Patent ID: 7322986

Claim:
A method of interference fixation for ACL reconstruction using a bioabsorbable interference screw having an elongated threaded body, said elongated threaded body having a proximal end, a distal end, a length for substantially longitudinally filling a tibial tunnel, and a width dimensioned to provide an interference fit in the tibial tunnel, the threads of the screw extending along substantially the entire length of the screw from said proximal end to said distal end, and a drive socket disposed within the screw and extending from the proximal end of the elongated threaded body, wherein the drive socket includes a plurality of radially extending slots configured to receive corresponding radially extending protrusions on a shaft of a screwdriver, said method comprising the steps of: forming a tunnel in the tibia, said tunnel having a wall; inserting a substitute ligament in the tunnel; and inserting said bioabsorbable interference screw into the tunnel and turning the screw such that the threads of the screw engage cortical bone in the tunnel, said substitute ligament is securely fixed between the threads of the screw and the wall of the tunnel, and the bioabsorbable interference screw substantially longitudinally fills the tibial tunnel.