alternatively, a second tunnel portion  13  is tamped or punched in a similar manner using a punching device, such as an awl tip  16   a  with a tamping plate  19   a.    
         [0075]    In a preferred embodiment, the drill guide sleeve  2  is a hollow tube through which an osteo drill can be operated, and is of a structure generally known in the art. In an embodiment in which the drill guide sleeve  2  is movable on the rack  7 , the drill guide sleeve  2  is slidably mounted on the rack  7  by a clamp  23  and tightening screw  24  so that the positioning of the drill guide sleeve  2  is adjustable about the length of the rack  7 . Alternatively, the drill guide sleeve  2  can be fastened to the rack  7  by a clip, a bolt, or any other means known in the art to securely fix the drill guide sleeve  2  in the desired position on the rack  7 . In the present invention, and as is disclosed in more detail below, it is preferable that the drill guide sleeve  2  is movable on the rack  7  and that the guide component  10  is fixed on the rack  7  because, as the guide component  10  is placed into a first tunnel portion  12  that has been drilled free-hand without the use of a drill guide sleeve  2 , the guide component  10  supports the rack  7  so that the drill guide sleeve  2  can be moved to any convenient position about the rack  7  for drilling the second tunnel portion  13 . The preferably rigid attachment of the guide component  10  to the rack  7  assists in ensuring that the second tunnel portion  13 , when drilled, will accurately intersect the first tunnel portion  12  without regard to the position of the first tunnel portion  12 , forming a functional angled osteal tunnel  4 . However, as disclosed in conjunction with  FIGS. 16 and 17 , in alternate embodiments either or both of the drill guide sleeve  2  and guide component  10  can be slidably mounted on the rack  7 . 
         [0076]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , in a preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention, the first tunnel portion  12  is drilled from a preferred first surface  12   a  of the bone  5  to a predetermined depth into the bone  5 . Drilling can be performed free-hand or with a drill guide. Free-hand drilling is performed without the aid of a drill guide, where a first tunnel portion  12  is created by any means known in the art, but preferably using a surgical drill and drill bit  3  or by punching or tamping a tamping plate  1   9   a  to create a hole with an awl tip  16   a . After a preferred first surface  12   a  of the bone  5  is chosen, a first tunnel portion can be created by positioning the drill bit  3  over the first surface  12   a  and engaging the drill. The first tunnel portion  12  is drilled to a predetermined depth, which may be gauged by indicia on the drill or the drill bit  3 . The depth of the first tunnel portion  12  is limited to avoid drilling from one surface to an opposing surface of the bone  5 . 
         [0077]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , which shows the surgical tool  8  of the present invention in use, after the first tunnel portion  12  is drilled, the guide component  10  is positioned in the first tunnel portion  12 , and the drill guide sleeve  2  is placed at the desired position at the second surface  13   a  of the bone  5 . A drill bit  3 , sometimes referred to as an osteo drill bit, is aimed by the drill guide sleeve  2  and can be used to drill a measured distance into the bone  5  to create the second tunnel portion  13 , which intersects within the interior of the bone  5  at an angle  15  with first tunnel portion  12 . The target ring  17  on the interior end  16  of the guide component  10  can be structured to accommodate a drill bit  3  drilling the second tunnel portion  13  through to the first tunnel portion  12 . More specifically, and as disclosed in more detail in conjunction with  FIG. 15 , when the drill bit  3  exits the second tunnel portion  13  and enters the first tunnel portion  12 , the drill bit  3  can pass into and through the center of the target ring  17  without touching the guide component  10 . 
         [0078]    After the first tunnel portion  12  is drilled, the guide component  10  is inserted into the first tunnel portion  12  a certain distance, usually a distance equal or approximately equal to (but not necessarily) the length of the first tunnel portion  12  (see also  FIG. 4A ). The interior end of guide component  10  is within the bone and generally cannot be seen with the naked eye. The drill guide sleeve  2  then is adjusted on the rack  7  so that the drill guide  2  is located proximal to the position on the second surface  13   a  of the bone  5  where it is desired to drill the second tunnel portion  13 . The positioning of the surgical tool  8  with the guide component  10  within the first tunnel portion  10  and the drill guide sleeve  2  proximal to the surface of the bone  5  where the second tunnel portion  13  is to be drilled allows for a proper drilling location and angle for the second tunnel portion  13 . This feature is advantageous because regardless of the relative position or length of the first tunnel portion  12 , a user is able to use the surgical tool  8  to achieve any desired entrance or exit point into or out of the bone  5  for the second tunnel portion  13  such that a suture  22  can be threaded and to avoid encountering impediments such as nerves or blood vessels. In other words, the location of the second surface  13   a  is not dependent upon the location of the first surface  12   a  and provides a user a great amount of freedom in selecting the entrance and exit points of the angled osteal tunnels  4 . 
