US20160199055A1 - Suture-retaining device and anchor - Google Patents
Suture-retaining device and anchor Download PDFInfo
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- US20160199055A1 US20160199055A1 US15/076,502 US201615076502A US2016199055A1 US 20160199055 A1 US20160199055 A1 US 20160199055A1 US 201615076502 A US201615076502 A US 201615076502A US 2016199055 A1 US2016199055 A1 US 2016199055A1
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- suture
- anchor
- sutures
- retaining device
- clamp
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/0401—Suture anchors, buttons or pledgets, i.e. means for attaching sutures to bone, cartilage or soft tissue; Instruments for applying or removing suture anchors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/56—Surgical instruments or methods for treatment of bones or joints; Devices specially adapted therefor
- A61B17/58—Surgical instruments or methods for treatment of bones or joints; Devices specially adapted therefor for osteosynthesis, e.g. bone plates, screws, setting implements or the like
- A61B17/68—Internal fixation devices, including fasteners and spinal fixators, even if a part thereof projects from the skin
- A61B17/72—Intramedullary pins, nails or other devices
- A61B17/7233—Intramedullary pins, nails or other devices with special means of locking the nail to the bone
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/08—Muscles; Tendons; Ligaments
- A61F2/0811—Fixation devices for tendons or ligaments
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- A61B17/56—Surgical instruments or methods for treatment of bones or joints; Devices specially adapted therefor
- A61B17/58—Surgical instruments or methods for treatment of bones or joints; Devices specially adapted therefor for osteosynthesis, e.g. bone plates, screws, setting implements or the like
- A61B17/68—Internal fixation devices, including fasteners and spinal fixators, even if a part thereof projects from the skin
- A61B17/72—Intramedullary pins, nails or other devices
- A61B17/7216—Intramedullary pins, nails or other devices for bone lengthening or compression
- A61B17/7225—Intramedullary pins, nails or other devices for bone lengthening or compression for bone compression
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- A61B2017/00831—Material properties
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- A61B17/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/0401—Suture anchors, buttons or pledgets, i.e. means for attaching sutures to bone, cartilage or soft tissue; Instruments for applying or removing suture anchors
- A61B2017/0403—Dowels
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- A61B17/0401—Suture anchors, buttons or pledgets, i.e. means for attaching sutures to bone, cartilage or soft tissue; Instruments for applying or removing suture anchors
- A61B2017/0414—Suture anchors, buttons or pledgets, i.e. means for attaching sutures to bone, cartilage or soft tissue; Instruments for applying or removing suture anchors having a suture-receiving opening, e.g. lateral opening
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- A61B17/0401—Suture anchors, buttons or pledgets, i.e. means for attaching sutures to bone, cartilage or soft tissue; Instruments for applying or removing suture anchors
- A61B2017/0417—T-fasteners
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- A61B17/0401—Suture anchors, buttons or pledgets, i.e. means for attaching sutures to bone, cartilage or soft tissue; Instruments for applying or removing suture anchors
- A61B2017/044—Suture anchors, buttons or pledgets, i.e. means for attaching sutures to bone, cartilage or soft tissue; Instruments for applying or removing suture anchors with a threaded shaft, e.g. screws
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- A61B17/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for suturing wounds; Holders or packages for needles or suture materials
- A61B17/0401—Suture anchors, buttons or pledgets, i.e. means for attaching sutures to bone, cartilage or soft tissue; Instruments for applying or removing suture anchors
- A61B2017/0445—Suture anchors, buttons or pledgets, i.e. means for attaching sutures to bone, cartilage or soft tissue; Instruments for applying or removing suture anchors cannulated, e.g. with a longitudinal through-hole for passage of an instrument
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- A61B17/0401—Suture anchors, buttons or pledgets, i.e. means for attaching sutures to bone, cartilage or soft tissue; Instruments for applying or removing suture anchors
- A61B2017/0446—Means for attaching and blocking the suture in the suture anchor
- A61B2017/0448—Additional elements on or within the anchor
- A61B2017/0453—Additional elements on or within the anchor threaded elements, e.g. set screws
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/08—Muscles; Tendons; Ligaments
- A61F2/0811—Fixation devices for tendons or ligaments
- A61F2002/0817—Structure of the anchor
- A61F2002/0823—Modular anchors comprising a plurality of separate parts
- A61F2002/0829—Modular anchors comprising a plurality of separate parts without deformation of anchor parts, e.g. fixation screws on bone surface, extending barbs, cams, butterflies, spring-loaded pins
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/08—Muscles; Tendons; Ligaments
- A61F2/0811—Fixation devices for tendons or ligaments
- A61F2002/0817—Structure of the anchor
- A61F2002/0841—Longitudinal channel for insertion tool running through the whole tendon anchor, e.g. for accommodating bone drill, guidewire
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/08—Muscles; Tendons; Ligaments
- A61F2/0811—Fixation devices for tendons or ligaments
- A61F2002/0847—Mode of fixation of anchor to tendon or ligament
- A61F2002/087—Anchor integrated into tendons, e.g. bone blocks, integrated rings
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
- A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
- A61F2/08—Muscles; Tendons; Ligaments
- A61F2/0811—Fixation devices for tendons or ligaments
- A61F2002/0876—Position of anchor in respect to the bone
- A61F2002/0882—Anchor in or on top of a bone tunnel, i.e. a hole running through the entire bone
Definitions
- Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to surgical repair of the rotator cuff tendon and, more particularly, to devices and methods used in repairing the rotator cuff tendon that has been detached from the humeral head.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate two prior art techniques for repairing a rotator cuff tendon that has been detached from the humeral head.
- FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a rotator cuff tendon 101 secured to a humeral head 102 of a humerus 100 by a plurality of suture anchors 103 .
- Suture anchors 103 are positioned so that sutures 104 , which are sewn into rotator cuff tendon 101 , position the tendon against region 105 of humeral head 102 , where region 105 approximates the original anatomic attachment region of rotator cuff tendon 101 , often referred to as the “footprint.” In this way, rotator cuff tendon 101 will grow onto region 105 , forming a new bond between rotator cuff tendon 101 and humeral head 102 .
- Issues associated with the use of the technique illustrated in FIG. 1 include anchor displacement, “lift-off” of the rotator cuff tendon, the availability of a limited number of sutures to secure rotator cuff tendon 101 to humeral head 102 , and the inability to perform this surgery because rotator cuff tendon 101 has retracted too far away from the original anatomic attachment location of rotator cuff tendon 101 .
- the bone making up humeral head 102 near the footprint of the rotator cuff provides a relatively weak base for the insertion of suture anchors 103 , since this portion of humerus 100 is relatively porous and soft. Because of this, adequate fixation of suture anchors 103 is problematic. Namely, anchor displacement from the supporting bone is a common failure mechanism of suture anchors 103 , and results from localized fracturing of the surrounding bone material.
