Abstract: An arthroscopic suture thread and method for using same with a suture punch system. The system having a passageway, a hollow needle at a distal end of the passageway, and a feeder wheel proximate to a proximal end of the passageway. The suture thread of one embodiment made from a non-bioabsorbable material includes a coupled, sufficiently stiff and long leader portion for permitting the feeder wheel to facilitate advancement along the passageway and through the hollow needle. The suture thread of a second embodiment is a braided non-bioabsorbable thread coated with a sufficiently stiff bioabsorbable material.

Abstract: An intraarticular drill guide having a cannulated guide shaft and a sliding shaft mounted for both reciprocal movement and axial rotation. A hook attached to the distal end of the sliding shaft is provided for locating against a bone positioned between it and the cannulated guide shaft. The drill guide has a handle for pulling back on the sliding shaft to force the tip of the hook into the far side of the bone.The method of the invention involves pressing the cannulated guide shaft against a bone through an arthroscopic portal. The sliding shaft with a hook at its end is inserted into the joint. Pulling back on the sliding shaft holds the bone between the hook and the cannulated guide shaft. A drill is operated through the cannulated guide shaft. A tissue repair is completed in accordance with the invention by passing suture ends through the tunnel that is drilled and tying them about a button anchor. The button anchor of the invention is bioabsorbable made from polyglactic acid.