         [0079]    After the drill guide sleeve  2  is positioned at the chosen second surface  13   a  and clamped into place on the rack  7 , the second tunnel portion  13  then is drilled using a drill bit  3  inserted through the drill guide sleeve  2 . The rack  7  is structured, and the drill guide sleeve  2  and guide component  10  attached to rack  7 , such that the guide sleeve  2  points towards the target ring  17 . Thus, the positioning of the drill guide sleeve  2 , the guide component  10 , and the rack  7  provides for a drilling configuration (that is, not free-hand) whereby the second tunnel portion  13  is drilled at a specific angle  15  and length so as to intersect and connect with the first tunnel portion  12  at a point  14 . The drill bit  3  then is removed from the drill guide sleeve  2 . The drill guide sleeve  2  also can be removed from the second tunnel portion  13 . The target ring  17  now is generally aligned with the axis of the second tunnel portion  13 . Alternatively, use of an awl or an awl-tipped guide component  10  or other drilling or tunneling devices and methods can be used. 
         [0080]    The guide component  10  and the drill guide sleeve  2  preferably are selectively positionable relative to each other on the rack  7  between the first end and the second end of the rack  7  such that when the interior end of the guide component  10  is located within a first tunnel portion  12  drilled into the bone  5 , the drill guide sleeve  2  directs the drill towards the target ring  17 , whereby a second tunnel portion  13  drilled into the bone  5  intersects at an angle  15  to the first tunnel portion  12 . Preferably, the angle  15  is greater than 0° and less than 180°. More preferably, the angle  15  is between approximately 10° and approximately 170°. The angle  15  also can be between approximately 45° and approximately 135°. 
         [0081]    In one embodiment of the method of the present invention, once the second tunnel portion  13  of the angled osteal tunnel  4  has been completed, the drill bit  3  is removed, and the guide component  10  and the drill guide sleeve  2  can be left in place. Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a suture  22 , which may or may not be attached to a torn or synthetic ligament, is fed into the drill guide sleeve  2  and through the second tunnel portion  13 . Alternatively, the drill guide sleeve  2  can be removed and the suture  22  fed directly into the second tunnel portion  13 . The suture  22  or wire may be fed into the second tunnel portion  13  by any appropriate suture inserter known in the art, including a needle, an alligator clamp, a wire loop, or other known means. The suture  22  is inserted a distance such that the suture  22  interacts with the guide component  10  such that the suture  22  can be seized by the guide component  10 . In a preferred embodiment, the suture  22  interacts with the target ring  17  on the interior end  16  of the guide component  10 , namely is inserted through the target ring  17 , and is seized when a suture clamping component, such as suture seizing pestle  18 , in effect clamps the suture  22  against the target ring  17 , as disclosed below in conjunction with  FIG. 15 . Trigger mechanism  21  or scissor handles  40  move the suture seizing pestle  18  into the fixed target ring  17 , or alternatively, move the target ring  17  toward the fixed suture seizing pestle  18 . The suture  22  seized by the guide component  10  is pulled through and out of the angled osteal tunnel  4  when the guide component  10  is removed from the second tunnel portion  13  while the trigger mechanism  21  or the scissor handles  40  are engaged or squeezed. Such a guide component  10  therefore allows for the intraosseous retrieval of sutures. This is, the suture  22  is within the bone  5 , in the angled osteal tunnel  12 ,  13 , and the guide component  10  allows for the retrieving of the suture  22  from within the bone  5  without having to look within the bone  5 . 