- Suture anchors 103 when positioned as shown, hold rotator cuff tendon 101 against region 105 . However, when the arm containing humerus 100 is raised, “lift-off” of rotator cuff tendon 101 from region 105 may occur, i.e., rotator cuff tendon 101 is temporarily pulled out of contact with region 105 . Lift-off is known to inhibit the re-attachment and healing of rotator cuff tendon 101 .
- suture anchors that can be used is limited. This is due to the limited area of humeral head 102 in which suture anchors 103 are placed. Also, the placement of many suture anchors 103 is time consuming and tedious for the surgeon. As a consequence, a small number of larger sutures are typically used with suture anchors, leading to very large knot volumes. Very large knot volumes result because the knot volume of a suture is roughly proportional to the cube of the suture diameter. Large knots on the surface of the rotator cuff are undesirable as they rub against the overlying acromial bone. Furthermore, fewer sutures provide a less robust connection between rotator cuff tendon 101 and humeral head 102 . For a given surgical application, a large number of small diameter sutures are superior to a few large sutures, in terms of holding power in the tissue.
- FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a bone tunnel 203 formed through a humeral head 202 of a humerus 200 after removal of bone material from the humeral head 202 .
- Bone tunnel 203 is formed so that sutures 204 , which are sewn into rotator cuff tendon 201 , may be threaded through holes formed in a bone structure 206 and thereby position rotator cuff tendon 201 against region 205 for proper healing.
- a key limitation of this technique is that an already weak bone structure 206 is further weakened as a result of thread holes formed for sutures 204 and is susceptible to breakage before rotator cuff tendon 201 is sufficiently healed.
- a device comprises a suture-retaining device to which multiple sutures sewn into a rotator cuff tendon are to be attached and an anchor that is mechanically coupled to the suture-retaining device.
- the anchor has a threaded end configured for engagement with a cortex of the humerus to provide firm support for the suture-retaining device.
- the anchor generally approaches the cortex from the endosteal side.
- the method according an embodiment of the invention includes the steps of providing a flexible fastener and an anchor, attaching the flexible fastener to the rotator cuff tendon and the anchor, and securing the anchor at various locations on the humerus other than the humeral head.
- a device for supporting sutures comprises a head portion for engagement with a plurality of sutures and an adjustable length body portion having a threaded end for engagement with a bone.
- the adjustable length body portion may comprise a cannulated screw having the threaded end and an internal threaded portion, and a secondary screw engaged with the internal threaded portion and attached to the head portion.
- a method for repairing a rotator cuff tendon that has detached from a head of a humerus comprises the steps of anchoring a screw in a cortex of the humerus and attaching a plurality of sutures that have been sewn into the rotator cuff tendon to a suture-retaining device that is mechanically coupled to the screw.
- the inventive method may further comprise the step of adjusting the position of the suture-retaining device.
- FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a rotator cuff tendon secured to a humeral head of a humerus by a plurality of suture anchors.
- FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a rotator cuff tendon secured to a humeral head of a humerus by a bone tunnel.
- FIGS. 3A and 3B depict a suture-retaining device and anchor for securing a rotator cuff tendon, according to one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 4 illustrates an anchor and a suture-retaining device used in conjunction with the removal of a region of humeral head, according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an adjustable length anchor, according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 6A is a schematic view of a suture-retaining device with a through-hole and clamp mechanism, according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 6B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a suture-retaining device with a suture passed through a through-hole.
- FIG. 6C illustrates a cross-section of two surfaces of a suture-retaining device, as well as the resultant pressure present throughout a suture compressed between the surfaces.
- FIG. 7 is a flow chart summarizing a sequence of steps for securing the rotator cuff tendon to the humeral head, according to embodiments of the invention.
- FIGS. 8A to 8H depict a suture-retaining device and anchor for securing a rotator cuff tendon, according alternative embodiments of the invention.
- Embodiments of the invention contemplate devices and methods used in repairing the rotator cuff tendon that has been detached from the humeral head.
- a device according to one embodiment of the invention comprises a suture-retaining device and an anchor that is mechanically coupled to the suture-retaining device.
- the anchor is affixed to a cortex of the humerus to provide firm support for the suture-retaining device.
- the suture-retaining device which is positioned in the intramedullary cavity of the humerus, allows a plurality of sutures to connect the rotator cuff tendon to the anchoring device, and allows suture knots to be located inside the intramedullary cavity.
- FIG. 3A depicts a suture-retaining device and anchor for securing the rotator cuff tendon to the humeral head, according to such an embodiment. As shown, a rotator cuff tendon 301 is held against region 305 of humeral head 302 .
- a plurality of sutures 304 are sewn into rotator cuff tendon 301 , passed through an opening 307 formed in humeral head 302 , looped around a suture-retaining device 308 and tied.
- the sutures 304 may be replaced by any other suitable flexible fastener such as a strap, mesh, or a woven material.
- Suture-retaining device 308 is a hook or loop configured to accommodate a plurality of sutures, and is mechanically coupled to an anchor 309 .
- anchor 309 is a bone screw and is threaded into a far cortex 310 of humerus 300 .
- Far cortex 310 is made up of hard bone material and provides a strong base for supporting anchor 309 . In this way, anchor displacement due to weak support material is avoided.
- FIG. 3A depicts anchor 309 inserted into far cortex 310 of humerus 300 , but embodiments also contemplate using near diaphyseal cortex 311 as the supporting material for anchor 309 , such as shown in FIG. 3B .
- anchor 309 is a bone screw and suture-retaining device 308 is mechanically coupled to anchor 309 by passing the shaft of anchor 309 through an appropriately sized opening in suture-retaining device 308 .
- the head 309 A of anchor 309 acts as a mechanical stop for suture-retaining device 308 .
- Other means of mechanically coupling suture-retaining device 308 to anchor 309 are also contemplated, including threaded attachment and welding.
- Suture-retaining device 308 may also be integral with anchor 309 so they are physically inseparable during normal use.
- anchor 309 in far cortex 310 reduces the potential for anchor displacement since far cortex 310 consists of strong bone material.
- the positioning of anchor 309 and suture-retaining device 308 in intramedullary cavity 312 of humerus 300 provides a securing force on rotator cuff tendon 301 at a favorable angle. Because of this, lift-off of rotator cuff tendon 301 from region 305 is minimized, even when the arm containing humerus 300 is raised.
- suture-retaining device 308 facilitates the use of a large number of sutures to secure rotator cuff tendon 301 to anchor 309 .
- a more robust connection may be established between rotator cuff tendon 301 and anchor 309 .
- a plurality of #0 sutures may be used in place of a single #5 suture.
- the anchor and suture-retaining device may be positioned in the intramedullary cavity of the humerus after additional removal of bone material from the humeral head.
- the additional removal of bone material from the humeral head facilitates repair of a rotator cuff tendon that has been substantially shortened and is unable to reach the footprint of humeral head 302 .
