Patent ID: 7211098

Claim:
A tool for fitting into a tunnel in bone and for being expanded so as to compact the bone surrounding the tunnel, comprising: a plurality of segments, each comprising an elongated distal portion and a proximal hub portion, a knob for receiving said proximal hub portions of said segments, so that when said segments are assembled to said knob the elongated distal portions of said segments together define an elongated generally cylindrical member extending distally away from said knob on one side thereof, said elongated generally cylindrical member having an axis, and fitting within said tunnel, said knob and said hub portions together defining structure whereby said segments are constrained to move generally inwardly and outwardly with respect to said axis while remaining substantially parallel thereto, such that said elongated generally cylindrical member is increased in diameter as said segments move outwardly with respect to said axis while remaining parallel to one another, and means operable from a position on the opposite side of said knob from said elongated generally cylindrical member for causing said segments to move outwardly with respect to said axis, whereby said bone surrounding said tunnel is compacted permanently by said outwardly-moving segments so that a generally cylindrical bore, larger than said tunnel, is formed in the bone; and wherein each of said segments comprises elongated inner and outer surfaces, and wherein said means operable from a position on the opposite side of said knob from said elongated member comprises a tapered central member fitting within a cooperatively tapered lumen formed about said axis by the inner surfaces of said segments, whereby when said central member is moved distally along said lumen said segments are forced outwardly, while remaining parallel to one another.