         [0082]    In one illustrative embodiment, the suture seizing mechanism of the guide component  10  is a grip and trigger mechanism  21 , wherein the trigger is movable relative to the grip and the trigger is operatively connected to the suture seizing component, such as suture seizing pestle  18 , whereby moving the trigger relative to the grip causes the movement of the suture seizing component. In another illustrative embodiment, the suture seizing mechanism is a hinged scissors handle  40  mechanism wherein one scissor handle is movable relative to another scissor handle and one scissor handle is operatively connected to the suture seizing component, such as suture seizing pestle  18 , whereby moving the scissor handles relative to each other grip causes the movement of the suture seizing component. 
         [0083]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , the guide component  10  is left in place in the first tunnel portion  12  and a suture  22  is inserted into the length of the second tunnel portion  13 , in a manner and/or using a device as already disclosed, so as to reach the guide component  10  (see  FIG. 4 ). Once inserted into and through the second tunnel portion  13 , the suture  22  passes into the target ring  17 , which has been left in place in the first tunnel portion  12 . Once the first tunnel portion  12  is drilled and the guide component  10  is inserted, the target ring  17  is aligned with the direction of the drill guide sleeve  2  such that both a drill bit  3  and a suture  22  fed into the second tunnel portion  13  through the drill guide sleeve  2  will communicate with and be inserted into the target ring  17  when inserted to the proper depth. 
         [0084]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , once the suture  22  is inserted to a proper depth so as to enter into the target ring  17 , the suture  22  is seized and firmly held by the interaction of the target ring  17  and the suture seizing pestle  18  when the grip  20  and trigger mechanism  21  are engaged by squeezing them together, or alternatively, when the scissor handles  40  are engaged. It should be understood that other preferred embodiments of the suture seizing mechanism may employ other means known in the art to move the suture seizing pestle  18  within the target ring  17  to grasp a suture  22  including electronically-operated mechanisms. With the grip  20  and trigger mechanism  21  in the engaged or squeezed position, the suture  22  is pulled through and out of the first tunnel portion  12  where it can be tied or otherwise secured within the osteal tunnel  4  or outside of the bone  5 . For example, one end of the suture  22  can be attached to the ligament or muscle in known manners, and another end of the suture  22  can be attached to the bone  5  in known manners. Alternatively, the attachment methods and means of the present invention, as disclosed in conjunction with  FIGS. 10-14  and  19 , are preferred. 
         [0085]      FIGS. 7 ,  8 , and  9  show illustrative alternatives of the method for drilling or punching osteal tunnels  4 , including drilling multiple osteal tunnels  4  connected by one intersecting osteal tunnel  4  and drilling multiple angled osteal tunnels  4  emanating from one entrance point at the surface of the bone  5 . The present invention allows the user to more easily drill multiple osteal tunnels  4  and multiple intersecting osteal tunnels  12 ,  13  so as to provide a better anchor for ligaments, tendons and muscle. 
         [0086]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , an alternate method for drilling angled osteal tunnels  4  of the present invention is shown. A first second tunnel portion  25  and a second second tunnel portion  26  can be drilled in a linear configuration. The multiple second tunnel portions  25 ,  26  intersect and connect with a single first tunnel portion  12 . For example, a single first tunnel portion  12  can be drilled or punched free-hand as disclosed previously at a desired first surface  12   a  of the bone. After the first tunnel portion  12  is drilled, the guide component  10  is inserted into the first tunnel portion  12  a certain first distance. The drill guide sleeve  2  then is moved to a desired location at a first second surface  25  of the bone  5  and is adjusted on the rack  7  at the desired first second surface  25   a  of the bone  5  to allow for a drilling location, angle and distance desired for a first second tunnel portion  25 . This first second tunnel portion  25  then is drilled using the drill guide sleeve  2 , guide component  10 , and rack  7  configuration as disclosed previously so as to intersect and connect with the first tunnel portion  12  at a first intersecting point  4   a . The guide component  10  then can be moved axially within the first tunnel portion  12  a certain second distance, different than the first distance. The drill guide sleeve  2  then is moved to a second first surface  26   a  of the bone  5  and is adjusted on the rack  7  to allow for a drilling location, angle and distance desired for a second second tunnel portion  26 . This second second tunnel portion  26  then is drilled using the drill guide sleeve  2 , guide component  10 , and rack  7  configuration in the same manner as the first second tunnel portion  25  so as to intersect and connect with the first tunnel portion  12  at a second intersecting point  4   b . The guide component  10  and the drill guide sleeve  2  then can be moved to drill third and additional second tunnel portions (not shown), all of which can intersect with the first tunnel portion  12  at other intersecting points. Sutures  22  can be inserted into each of the second tunnel portions  13 ,  25 ,  26 , etc., seized one at a time by the suture seizing mechanism, and pulled through the first tunnel portion  12 , to be secured using the methods and devices disclosed herein. The second tunnel portions can be parallel to each other, as shown in  FIG. 7 , in parallel planes to each other, or at angles to each other, as desired or required by the circumstances. 