- FIG. 4 illustrates an anchor 409 and a suture-retaining device 408 used in conjunction with the removal of a region 413 of humeral head material, according to an embodiment of the invention.
- the shape of humeral head 402 prior to removal of region 413 is indicated by original surface 414 , which is represented as a broken line.
- Rotator cuff tendon 401 is too short for reattachment to region 405 of original surface 414 . Therefore, region 413 is removed from humeral head 402 , and anchor 409 is inserted into cortex 410 of humerus 400 . In this configuration, rotator cuff tendon 401 can be secured against surface 416 of humeral head 402 by sewing a plurality of sutures 404 through rotator cuff tendon 401 and securing the sutures 404 to suture-retaining device 408 via an opening 407 formed in humeral head 402 .
- suture-retaining device 408 and anchor 409 are substantially similar in organization and function to suture-retaining device 308 and anchor 309 , respectively, as described above in FIG. 3A .
- this embodiment also shares the advantages of the embodiment described above in conjunction with FIG. 3A .
- the present invention further contemplates a suture-retaining device and an anchor that is configured to have an adjustable length.
- the final position of the suture anchor point relative to the rotator cuff tendon is determined by how far the anchor is inserted into a cortex of the humerus. In some cases, it may be necessary to penetrate the cortex of the humerus with the anchor to the extent that a substantial portion of the anchor protrudes through the cortex. This could be problematic and may result in complications.
- an adjustable length anchor may be placed at an optimal depth in the cortex of the humerus, and the final position of the suture-retaining device may be set by adjusting the length of the anchor.
- this embodiment facilitates fine adjustment of the suture-retaining device position relative to a rotator cuff tendon without screwing the anchor too deeply through a cortex of the humerus.
- FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an adjustable length anchor 500 , according to an embodiment of the invention.
- Adjustable length anchor 500 includes a cannulated bone screw 501 , which has internal threads 502 . Internal threads 502 engage with a secondary screw 503 , so that secondary screw 503 may adjust the position of a suture-retaining device 504 as desired.
- the suture retaining device 504 is movable longitudinally relative to a distal end 505 of the anchor 500 .
- the anchor 500 may be used with any of the systems described herein and all such uses are specifically incorporated.
- a suture-retaining device may also have alternative configurations according to the present invention.
- a suture-retaining device may be configured with a clamp mechanism that allows a plurality of sutures to be secured quickly and simultaneously.
- One time-consuming aspect of tendon repair is the large number of knots that must be tied when securing a tendon to a suture-retaining device. The knots are a limiting factor in the efficiency of the procedure, and with a clamp mechanism, no suture knots are necessary at all. Further, all sutures may be secured at one time.
- FIG. 6A is a schematic view of a suture-retaining device 600 with a through-hole and clamp mechanism.
- Suture-retaining device 600 includes a through-hole 601 , through which one or more sutures are passed.
- Attachment hole 602 serves as a means for mechanically coupling suture-retaining device 600 to an anchor, such as anchor 309 , illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B .
- Hex-head screw 603 may be rotated and moved into through-hole 601 as a clamp to compress sutures positioned therein, obviating the need for suture knots.
- FIG. 6B is a schematic cross-sectional view of suture-retaining device 600 with a suture 604 passed through through-hole 601 .
- hex-recess screw 603 may be rotated to move downward against suture 604 and, thus, secure suture 604 to suture-retaining device 600 without the need for a knot.
- a plurality of sutures 604 may be secured by suture-retaining device 600 simultaneously.
- the clamp mechanism may include a wedge mechanism which, when slid, tightens against the sutures.
- the wedge mechanism may include a wedge and a screw which, when rotated, slides the wedge, thereby providing the clamping force.
- the wedge mechanism may also include a self-tightening component, whereby traction on the sutures by the repaired structure serves to slide the wedge in the direction of increased tightening, enhancing or producing the clamping force.
- hex-head screw 603 may be configured to minimize cutting of suture 604 .
- surface 603 A of hex-head screw 603 is made up of relatively compliant material, such as a polymer.
- most or all of hex-head screw 603 may consist of the compliant material.
- the ratio of the modulus of elasticity of the material making up surface 603 A to the modulus of elasticity of compression surface 605 is substantially less than about 0.2. In this way, compression of suture 604 between surface 603 A and compression surface 605 is less likely to result in cutting of suture 604 .
- the cross-section of surface 603 A is configured to minimize the pressure gradient experienced by suture 604 when compressed between surface 603 A and compression surface 605 .
- the cross-section of surface 603 A is modified to minimize such pressure gradients in suture 604 .
- FIG. 6C illustrates a cross-section of surface 603 A and compression surface 605 , as well as the resultant pressure present throughout suture 604 when compressed therebetween.
- high pressure gradients in suture 604 are additionally avoided by providing surface 603 A with a gently tapering profile at the edges of contact region 606 .
- the profile of surface 603 A may be a curve with a gradually changing slope, such as a sinusoidal curve or a section of a circle.
- FIG. 7 is a flow chart summarizing a sequence of steps 700 for securing the rotator cuff tendon to the humeral head, according to embodiments of the invention.
- step 701 a region of humeral head material is removed to provide access to the intramedullary cavity of the humerus and to facilitate optimal placement of the rotator cuff tendon for reattachment.
- step 702 a suture-retaining device and anchor are inserted into the intramedullary cavity of the humerus and the anchor is affixed to a cortex of the humerus. The suture-retaining device is mechanically coupled to the anchor prior to insertion of the anchor.
- the suture-retaining device may be mechanically coupled to the anchor after insertion of the anchor.
- sutures are attached to the rotator cuff tendon as necessary and are secured to the suture-retaining device.
- the sutures may be individually secured to the suture-retaining device by tying.
- the sutures may all be secured at one time using a through-hole and clamp mechanism as described above in conjunction with FIG. 6A .
- the final position of the suture-retaining device may be set by adjusting the depth of penetration of the anchor into the cortex.
- adjusting the anchor secondary screw may set the final position of the suture-retaining device.
- “intramedullary cavity” refers to the space inside the normal surface of the bone and within the cortex of the bone.
- FIGS. 8A to 8H depict a suture-retaining device and anchor for securing a rotator cuff tendon with anchor configurations that are different from that shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B .
- a suture-retaining device and anchor is positioned within an intramedullary cavity 312 of humerus 300 after removal of bone material from the humeral head.
- a rotator cuff tendon 301 is held against region 305 of humeral head 302 .
- a plurality of sutures 304 are sewn into rotator cuff tendon 301 , passed through an opening formed in humeral head 302 , and secured to a suture-retaining device.
- suture 304 is illustrated in the figures, but in practice a large number of sutures are used.
- FIG. 8A illustrates a suture-retaining device 811 , which is a hook or loop configured to accommodate a plurality of sutures and is mechanically coupled to an anchor 812 .
