Patents Examined by William H. Matthews (Howie)
  • Patent number: 6517579
    Abstract: An anchoring apparatus and method of use are disclosed that secure a tendon or ligament within an interior opening of a bone structure is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a securing device, a retention device, and an anchoring device. The securing device has an elongated body with an outer surface and an inner surface wherein the tendon or ligament fits between the interior of the open bone structure and the outer surface of the securing device. The retention device has an elongated body and a retention head, wherein the retention device securely fits within the interior surface of the securing device. The anchoring or holding device connects to the retention head of the retention device and extends outside the interior opening of the bone structure to engage the outer surface of the bone structure to hold the retention device and securing device in a fixed position inside the bone structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventors: Lonnie E. Paulos, Benjamin J. Ellis