         [0087]    Referring now to  FIG. 8 , another alternate method for drilling angled osteal tunnels  4  of the present invention is shown. A first second tunnel portion  25 , a second second tunnel portion  26 , and a third second tunnel portion  27  can be drilled in a fan-shaped configuration, or any geometric configuration relative to the first tunnel portion  12 . This method includes drilling a number of second tunnel portions  25 ,  26 ,  27 , and more if desired, for intersecting with a smaller number of first tunnel portions  12  such that at least one first tunnel portion  12  intersects and connects with at least two second tunnel portions  25 ,  26 , for example. This alternative is similar to the alternative disclosed above, but at least three second tunnel portions  25 ,  26 ,  27  are drilled, with at least two of the second tunnel portions,  25 ,  26 , for example, intersecting and connecting with one of the first tunnel portions  12 . A third tunnel portion  28  also can be drilled to intersect with one of the second tunnel portions. Various configurations of intersecting first, second, and third tunnel portions are envisioned to enhance the anchoring of the tendons, ligaments or muscles. One limitation to the number of tunnels drilled is, of course, the size and thickness of the bone  5  and the available area with which to work, and the ability to pass sutures through the connecting tunnel portions. 
         [0088]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , third tunnel portion  28  intersects with third second tunnel portion  27  but not with the first tunnel portion  12 . As described above, the first tunnel portion  12  is drilled free-hand. The guide component  10  is inserted into the first tunnel portion  12  and the drill guide sleeve  2  is positioned to create third second tunnel portion  27 . Then, the guide component  10  is inserted into third second tunnel portion  27  and the drill guide sleeve  2  is positioned to create third tunnel portion  28  which does not intersect first tunnel portion  12 . Sutures  22  then can be pulled through the various tunnel portions as described above. 
         [0089]    Referring now to  FIG. 9 , in still another illustrative alternate method for drilling angled osteal tunnels  4 , multiple first tunnel portions,  30 ,  31 ,  32 , are drilled free-hand. The guide component  10  is inserted into first first tunnel portion  30 , and the drill guide sleeve  2  is positioned above an entrance point  33  to create a first second portion  30   a . The guide component  10  is next inserted into second first tunnel portion  31 , and the drill guide sleeve  2  is again positioned above entrance point  33  to create second second tunnel portion  31   a . Similarly, the guide component  10  is inserted into third first tunnel portion  32 , and the drill guide sleeve  2  is positioned above entrance point  33  so that third second tunnel portion  32   a  can be drilled. Thus, all of the second tunnel portions  30   a ,  31   a ,  32   a  exit the bone  5  at the same location  33 . This configuration also can be done in reverse, with each of the first tunnel portions having the same entrance point. In this example, first tunnel portions would be shown by reference numerals  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c , and second tunnel portions would be shown by reference numerals  30 ,  31 ,  32 . Using entrance point  33 , first first tunnel portion  30   a , second first tunnel portion  30   b , and third first tunnel portion  30   c  would all be drilled free-hand from entrance point  33 . Guide component  10  is inserted into first first tunnel portion  30   a , and the drill guide sleeve  2  is positioned proximal to bone  5  so as to be able to drill first second tunnel portion  30 . Guide component  10  then is inserted into second first tunnel portion  30   b , and the drill guide sleeve  2  is positioned proximal to bone  5  so as to be able to drill second second tunnel portion  31 . Guide component  10  then is inserted into third first tunnel portion  30   c , and the drill guide sleeve  2  is positioned proximal to bone  5  so as to be able to drill third second tunnel portion  32 . Sutures  22  then can be pulled through the various tunnel portions as described above. 