- Anchor 812 has a toggle bolt 813 that pivots around point 813 A of anchor 812 .
- toggle bolt 813 is pivoted about point 813 A so that it is arranged lengthwise along the axis of anchor 812 .
- toggle bolt 813 is pivoted to attain the position shown in FIG. 8A . With toggle bolt 813 in this position, anchor 812 provides support for sutures 304 that are tied onto suture-retaining device 811 .
- FIG. 8B illustrates a suture-retaining device 821 , which is a hook or loop configured to accommodate a plurality of sutures and is mechanically coupled to an anchor 822 .
- Anchor 822 has a hook 823 formed on one end. During insertion of anchor 822 into a hole formed in a cortex of the humerus, anchor 822 is manipulated so that hook 823 can be inserted into the hole and attain the position shown in FIG. 8B . In this position, anchor 822 provides support for sutures 304 that are tied onto suture-retaining device 821 .
- FIG. 8C illustrates a suture-retaining device 831 , which is a hook or loop configured to accommodate a plurality of sutures and is mechanically coupled to an anchor 832 .
- Anchor 832 has a length that is slightly less than the length of humerus 300 and has a threaded end 833 that engages with the distal humeral metaphysis. With threaded end 833 affixed to the distal humeral metaphysis, anchor 832 provides support for sutures 304 that are tied onto suture-retaining device 831 . Securing the anchor into the distal metaphysis provides some of the same benefits described above concerning securing the anchor into the far cortex. Anchor 832 is also positioned so that a distal end 835 is positioned below the isthmus.
- FIG. 8D illustrates a suture-retaining device 841 , which is a hook or loop configured to accommodate a plurality of sutures and is formed integrally with an anchor 842 .
- Anchor 842 has a length that is about one-half the length of humerus 300 and has a threaded end 843 that engages with the narrow portion of the endosteal cortex of humerus 300 . With threaded end 843 engaged with the narrow portion of the endosteal cortex of humerus 300 , anchor 842 provides support for sutures 304 that are tied onto suture-retaining device 841 . Stated another way, the anchor 842 contacts an endosteal diameter at the near and far cortex.
- FIG. 8E illustrates an integrated clamp and anchor 851 for securing and supporting a plurality of sutures.
- Integrated clamp and anchor 851 is configured to have the through-hole and clamp mechanism shown in FIG. 6A but is configured to be positioned on the outer wall of near cortex 311 .
- integrated clamp and anchor 851 clamps the sutures like the through-hole and clamp mechanism shown in FIG. 6A .
- the hole in the near cortex 311 is formed to be smaller than integrated clamp and anchor 851 so that integrated clamp and anchor 851 , while it is in the position shown in FIG. 8E , can provide support for the sutures that are clamped therein.
- the suture retaining device in FIG. 8E can also be made up of an integrated suture-retaining device and anchor which rests on the surface of the bone. Such integrated device may have a means of retaining the suture including one or more holes, fenestration, or irregularities, over which the sutures may be tied.
- the location of the device in FIG. 8E is chosen to be an area of strong cortex, as illustrated in the sites for anchor engagement in FIGS. 3A and 3B . Because the location is distant from the greater tuberosity, with important nerve, muscle, and vascular structures often lying between this location and the greater tuberosity, the technique of application includes making a separate surgical approach to the bone surface for placement of the integrated suture-retaining device and anchor.
- FIG. 8F illustrates a suture-retaining device 861 , which is configured to have the through-hole and clamp mechanism shown in FIG. 6A and mechanically coupled to an anchor 862 that has a threaded end 863 .
- anchor 862 is inserted into a hole formed in a near cortex 311 of the humerus, a nut 864 is rotated and tightened against the outer wall of near cortex 311 .
- Anchor 862 in the position shown in FIG. 8F , provides support for sutures 304 that are secured in suture-retaining device 861 .
- FIG. 8G illustrates a suture-retaining device configured as an anchor element, which may be a transverse bar 871 that is supported in a pair of holes formed respectively in a far cortex 310 of the humerus and a near cortex 311 of the humerus. Sutures 304 are tied onto this transverse bar and the transverse bar provides support for the sutures that are tied thereto.
- an anchor element which may be a transverse bar 871 that is supported in a pair of holes formed respectively in a far cortex 310 of the humerus and a near cortex 311 of the humerus.
- Sutures 304 are tied onto this transverse bar and the transverse bar provides support for the sutures that are tied thereto.
- FIG. 8H illustrates a suture-retaining device configured to have the through-hole and clamp mechanism shown in FIG. 6A and mechanically coupled to an anchor element, such as a transverse bar 882 that is supported in a pair of holes formed respectively in a far cortex 310 of the humerus and a near cortex 311 of the humerus.
- the anchor element provides support for the sutures that are secured in suture-retaining device 881 .
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Abstract
A rotator cuff tendon injury is repaired using a flexible fastener and an anchor. The flexible fastener is attached to the rotator cuff tendon and also secured to the anchor. The anchor is attached to or supported by various locations on the humerus other than the humeral head, to provide a robust means for holding the rotator cuff tendon in the desired position against the humeral head.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/540,628, filed Aug. 13, 2009, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/187,325 filed Aug. 6, 2008, which is abandoned, the entire content of the applications being incorporated herein by reference.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to surgical repair of the rotator cuff tendon and, more particularly, to devices and methods used in repairing the rotator cuff tendon that has been detached from the humeral head.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- In surgeries involving repair of a rotator cuff tendon that has been detached from the humeral head, the tendon must be artificially pressed against the humeral head in order to allow the tendon to naturally re-attach to the underlying bone over time.
