Abstract: A two sided cylindrical chondral resurfacing implant that covers areas of the highest contact between the tibia and femur. A dual-sided rotary drill cutter is employed to create a tibial socket from outside in. A full femoral trough is made with the opposite side of the rotary drill cutter by simply moving the knee through flexion and extension. In this manner, automatic alignment of femoral and tibial components is achieved due to the “transtibial” nature of the femoral preparation.

Abstract: A device for tensioning suture which includes two telescopically slidable cannulated tubes. An adjustment wheel is coupled to and turns a threaded post which is threadingly engaged with the proximal end of one of the slidable tubes. A suture end is passed through the cannulated tubes of the suture tensioning device and secured to the adjustment wheel. Rotating the adjustment wheel counterclockwise increases the overall length of the suture tensioning device and increases tension on the suture.

Abstract: A method and construct for joint repair in which attachment of a double bundle graft ligament approximates anatomic orientation using interference fixation in a single bone tunnel. The double bundle graft features separable strands. A threaded screw is inserted between the separable strands and provides interference fixation of the graft against radially opposing walls defining the bone tunnel. Attachment of the graft using separated strands more closely approximate the configuration of the native ligament. The resulting reconstruction exhibits mechanical functionality that more accurately mimics that of the intact joint, with a minimum of associated tissue morbidity.

Abstract: Osteochondral repair of damaged articular joint surfaces is achieved using implants in the form of cylindrical osteochondral plugs. The plugs have an articular surface formed on at least one end. If articular surfaces are provided on both ends of the implant, the articular surfaces have differently curved surfaces. The defective cartilage is removed to create a recipient socket for the implant. An implant sized to fit the recipient socket is chosen from a plurality of implants provided to the surgeon. The implants are preferably formed of a hydrogel material such as Salubria™, although metal or allograft implants can also be used.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for arthroscopic tenodesis using sockets in bone created by retrograde cutting. A dual-sided rotary drill cutter is used to form a tibial and femoral socket by retrograde and antegrade cutting, respectively. The method is used to form a pair of sockets in the joint, which accept the respective ends of a replacement graft. The dual-sided cutter is configured such that it cuts in both directions (retrograde and antegrade) and does not need to be flipped over between forming the respective sockets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using holes in bone created by retrograde cutting. A rotary cutter, mounted onto an insertion post of a tibial guide, is inserted through an anteromedial portal and the rotary cutter placed on the anatomical origin of an ACL tibial insertion. A drill pin is drilled through the tibia and advanced until it contacts and engages a cannulation in the rotary cutter on the guide. Further rotation of the drill pin disengages the rotary cutter from the guide. The retrograde drill pin is then retracted and simultaneously rotated for retrograde cutting of a socket or tunnel of desired depth in the tibia. A strand is passed through the cannulation of the drill pin into the joint. The end of the strand is retrieved from the anteromedial portal and a loop formed for subsequent graft installation. A similar technique is used to form a socket or tunnel in the femur except that a femur guide is used in place of the tibial guide.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for fixation of a soft tissue ligament graft in a bone tunnel using a graft harness/bolt assembly. The graft harness/bolt assembly includes a harness for supporting a looped graft, and a bolt configured to be received in, and securely engage, the harness, the inserted bolt spreading the legs of the harness to engage the walls of a bone tunnel. The bolt includes a transverse hole for receiving a suture strand, which is used to draw and fixate the graft harness assembly into the bone tunnel.

Abstract: An insert-molded suture anchor has a biodegradable polymer body molded around a loop of suture. A tapered end disposed on the proximal end of the body is received into a recess in the distal end of a hand driver. Anchoring ribs are formed along the remaining length of the anchor. The suture is held securely within the anchor body during the insert molding process. The anchor is produced by placing the suture within an injection mold, and injecting biodegradable polymer into the mold. Using a preferred plication driver, the suture anchor can be utilized for capsular plication procedures.

Abstract: Osteochondral repair of damaged articular joint surfaces is achieved using implants in the form of cylindrical osteochondral plugs. The plugs have an articular surface formed on at least one end. If articular surfaces are provided on both ends of the implant, the articular surfaces have differently curved surfaces. The defective cartilage is removed to create a recipient socket for the implant. An implant sized to fit the recipient socket is chosen from a plurality of implants provided to the surgeon. The implants are preferably formed of a hydrogel material such as Salubria™, although metal or allograft implants can also be used.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for arthroscopic tenodesis using sockets in bone created by retrograde cutting. A cannulated pin is drilled through bone and into a joint space in the normal, antegrade direction, guided by a drill guide. A strand provided through the cannulated pin is used to draw a retrodrill cutter into the joint space. The retrodrill cutter is threaded onto the cannulated pin, which is turned for retrograde cutting of a socket into the bone. The method is used to form a pair of sockets in the joint, which accept the respective ends of a replacement graft. The graft is brought into position in the joint space using loops formed in the strands, in a manner similar to introduction of the retrodrill cutter. The reconstruction is completed by securing suture attached to the graft ends with a button implant installed at the bone surface.