         [0090]    In each of the preferred and alternate methods disclosed herein, sutures  22  can be tied together to the ends of other sutures  22  extending out of other osteal tunnels  4 , or anchored together with sutures  22  extending out of other osteal tunnels  4  using the novel anchor  29  (see  FIGS. 10-14 ) and anchoring method of the present invention. A suture can also by tied off in a “mattress” tying method, by looping a suture around a torn ligament or tendon in a mattress suture pattern, and then pulling the suture, and with it, the tendon, into the tunnel. 
         [0091]    Referring now to  FIGS. 10-14 , the present invention also includes an anchor  29  and method for anchoring sutures. In the anchor  29  and anchoring method, an anchor  29  is depressed or deformed about a suture  22  needing to be anchored proximal to a bone  5  to prevent the suture  22  from being pulled back through the bone  5 . This anchor  29  eliminates the need for the introduction of an invasive anchoring device into the bone  5  itself, such as a staple, or the elaborate tying of the ends of the sutures  22  in knots or to other anchoring devices lodged within or outside of the bone  5 . 
         [0092]    Referring now to  FIG. 10 , at least one suture  22  or a wire extending through an angled osteal tunnel  4  can be secured using an anchor  29 , thus avoiding the use of knots or a staple into the bone  5 . An illustrative anchor  29  is an oval device through which at least one suture  22  can extend. As shown in  FIG. 11 , multiple sutures  22  can be threaded through one anchor  29 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , after at least one suture  22  is threaded through the anchor  29 , the anchor  29  is then compressed or deformed to anchor  29  the at least one suture  22 , thus preventing the at least one suture  22  from being pulled back through the osteal tunnel  4 . In the multi-tunnel embodiments, as depicted in  FIGS. 7 ,  8 , and  9 , the multiple sutures  22  all can be passed through a single anchor  29 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , after multiple sutures  22  are pulled through an angled osteal tunnel  4 , the ends of the sutures  22  are drawn through the anchor  29 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , when the anchor  29  is depressed or deformed about sutures  22 , the sutures  22  are prevented from being pulled back into the osteal tunnels  4 . 
         [0093]    Anchor  29  preferably is manufactured out of a deformable or malleable metal or material, which, after being deformed, resists both further deformation and returning to the original shape. Representative shapes of the anchor  29  include a round or oval ring. Other preferred shapes include a U-shape or other open-ended or self-threading shape. Any other shape known in the art suitable for accommodating a suture  22  within is acceptable. The anchor  29  also can have a curved shape that mimics or is similar to the curve of the surface of a bone  5 , such that if the anchor  29  is pulled back against the bone  5  by the sutures  22 , the anchor  29  can lie relatively flush against the surface of the bone  5 . The anchor  29  can be deformed using pliers, forceps, tweezers, or other means for applying pressure from opposing sides. The anchor  29  is deformed until it tightly grips the suture  22 . 
         [0094]    In another exemplary alternate embodiment of the suture anchoring method of the present invention, a suture  22  is threaded through an anchor  29 , and then a tendon, ligament or muscle is also threaded through an anchor  29 . The anchor  29  is then depressed or deformed about the suture  22  and tendon, ligament or muscle. The suture  22  may be threaded through an osteal tunnel  4 , and the other end of the suture  22  can be anchored on the outside of the bone  5  with another anchor  29 . Also, an anchor  29  can be used to join together to the ends of other sutures  22  to increase their length by threading one end through the anchor  29  and then threading the end of another suture  22  into the anchor  29  and deforming or depressing the anchor  29  to secure the ends of the sutures  22 . 
         [0095]      FIG. 15A  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative guide component  10  showing an illustrative suture seizing mechanism. The scissor handles  40  are positioned on the exterior end  19  and operate a suture seizing pestle  18  within the guide component  10 , preferably within a hollow cylinder or another form suitably-shaped for insertion into an osteal tunnel  11 . As also shown in  FIG. 15B , the suture seizing pestle  18  is within the cylinder when the scissor handles  40  are not squeezed or engaged such that it does not block the opening of the target ring  17 . As also shown in  FIG. 15C , when engaged, the scissor handles  40  move the suture seizing pestle  18  toward the awl tip  16   a  of the cylinder and through the opening of the target ring  17 , which securely presses the suture seizing pestle  18  against the tip of the cylinder or the edge of the target ring  17  on the interior end  16 , thus trapping the suture  22 . As a result, the end of a suture  22  fed into an osteal tunnel  11  is directed into the target ring  17 , and can be gripped by the suture seizing pestle  18  when the suture  22  is pinched between the suture seizing pestle  18  and the wall, ring, or tip of the interior end  16  when the scissor handles  40  are engaged. This allows the suture  22  to be easily pulled through an angled osteal tunnel  11 . It should be understood to those skilled in the art that the scissor handles  40  or grip  20  and trigger mechanism  21  used to engage the suture seizing pestle  18  in the target ring  17  are only examples of embodiments of the present invention, and that any suitable means for engaging the suture seizing pestle  18  can be used. 