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate two prior art techniques for repairing a rotator cuff tendon that has been detached from the humeral head. -
FIG. 1 schematically illustrates arotator cuff tendon 101 secured to ahumeral head 102 of ahumerus 100 by a plurality ofsuture anchors 103.Suture anchors 103 are positioned so thatsutures 104, which are sewn intorotator cuff tendon 101, position the tendon againstregion 105 ofhumeral head 102, whereregion 105 approximates the original anatomic attachment region ofrotator cuff tendon 101, often referred to as the “footprint.” In this way,rotator cuff tendon 101 will grow ontoregion 105, forming a new bond betweenrotator cuff tendon 101 andhumeral head 102. Issues associated with the use of the technique illustrated inFIG. 1 include anchor displacement, “lift-off” of the rotator cuff tendon, the availability of a limited number of sutures to securerotator cuff tendon 101 tohumeral head 102, and the inability to perform this surgery becauserotator cuff tendon 101 has retracted too far away from the original anatomic attachment location ofrotator cuff tendon 101. - The bone making up
humeral head 102 near the footprint of the rotator cuff provides a relatively weak base for the insertion ofsuture anchors 103, since this portion ofhumerus 100 is relatively porous and soft. Because of this, adequate fixation ofsuture anchors 103 is problematic. Namely, anchor displacement from the supporting bone is a common failure mechanism ofsuture anchors 103, and results from localized fracturing of the surrounding bone material. - Suture
anchors 103, when positioned as shown, holdrotator cuff tendon 101 againstregion 105. However, when thearm containing humerus 100 is raised, “lift-off” ofrotator cuff tendon 101 fromregion 105 may occur, i.e.,rotator cuff tendon 101 is temporarily pulled out of contact withregion 105. Lift-off is known to inhibit the re-attachment and healing ofrotator cuff tendon 101. - The number of suture anchors that can be used is limited. This is due to the limited area of
humeral head 102 in whichsuture anchors 103 are placed. Also, the placement ofmany suture anchors 103 is time consuming and tedious for the surgeon. As a consequence, a small number of larger sutures are typically used with suture anchors, leading to very large knot volumes. Very large knot volumes result because the knot volume of a suture is roughly proportional to the cube of the suture diameter. Large knots on the surface of the rotator cuff are undesirable as they rub against the overlying acromial bone. Furthermore, fewer sutures provide a less robust connection betweenrotator cuff tendon 101 andhumeral head 102. For a given surgical application, a large number of small diameter sutures are superior to a few large sutures, in terms of holding power in the tissue. - In some situations, bone tunnels may be used to attach sutures to bone and thereby properly position a tendon to be repaired.
FIG. 2 schematically illustrates abone tunnel 203 formed through ahumeral head 202 of ahumerus 200 after removal of bone material from thehumeral head 202.Bone tunnel 203 is formed so thatsutures 204, which are sewn intorotator cuff tendon 201, may be threaded through holes formed in abone structure 206 and thereby positionrotator cuff tendon 201 againstregion 205 for proper healing. A key limitation of this technique is that an alreadyweak bone structure 206 is further weakened as a result of thread holes formed forsutures 204 and is susceptible to breakage beforerotator cuff tendon 201 is sufficiently healed. - The present invention provides devices and methods used in repairing the rotator cuff tendon. A device according to an embodiment of the invention comprises a suture-retaining device to which multiple sutures sewn into a rotator cuff tendon are to be attached and an anchor that is mechanically coupled to the suture-retaining device. The anchor has a threaded end configured for engagement with a cortex of the humerus to provide firm support for the suture-retaining device. The anchor generally approaches the cortex from the endosteal side. The method according an embodiment of the invention includes the steps of providing a flexible fastener and an anchor, attaching the flexible fastener to the rotator cuff tendon and the anchor, and securing the anchor at various locations on the humerus other than the humeral head.
- A device for supporting sutures, according to another embodiment, comprises a head portion for engagement with a plurality of sutures and an adjustable length body portion having a threaded end for engagement with a bone. The adjustable length body portion may comprise a cannulated screw having the threaded end and an internal threaded portion, and a secondary screw engaged with the internal threaded portion and attached to the head portion.
- A method for repairing a rotator cuff tendon that has detached from a head of a humerus, according to another embodiment of the invention, comprises the steps of anchoring a screw in a cortex of the humerus and attaching a plurality of sutures that have been sewn into the rotator cuff tendon to a suture-retaining device that is mechanically coupled to the screw. The inventive method may further comprise the step of adjusting the position of the suture-retaining device.
- So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
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FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a rotator cuff tendon secured to a humeral head of a humerus by a plurality of suture anchors. -
FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a rotator cuff tendon secured to a humeral head of a humerus by a bone tunnel. -
FIGS. 3A and 3B depict a suture-retaining device and anchor for securing a rotator cuff tendon, according to one embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 4 illustrates an anchor and a suture-retaining device used in conjunction with the removal of a region of humeral head, according to an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an adjustable length anchor, according to an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 6A is a schematic view of a suture-retaining device with a through-hole and clamp mechanism, according to an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 6B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a suture-retaining device with a suture passed through a through-hole. -
FIG. 6C illustrates a cross-section of two surfaces of a suture-retaining device, as well as the resultant pressure present throughout a suture compressed between the surfaces. -
FIG. 7 is a flow chart summarizing a sequence of steps for securing the rotator cuff tendon to the humeral head, according to embodiments of the invention. -
FIGS. 8A to 8H depict a suture-retaining device and anchor for securing a rotator cuff tendon, according alternative embodiments of the invention. - For clarity, identical reference numbers have been used, where applicable, to designate identical elements that are common between figures. It is contemplated that features of one embodiment may be incorporated in other embodiments without further recitation.
- Embodiments of the invention contemplate devices and methods used in repairing the rotator cuff tendon that has been detached from the humeral head. A device according to one embodiment of the invention comprises a suture-retaining device and an anchor that is mechanically coupled to the suture-retaining device. The anchor is affixed to a cortex of the humerus to provide firm support for the suture-retaining device. The suture-retaining device, which is positioned in the intramedullary cavity of the humerus, allows a plurality of sutures to connect the rotator cuff tendon to the anchoring device, and allows suture knots to be located inside the intramedullary cavity.
- The anchor and suture-retaining device according to an embodiment of the invention is positioned in the intramedullary cavity of the humerus after removal of bone material from the humeral head. The removal of the bone material from the humeral head provides access to the intramedullary cavity of the humerus.