Abstract: An insert-molded suture anchor with a biodegradable polymer body in which a loop of suture is totally contained within the polymer. The suture anchor body features a drive end that is shaped to be received into a recess in the end of a hand driver. Anchoring ribs are formed along the remaining length of the anchor. The loop of suture which includes and eyelet for attaching a suture strand is totally embedded within the anchor body during the insert-molding fabrication process. The anchor is produced by placing the suture in an injection mold, and injecting biodegradable polymer into the mold.

Abstract: A suture anchor has a continuous thread spiraling around a tapering central core. At the distal end, the suture anchor terminates in a rounded point. At the proximal end of the suture anchor is an eye for receiving suture. The suture anchor has a large thread surface per turn of thread. Anti-backout ridges can be formed on the front and/or back faces of the threads. A driver for the suture anchor is provided, the driver including a shaft having a central axis, a length, a distal end, and a proximal end. The shaft is provided at its distal end with an opening aligned with the central axis of the shaft, for receiving the hexagonal proximal end of the suture anchor. One or more sutures threaded through the suture eye are threaded through the hollow tubular shaft. The suture is pulled into and captured by V-shaped notches on the proximal end of the handle to hold the suture anchor in place on the distal end of the driver under the tension of the captured sutures.

Abstract: An insert-molded suture anchor has a biodegradable polymer body molded around a loop of suture. A tapered end disposed on the proximal end of the body is received into a recess in the distal end of a hand driver. Anchoring ribs are formed along the remaining length of the anchor. The suture is held securely within the anchor body during the insert molding process. The anchor is produced by placing the braided suture within an injection mold, and injecting biodegradable polymer into the mold. Using a preferred plication driver, the suture anchor can be utilized for capsular plication procedures.

Abstract: Osteochondral sockets are formed using a retrograde drill assembly. The retrograde drill assembly includes a guide pin having a fluted tip and an externally threaded portion. A removable cutter head has internal threads that engage the threads of the guide pin. The guide pin is drilled through bone, exposing the external threads in a joint space requiring repair. The cutter is threaded onto the guide pin, and the assembly is retrograded with rotation to form a socket in the bone. The cutter is disengaged from the guide pin for disassembly and removal from the bone, making way for an implant to be installed in the pocket. The implant can be drawn into the socket using an attached strand threaded through the bone socket and out of the bone.

Abstract: A corkscrew suture anchor has a continuous thread spiraling around a tapering central core. At the distal end, the suture anchor terminates in a rounded point. At the proximal end of the suture anchor is an eye for receiving suture. The suture anchor has a large thread surface per turn of thread. Anti-backout ridges can be formed on the front and/or back faces of the threads. A driver for the suture anchor is provided, the driver including a shaft having a central axis, a length, a distal end, and a proximal end. The shaft is provided at its distal end with an opening aligned with the central axis of the shaft, for receiving the hexagonal proximal end of the suture anchor. One or more sutures threaded through the suture eye are threaded through the hollow tubular shaft. The suture is pulled into and captured by V-shaped notches on the proximal end of the handle to hold the suture anchor in place on the distal end of the driver under the tension of the captured sutures.

Abstract: Methods for capitation of medical supplies including determining a fixed price for medical supplies to be used in a medical procedure, and billing a buyer based on the number of medical procedures performed times the fixed price are provided.

Abstract: Osteochondral sockets are formed using a retrograde drill assembly. The retrograde drill assembly includes a guide pin having a fluted tip and an externally threaded portion. A removable cutter head has internal threads that engage the threads of the guide pin. The guide pin is drilled through bone, exposing the external threads in a joint space requiring repair. The cutter is threaded onto the guide pin, and the assembly is retrograded with rotation to form a socket in the bone. The cutter is disengaged from the guide pin for disassembly and removal from the bone, making way for an implant to be installed in the pocket. The implant can be drawn into the socket using an attached strand threaded through the bone socket and out of the bone.

Abstract: A meniscal allograft with a bone block having a trapezoidal shape in cross-section and a technique for using a meniscus allograft having a trapezoidal shaped bone block are disclosed. A groove is formed initially in the bone using drill bits. Dilators are used to increase the size of the drilled groove. The orthogonal corner at the bottom of the groove is shaped using a rasp. A smooth dilator compacts the bone in the acute angle at the bottom of the groove opposite the orthogonal corner to create the final trapezoid shape of the bone groove. A meniscal allograft having a bone block of corresponding trapezoidal shape is prepared using a workstation and three cutting jigs to make three corresponding cuts. The trapezoidal bone block of the meniscal allograft is then installed within the bone groove.

Abstract: An instrument for surgical suturing includes a shaft, and a needle disposed slidably for longitudinal travel with respect to the shaft. A prong formed on one end of the shaft projects across a longitudinal axis of the needle and has an opening formed through the prong that provides a clearance through which a tip portion of the needle passes when it is advanced. Slots formed on a surface of the prong facing the shaft releasably hold suture across the opening. Advancing the needle through the clearance allows a hook formed on the tip of the needle to capture the suture. Once withdrawn, the needle draws the suture back through tissue pierced during advancement. The suture is released from the slots and drawn back through the tissue for further knot tying and suturing to effect the tissue repairs.

Abstract: A method of producing blood serum containing prophylactically or therapeutically active proteins, including obtaining blood from a patient, incubating the blood at a suitable temperature to induce production of prophylactically or therapeutically active proteins, and removing the prophylactically or therapeutically active proteins from the blood.