         [0096]    The target ring  17  is on the interior end  16  of the guide component  10  and, in one embodiment of the surgical tool  8  of the present invention, is a circular or oval hole in cylindrical guide component  10  ( FIGS. 2A and 4 ). The circular or oval void defined by the target ring  17  is suitable for accommodating a typical drill bit  3  so that the drill bit  3  is directed into the void so that the drill bit  3  does not drill into or damage the body of the guide component  10 . 
         [0097]    In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the suture seizing pestle  18  is stationary and fixed to the guide component  10 , and the target ring  17  is engaged by squeezing or compressing the grip  20  and trigger mechanism  21  or scissor handles  40  to draw the target ring  17  toward the fixed suture seizing pestle  18  so as to pin the suture  22  against the inner surface of the target ring  17 , thus seizing the suture  22 . Similarly, as the guide component  10  is removed from the first tunnel portion  12 , the suture  22  is pulled through the angled osteal tunnel  11 . 
         [0098]      FIG. 16  illustrates an alternate embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 2A  having a movable guide component  10  and a straight rod  41  and plunger  42  suture seizing mechanism. The guide component  10  is slidably or removably mounted to the rack  7 , which may be arcuate in shape, and is capable of being securely positioned about the rack  7  toward either end. The guide component  10  can be fixed into a desired position by engaging clamp  23  with tightening screw  24 . In this embodiment, drill guide sleeve  2  remains fixed to an end of the rack  7 . In this alternate embodiment, the grip  20  and trigger mechanism  21  is replaced with a straight rod  41  and plunger  42 . The straight rod  41  functions as a suture seizing pestle  18  and has one end attached to the plunger  42 , and the other end is a free end. The straight rod  41  is slidably received within a cylinder  43  and moves out through the cylinder  43  as the plunger  42  is pulled outward, and moves into the cylinder  43  as the plunger  42  is depressed. A suture  22  is seized within the target ring  17  by squeezing the suture  22  between the target ring  17  and the free end of the straight rod  41  as the plunger  42  is depressed. 
         [0099]      FIG. 17  illustrates an alternate embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 2A  having a movable drill guide sleeve  2  and a movable guide component  10 . The guide component  10  and the drill guide sleeve  2  are each slidably or removably mounted to the rack  7 , which may be arcuate in shape, and are capable of being securely positioned about the rack  7  in a desired position. The guide component  10  and the drill guide sleeve  2  can be fixed in a position on the rack  7  by engaging clamp  23  with tightening screw  24 . 
         [0100]      FIGS. 18A and 18B  are close-up views of the clamp  23  and tightening screw  24  in accordance with the present invention. The clamp  23  is attached to an adjustable portion of the surgical drill guide  1 . The adjustable portion preferably is the exterior end  19  of the guide component  10 , but alternatively may be the drill guide sleeve  2 . Rack  7  is slidably disposed within clamp  23  such that clamp  23  and guide component  10  can be positioned about rack  7 . Tightening screw  24  moves clamp  23  toward rack  7  as it is turned one way, fixing clamp  23  and guide component  10  to the rack  7 . When turned in an opposite direction, the tightening screw  24  moves the clamp  23  away from the rack  7 , making the clamp  23  loose and adjustable. 