FIG. 3A depicts a suture-retaining device and anchor for securing the rotator cuff tendon to the humeral head, according to such an embodiment. As shown, arotator cuff tendon 301 is held againstregion 305 ofhumeral head 302. A plurality ofsutures 304 are sewn intorotator cuff tendon 301, passed through anopening 307 formed inhumeral head 302, looped around a suture-retainingdevice 308 and tied. For clarity, only onesuture 304 is illustrated, but in practice a large number of sutures are used. Thesutures 304 may be replaced by any other suitable flexible fastener such as a strap, mesh, or a woven material. Suture-retainingdevice 308 is a hook or loop configured to accommodate a plurality of sutures, and is mechanically coupled to ananchor 309. In this embodiment,anchor 309 is a bone screw and is threaded into afar cortex 310 ofhumerus 300.Far cortex 310 is made up of hard bone material and provides a strong base for supportinganchor 309. In this way, anchor displacement due to weak support material is avoided.FIG. 3A depictsanchor 309 inserted intofar cortex 310 ofhumerus 300, but embodiments also contemplate using neardiaphyseal cortex 311 as the supporting material foranchor 309, such as shown inFIG. 3B . - In the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 3A and 3B ,anchor 309 is a bone screw and suture-retainingdevice 308 is mechanically coupled to anchor 309 by passing the shaft ofanchor 309 through an appropriately sized opening in suture-retainingdevice 308. In this way, thehead 309A ofanchor 309 acts as a mechanical stop for suture-retainingdevice 308. Other means of mechanically coupling suture-retainingdevice 308 to anchor 309 are also contemplated, including threaded attachment and welding. Suture-retainingdevice 308 may also be integral withanchor 309 so they are physically inseparable during normal use. - The placement of
anchor 309 infar cortex 310 reduces the potential for anchor displacement sincefar cortex 310 consists of strong bone material. In addition, the positioning ofanchor 309 and suture-retainingdevice 308 inintramedullary cavity 312 ofhumerus 300, as shown, provides a securing force onrotator cuff tendon 301 at a favorable angle. Because of this, lift-off ofrotator cuff tendon 301 fromregion 305 is minimized, even when thearm containing humerus 300 is raised. Lastly, suture-retainingdevice 308 facilitates the use of a large number of sutures to securerotator cuff tendon 301 toanchor 309. Therefore, smaller sutures, that result in smaller knot volumes, may be used, and a more robust connection may be established betweenrotator cuff tendon 301 andanchor 309. For example, a plurality of #0 sutures may be used in place of a single #5 suture. - The anchor and suture-retaining device according to embodiments of the invention may be positioned in the intramedullary cavity of the humerus after additional removal of bone material from the humeral head. The additional removal of bone material from the humeral head facilitates repair of a rotator cuff tendon that has been substantially shortened and is unable to reach the footprint of
humeral head 302.FIG. 4 illustrates ananchor 409 and a suture-retainingdevice 408 used in conjunction with the removal of aregion 413 of humeral head material, according to an embodiment of the invention. The shape ofhumeral head 402 prior to removal ofregion 413 is indicated byoriginal surface 414, which is represented as a broken line.Rotator cuff tendon 401, as shown, is too short for reattachment toregion 405 oforiginal surface 414. Therefore,region 413 is removed fromhumeral head 402, andanchor 409 is inserted intocortex 410 ofhumerus 400. In this configuration,rotator cuff tendon 401 can be secured againstsurface 416 ofhumeral head 402 by sewing a plurality ofsutures 404 throughrotator cuff tendon 401 and securing thesutures 404 to suture-retainingdevice 408 via anopening 407 formed inhumeral head 402. In this embodiment, suture-retainingdevice 408 andanchor 409 are substantially similar in organization and function to suture-retainingdevice 308 andanchor 309, respectively, as described above inFIG. 3A . In addition to allowing the repair of a shortened rotator cuff tendon, this embodiment also shares the advantages of the embodiment described above in conjunction withFIG. 3A . - The present invention further contemplates a suture-retaining device and an anchor that is configured to have an adjustable length. With a fixed-length anchor, the final position of the suture anchor point relative to the rotator cuff tendon is determined by how far the anchor is inserted into a cortex of the humerus. In some cases, it may be necessary to penetrate the cortex of the humerus with the anchor to the extent that a substantial portion of the anchor protrudes through the cortex. This could be problematic and may result in complications. In contrast, an adjustable length anchor may be placed at an optimal depth in the cortex of the humerus, and the final position of the suture-retaining device may be set by adjusting the length of the anchor. Hence, this embodiment facilitates fine adjustment of the suture-retaining device position relative to a rotator cuff tendon without screwing the anchor too deeply through a cortex of the humerus.
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FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of anadjustable length anchor 500, according to an embodiment of the invention.Adjustable length anchor 500 includes a cannulatedbone screw 501, which hasinternal threads 502.Internal threads 502 engage with asecondary screw 503, so thatsecondary screw 503 may adjust the position of a suture-retainingdevice 504 as desired. Thesuture retaining device 504 is movable longitudinally relative to a distal end 505 of theanchor 500. Theanchor 500 may be used with any of the systems described herein and all such uses are specifically incorporated. - A suture-retaining device may also have alternative configurations according to the present invention. For example, a suture-retaining device may be configured with a clamp mechanism that allows a plurality of sutures to be secured quickly and simultaneously. One time-consuming aspect of tendon repair is the large number of knots that must be tied when securing a tendon to a suture-retaining device. The knots are a limiting factor in the efficiency of the procedure, and with a clamp mechanism, no suture knots are necessary at all. Further, all sutures may be secured at one time.
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FIG. 6A is a schematic view of a suture-retainingdevice 600 with a through-hole and clamp mechanism. Suture-retainingdevice 600 includes a through-hole 601, through which one or more sutures are passed.Attachment hole 602 serves as a means for mechanically coupling suture-retainingdevice 600 to an anchor, such asanchor 309, illustrated inFIGS. 3A and 3B . Hex-head screw 603 may be rotated and moved into through-hole 601 as a clamp to compress sutures positioned therein, obviating the need for suture knots.FIG. 6B is a schematic cross-sectional view of suture-retainingdevice 600 with asuture 604 passed through through-hole 601. As shown, hex-recess screw 603 may be rotated to move downward againstsuture 604 and, thus,secure suture 604 to suture-retainingdevice 600 without the need for a knot. As noted above, a plurality ofsutures 604 may be secured by suture-retainingdevice 600 simultaneously. Alternatively, the clamp mechanism may include a wedge mechanism which, when slid, tightens against the sutures. The wedge mechanism may include a wedge and a screw which, when rotated, slides the wedge, thereby providing the clamping force. The wedge mechanism may also include a self-tightening component, whereby traction on the sutures by the repaired structure serves to slide the wedge in the direction of increased tightening, enhancing or producing the clamping force. - To prevent premature separation of
suture 604 from suture-retainingdevice 600, hex-head screw 603 may be configured to minimize cutting ofsuture 604. In one embodiment,surface 603A of hex-head screw 603 is made up of relatively compliant material, such as a polymer. Alternatively, most or all of hex-head screw 603 may consist of the compliant material. In this embodiment, it is contemplated that the ratio of the modulus of elasticity of the material making upsurface 603A to the modulus of elasticity ofcompression surface 605 is substantially less than about 0.2. In this way, compression ofsuture 604 betweensurface 603A andcompression surface 605 is less likely to result in cutting ofsuture 604. - In another embodiment, the cross-section of
