Apparatus and methods for securing tendons or ligaments to bone

US7708759B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Tendon Technology, Ltd. · US

Inventors

• Lawrence M. Lubbers · Worthington, US
• Kenneth E. Hughes · Gahanna, US
• Carl R. Coleman · Powell, US
• Warren P. Williamson, IV · Loveland, US
• Craig B. Berky · Milford, US
• Thomas J. Ward · Hilliard, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 16, 2003
• Grant date: May 4, 2010
• Expiry date: Nov 6, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F2002/0888
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for repairing damaged tendons or ligaments. Various repair apparatus include an elongate tensile member and a pair of anchor structures connected for movement along the tensile member on either side of a repair site, such as a tear or laceration. The anchor structures may take many forms, and may include barbed, helical, and crimp-type anchors. In the preferred embodiments, at least one anchor structure is movable along the elongate tensile member to assist with adjusting a tendon segment to an appropriate repair position and the anchor structure or structures are then lockable onto the elongate tensile member to assist with affixing the tendon at the repair position. Tendon-to-bone repair apparatus and methods are also disclosed employing similar concepts. Tendon retrieval devices include helical members for rotating into a tendon end and subsequently moving the tendon to an appropriate operating position.