         [0101]    Referring now to  FIG. 19 , an alternate method for tying and anchoring a ligament  44  with a suture  22  between osteal tunnels  4  is shown. Using this method, first tunnel portion  12  and second tunnel portion  13  are drilled or punched in the manners described above. A suture  22  or wire is drawn through the osteal tunnels  4 , with one free end of the suture  22  extending from the first tunnel portion  12 , and one free end of the suture  22  extending from the second tunnel portion  13 . The free end of suture  22  extending from the second tunnel portion is wrapped around ligament  44  (or tendon or muscle) and bone  5 , such that ligament  44  is sandwiched between suture  22  and bone  5  between the entrance points of the first tunnel portion  12  and the second tunnel portion  13  on the surface of the bone  5 . The free end of the suture  22  extending from the second tunnel portion  13  is then tied or anchored using the novel anchor  29  of the present invention to the free end of the suture  22  extending from the first tunnel portion  12 . Alternatively, the free end of the suture  22  extending from the first tunnel portion  12  can be drawn over the ligament  44 , and the suture can be secured at any point between the entrance points of the first tunnel portion  12  and second tunnel portion  13 . 
         [0102]    Other methods of fixating the sutures  22  also are contemplated for use with the present invention. For example, one can tie sutures exiting from different tunnels to each other. One can use an interference type of device, such as a plug, placed in the exiting tunnel so as to frictionally engage the suture against the tunnel wall. One can tie the sutures form the exiting tunnel over a button having a larger diameter than the tunnel. Various other known methods for tying sutures also can be utilized. 
         [0103]    Referring now to  FIG. 20 , a suture feeding sleeve  70  as a part of the present invention is shown. Suture feeding sleeve  70  is a generally tubular structure  72  having a hollow interior  82 , an outer diameter  74  smaller than tunnel portions  12 ,  13  in general, and smaller than second tunnel portion  13  in particular, and an inner diameter  76  large enough to accommodate a variety of sutures  22 . Further, the outer diameter  74  also preferably is larger than the diameter of the opening of target ring  17  to prevent the suture feeding sleeve  70  from entering the target ring  17  when in use, as disclosed in more detail below. Suture feeding sleeve  70  can have a rounded insertion edge  78  for ease of insertion into tunnel portion  12 ,  13 , and a flanged outer edge  80  for ease of gripping and removing. 
         [0104]    Referring now to  FIG. 21 , in one illustrative embodiment, suture feeding sleeve  70  is inserted into either second tunnel portion  13  or first tunnel portion  12  while guide component  10  remains in either first tunnel portion  12  or second tunnel portion  13 , respectively. As the outer diameter  74  of suture feeding sleeve is larger than the diameter of the opening of target ring  17 , suture feeding sleeve  70  will contact guide component  10 , but will not enter target ring  17 . Suture  22  then can be fed down through the hollow interior  82  of suture feeding sleeve  70  and into the target ring  17  where suture  22  can be seized, as disclosed above. In another illustrative embodiment, suture  22  can be fed down through the hollow interior  82  of suture feeding sleeve  70  prior to the insertion of the suture feeding sleeve  70  into the tunnel portion  12 ,  13 . In this embodiment, suture  22  can be fed through the hollow interior  82  so as to extend out of the insertion edge  78  a certain desired distance, the distance being chosen to allow just enough of the suture  22  to extend out of the hollow interior  82  so that just enough of suture  22  can extend into target ring  17  and be seized, without having to estimate the amount of suture  22  to be fed into hollow interior  82 . Suture feeding sleeve  70  can be appropriately calibrated for such distances. 
         [0105]    Thus, in use, the present devices and methods allow for tunnels providing robust bony bridges even with minimal distance between the surface points of entry and exit on the bone. The osteal tunnels can be created through limited exposure of the muscle, tendons, and bone (i.e., limited exposure of the subdermal structures), and the technique may be performed arthroscopically. For example, arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder to repair a torn rotator cuff involves fixation of the torn tendon to bone. Straight tunnels are precluded because the closer the point of entry and exit, the more shallow the tunnel and the weaker the bony bridge. The present invention addresses this issue. 
         [0106]    Further, the present devices and methods allow for the blind intraosseous preparation of osteal tunnels and retrieval of sutures, without the need for direct visualization of the tunnels or the sutures. The ability to prepare osteal tunnels and retrieve sutures from within the tunnels without direct visualization can help simplify this type of surgery and reduce surgical errors. 
         [0107]    It is to be understood that the present invention is by no means limited to the particular constructions and method steps herein disclosed or shown in the drawings, but also comprises any modifications or equivalents within the scope of the claims known in the art. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the devices and methods herein disclosed will find utility with respect to multiple bones, joints, and the like.