surface 603A is configured to minimize the pressure gradient experienced bysuture 604 when compressed betweensurface 603A andcompression surface 605. A high pressure gradient present on any portion ofsuture 604, when secured by suture-retainingdevice 600, might result in cutting ofsuture 604. Hence, the cross-section ofsurface 603A is modified to minimize such pressure gradients insuture 604.FIG. 6C illustrates a cross-section ofsurface 603A andcompression surface 605, as well as the resultant pressure present throughoutsuture 604 when compressed therebetween. As shown, high pressure gradients insuture 604 are additionally avoided by providingsurface 603A with a gently tapering profile at the edges ofcontact region 606. In this embodiment, the profile ofsurface 603A may be a curve with a gradually changing slope, such as a sinusoidal curve or a section of a circle. -
FIG. 7 is a flow chart summarizing a sequence ofsteps 700 for securing the rotator cuff tendon to the humeral head, according to embodiments of the invention. Instep 701, a region of humeral head material is removed to provide access to the intramedullary cavity of the humerus and to facilitate optimal placement of the rotator cuff tendon for reattachment. Instep 702, a suture-retaining device and anchor are inserted into the intramedullary cavity of the humerus and the anchor is affixed to a cortex of the humerus. The suture-retaining device is mechanically coupled to the anchor prior to insertion of the anchor. Alternatively, the suture-retaining device may be mechanically coupled to the anchor after insertion of the anchor. Instep 703, sutures are attached to the rotator cuff tendon as necessary and are secured to the suture-retaining device. The sutures may be individually secured to the suture-retaining device by tying. Alternatively, the sutures may all be secured at one time using a through-hole and clamp mechanism as described above in conjunction withFIG. 6A . Instep 704, the final position of the suture-retaining device may be set by adjusting the depth of penetration of the anchor into the cortex. Alternatively, when the anchor is an adjustable length anchor, adjusting the anchor secondary screw may set the final position of the suture-retaining device. In this context, “intramedullary cavity” refers to the space inside the normal surface of the bone and within the cortex of the bone. -
FIGS. 8A to 8H depict a suture-retaining device and anchor for securing a rotator cuff tendon with anchor configurations that are different from that shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B . In each ofFIGS. 8A-8H , a suture-retaining device and anchor is positioned within anintramedullary cavity 312 ofhumerus 300 after removal of bone material from the humeral head. As shown, arotator cuff tendon 301 is held againstregion 305 ofhumeral head 302. A plurality ofsutures 304 are sewn intorotator cuff tendon 301, passed through an opening formed inhumeral head 302, and secured to a suture-retaining device. For clarity, only onesuture 304 is illustrated in the figures, but in practice a large number of sutures are used. -
FIG. 8A illustrates a suture-retainingdevice 811, which is a hook or loop configured to accommodate a plurality of sutures and is mechanically coupled to ananchor 812.Anchor 812 has atoggle bolt 813 that pivots aroundpoint 813A ofanchor 812. During insertion ofanchor 812 into a hole formed in a cortex of the humerus,toggle bolt 813 is pivoted aboutpoint 813A so that it is arranged lengthwise along the axis ofanchor 812. After insertion,toggle bolt 813 is pivoted to attain the position shown inFIG. 8A . Withtoggle bolt 813 in this position,anchor 812 provides support forsutures 304 that are tied onto suture-retainingdevice 811. -
FIG. 8B illustrates a suture-retainingdevice 821, which is a hook or loop configured to accommodate a plurality of sutures and is mechanically coupled to ananchor 822.Anchor 822 has ahook 823 formed on one end. During insertion ofanchor 822 into a hole formed in a cortex of the humerus,anchor 822 is manipulated so thathook 823 can be inserted into the hole and attain the position shown inFIG. 8B . In this position,anchor 822 provides support forsutures 304 that are tied onto suture-retainingdevice 821. -
FIG. 8C illustrates a suture-retainingdevice 831, which is a hook or loop configured to accommodate a plurality of sutures and is mechanically coupled to ananchor 832.Anchor 832 has a length that is slightly less than the length ofhumerus 300 and has a threadedend 833 that engages with the distal humeral metaphysis. With threadedend 833 affixed to the distal humeral metaphysis,anchor 832 provides support forsutures 304 that are tied onto suture-retainingdevice 831. Securing the anchor into the distal metaphysis provides some of the same benefits described above concerning securing the anchor into the far cortex.Anchor 832 is also positioned so that adistal end 835 is positioned below the isthmus. -
FIG. 8D illustrates a suture-retainingdevice 841, which is a hook or loop configured to accommodate a plurality of sutures and is formed integrally with ananchor 842.Anchor 842 has a length that is about one-half the length ofhumerus 300 and has a threadedend 843 that engages with the narrow portion of the endosteal cortex ofhumerus 300. With threadedend 843 engaged with the narrow portion of the endosteal cortex ofhumerus 300,anchor 842 provides support forsutures 304 that are tied onto suture-retainingdevice 841. Stated another way, theanchor 842 contacts an endosteal diameter at the near and far cortex. -
FIG. 8E illustrates an integrated clamp andanchor 851 for securing and supporting a plurality of sutures. Integrated clamp andanchor 851 is configured to have the through-hole and clamp mechanism shown inFIG. 6A but is configured to be positioned on the outer wall ofnear cortex 311. Aftersutures 304 are fed through a hole formed in thenear cortex 311, integrated clamp andanchor 851 clamps the sutures like the through-hole and clamp mechanism shown inFIG. 6A . The hole in thenear cortex 311 is formed to be smaller than integrated clamp andanchor 851 so that integrated clamp andanchor 851, while it is in the position shown inFIG. 8E , can provide support for the sutures that are clamped therein. - The suture retaining device in
FIG. 8E can also be made up of an integrated suture-retaining device and anchor which rests on the surface of the bone. Such integrated device may have a means of retaining the suture including one or more holes, fenestration, or irregularities, over which the sutures may be tied. The location of the device inFIG. 8E is chosen to be an area of strong cortex, as illustrated in the sites for anchor engagement inFIGS. 3A and 3B . Because the location is distant from the greater tuberosity, with important nerve, muscle, and vascular structures often lying between this location and the greater tuberosity, the technique of application includes making a separate surgical approach to the bone surface for placement of the integrated suture-retaining device and anchor. -
FIG. 8F illustrates a suture-retainingdevice 861, which is configured to have the through-hole and clamp mechanism shown inFIG. 6A and mechanically coupled to an anchor 862 that has a threadedend 863. After anchor 862 is inserted into a hole formed in anear cortex 311 of the humerus, anut 864 is rotated and tightened against the outer wall ofnear cortex 311. Anchor 862, in the position shown inFIG. 8F , provides support forsutures 304 that are secured in suture-retainingdevice 861. -
FIG. 8G illustrates a suture-retaining device configured as an anchor element, which may be atransverse bar 871 that is supported in a pair of holes formed respectively in afar cortex 310 of the humerus and anear cortex 311 of the humerus.Sutures 304 are tied onto this transverse bar and the transverse bar provides support for the sutures that are tied thereto. -
FIG. 8H illustrates a suture-retaining device configured to have the through-hole and clamp mechanism shown inFIG. 6A and mechanically coupled to an anchor element, such as atransverse bar 882 that is supported in a pair of holes formed respectively in afar cortex 310 of the humerus and anear cortex 311 of the humerus. The anchor element provides support for the sutures that are secured in suture-retainingdevice 881. - While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.
Claims (19)
1. A device used for reattaching a tendon that has detached from a bone, comprising:
a suture-retaining device having a through-hole suitable for passing multiple sutures therethrough and a clamp that is configured to hold the sutures passed through the through-hole in place; and
an anchor having a shaft that is mechanically coupled to the suture-retaining device and a threaded end configured for engagement with a cortex of the bone.
2. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the anchor has a shaft that is passed through an opening in the suture-retaining device.
3. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the clamp is movable and has a surface that clamps the sutures.
4. The device according to claim 3 , wherein the clamp has a first surface that presses the sutures against a second surface on the suture-retaining device.
5. The device according to claim 4 , wherein the first surface moves with the clamp and the second surface is stationary.
6. The device according to claim 5 , wherein the clamp is a wedge.
7. The device according to claim 5 , wherein the clamp is a screw.
8. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the bone is a humerus bone.
9. The device according to claim 8 , wherein the anchor has a length that is adjustable after insertion of the suture-retaining device and the anchor into an intramedullary cavity of the humerus bone.
10. The device according to claim 9 , wherein the anchor comprises a cannulated screw with internal threads and a secondary screw that is engaged with the internal threads of the cannulated screw, and wherein the suture-retaining device is mechanically coupled to the secondary screw.
11. A device for supporting sutures, comprising:
a head portion for engagement with a plurality of sutures, the head portion having a through-hole suitable for passing multiple sutures therethrough and a clamp that is configured to hold the sutures passed through the through-hole in place; and
a body portion having a threaded end that is configured for engagement with a cortex of a bone while the suture-retaining device is positioned in an intramedullary cavity of the bone,
wherein the body portion is mechanically coupled to the head portion.
12. The device according to claim 11 , wherein the body portion has a shaft that is passed through an opening in the head portion.
13. The device according to claim 11 , wherein the clamp is movable and has a surface that clamps the sutures.
14. The device according to claim 13 , wherein the clamp has a first surface that presses the sutures against a second surface on the head portion.
15. The device according to claim 14 , wherein the first surface moves with the clamp and the second surface is stationary.
16. The device according to claim 15 , wherein the clamp is a wedge.
17. The device according to claim 15 , wherein the clamp is a screw.
18. The device according to claim 11 , wherein the body portion has a length that is adjustable after insertion of the head portion and the body portion into the intramedullary cavity of the humerus bone.
19. The device according to claim 18 , wherein the body portion comprises a cannulated screw with internal threads and a secondary screw that is engaged with the internal threads of the cannulated screw, and wherein the head portion is mechanically coupled to the secondary screw.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US15/076,502 US20160199055A1 (en) | 2008-08-06 | 2016-03-21 | Suture-retaining device and anchor |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US12/187,325 US20090043337A1 (en) | 2007-08-07 | 2008-08-06 | Suture-Retaining Device And Anchor |
US12/540,628 US9289202B2 (en) | 2008-08-06 | 2009-08-13 | Suture-retaining device and anchor |
US15/076,502 US20160199055A1 (en) | 2008-08-06 | 2016-03-21 | Suture-retaining device and anchor |
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US12/540,628 Continuation US9289202B2 (en) | 2008-08-06 | 2009-08-13 | Suture-retaining device and anchor |
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US20160199055A1 true US20160199055A1 (en) | 2016-07-14 |
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US12/540,628 Active 2031-06-16 US9289202B2 (en) | 2008-08-06 | 2009-08-13 | Suture-retaining device and anchor |
US15/076,502 Abandoned US20160199055A1 (en) | 2008-08-06 | 2016-03-21 | Suture-retaining device and anchor |
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US12/540,628 Active 2031-06-16 US9289202B2 (en) | 2008-08-06 | 2009-08-13 | Suture-retaining device and anchor |
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Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9271714B2 (en) | 2011-01-21 | 2016-03-01 | Syntorr, Inc. | Methods and devices for anchoring suture in bone |
GB2517154A (en) * | 2013-08-12 | 2015-02-18 | Biomet Uk Healthcare Ltd | Ligament assembly |
CN106510908B (en) * | 2016-12-01 | 2018-03-27 | 周大勇 | A kind of interior planting apparatus rebuild for cruciate ligaments of knee joint |
WO2020165905A1 (en) * | 2019-02-13 | 2020-08-20 | Magdent Ltd. | Implantable electromagnetic field generator for orthopedic therapy |
US11540823B2 (en) * | 2020-04-29 | 2023-01-03 | Ho Jong LEE | Soft tissue fixing anchor and soft tissue fixing method using the same |
Family Cites Families (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4960420A (en) * | 1988-08-23 | 1990-10-02 | Marlowe Goble E | Channel ligament clamp and system |
IT1237496B (en) * | 1989-10-26 | 1993-06-08 | Giuseppe Vrespa | SCREW DEVICE FOR ANCHORING BONE PROSTHESES, METHOD FOR THE APPLICATION OF SUCH DEVICE AND RELATED EQUIPMENT |
US5860978A (en) * | 1990-09-25 | 1999-01-19 | Innovasive Devices, Inc. | Methods and apparatus for preventing migration of sutures through transosseous tunnels |
US6491714B1 (en) * | 1996-05-03 | 2002-12-10 | William F. Bennett | Surgical tissue repair and attachment apparatus and method |
ATE318122T1 (en) * | 1999-11-15 | 2006-03-15 | Arthrex Inc | TAPERING BIOABSORBENT INTERFERENCE SCREW FOR OSTEAL FIXING OF BANDS |
US7887551B2 (en) * | 1999-12-02 | 2011-02-15 | Smith & Nephew, Inc. | Soft tissue attachment and repair |
US6565573B1 (en) * | 2001-04-16 | 2003-05-20 | Smith & Nephew, Inc. | Orthopedic screw and method of use |
US7144413B2 (en) * | 2001-04-20 | 2006-12-05 | Synthes (U.S.A.) | Graft fixation system and method |
US6685728B2 (en) * | 2002-01-25 | 2004-02-03 | Stryker Endoscopy | Threaded suture anchor and method of use |
US20040093030A1 (en) * | 2002-10-28 | 2004-05-13 | Cox James E. | Bone anchor and assembly |
US20050245932A1 (en) * | 2004-04-16 | 2005-11-03 | Fanton Gary S | Apparatus and methods for securing tissue to bone |
US7322978B2 (en) * | 2004-06-22 | 2008-01-29 | Hs West Investments, Llc | Bone anchors for use in attaching soft tissue to a bone |
US20060079904A1 (en) * | 2004-10-13 | 2006-04-13 | Raymond Thal | Multirow knotless suture anchor assembly |
CN101573078B (en) * | 2004-11-15 | 2011-10-12 | 斯坎迪乌斯生物医药公司 | Apparatus for the repair of a rotator cuff (RTC) tendon or ligament |
US7771441B2 (en) * | 2005-04-20 | 2010-08-10 | Arthroscopic Innovations Llc | Method and apparatus for providing suture in a passageway |
-
2009
- 2009-08-13 US US12/540,628 patent/US9289202B2/en active Active
-
2016
- 2016-03-21 US US15/076,502 patent/US20160199055A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
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US20100036416A1 (en) | 2010-02-11 |
US9289202B2 (en) | 2016-03-22 |
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