Abstract: An system and method for performing a surgery, such as an anterior-cruciate-ligament replacement surgery, where a flexible strand insertion rod can co-operate with a U-Guide apparatus to insert a flexible strand into a tunnel formed in a bone portion. A soft tissue replacement can be affixed to one end of the flexible strand and pulled over a retaining member with the other end of the flexible strand.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering biologic material to a bone hole includes a delivery structure defining a proximal end and a distal end. The delivery structure includes a first longitudinal member defining a first cavity and extending between the distal and proximal end. A second longitudinal member is disposed around the first longitudinal member and extends between the distal and proximal end. The first and second longitudinal members define a second cavity therebetween. The first cavity is adapted to receive a flexible member therethrough. The second cavity is adapted to receive the biologic material and deliver the biologic material out of the distal end into the bone hole. The first longitudinal member precludes the biologic material from contacting the flexible member while the biologic material is delivered to the bone hole.

Abstract: A bone attachment apparatus and implantation system. The attachment device provides a screw with channels formed therein for implantation within a bone aperture. The channels are used as a torque transfer surface during implantation, and cooperate with a thread forming tap to enable screw implantation simultaneously with thread formation within the aperture. The tap can be used to form channels within the bone. A staple is coupled to the screw and the bone, utilizing the respective channels formed therein, to prevent rotation therebetween. The screw can also cooperate with the staple to secure a soft tissue graft.

Abstract: Various suture anchors and surgical methods are provided. A two-part suture anchor is provided having a continuously threaded anchor body defining an axial bore and a pin. The pin includes a tip and a plate defining at least two suture receiving openings aligned in a single plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the axial bore is disposed in anchor body. Methods of attaching soft tissue to bone are also provided.

Abstract: A suture pushing device includes a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and a suturing head at the distal end of the shaft. The suturing head includes a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw and/or the second jaw have a tissue cutting edge adapted to cut an opening in a tissue. A blunt suture pushing member advances from within the shaft, through the suturing head, and through the cut opening in the tissue to place a suture.

Abstract: A soft tissue repair assembly. The assembly includes a flexible member having first and second ends, and a strand passing through the flexible member. The strand has first and second strand ends extending through the flexible member, such that pulling at least one of the first and second strand ends changes the flexible member from a first shape suitable for insertion through soft tissue to a second shape suitable for securely lodging the soft tissue repair assembly relative to soft tissue.

Abstract: A method for suturing soft tissue in arthroscopic or endoscopic procedures. The method includes inserting a bendable steerable arm in a straightened configuration through an incision, curving the steerable arm, piercing the tissue, deploying a suture holder from a bore of the steerable arm, moving the suture holder relative to the bendable steerable arm, and suturing the tissue.

Abstract: A method for securing a graft to a bone. The method includes forming a tunnel in the bone, positioning the graft in the tunnel, securing the graft in the tunnel with an anchor, and inserting biological material in a bore formed in the anchor.

Abstract: An system and method for performing a surgery, such as an anterior-cruciate-ligament replacement surgery, where a flexible strand insertion rod can co-operate with a U-Guide apparatus to insert a flexible strand into a tunnel formed in a bone portion. A soft tissue replacement can be affixed to one end of the flexible strand and pulled over a retaining member with the other end of the flexible strand.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for performing a surgery, such as an orthopedic surgery. The apparatus can include a guide portion and an alignment portion. The guide portion can assist in positioning the alignment portion to assist in aligning an implant. The implant can be aligned and positioned to hold a graft relative to a bone portion.

Abstract: A fixation device for securing tissue to a bone. The fixation device includes an anchor having a hollow body defining a longitudinal passage, and a plug configured to be received in at least a portion of the passage. The body comprises a cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion. The cylindrical portion comprises a plurality of thin-walled window covers such that after implantation the window covers are resorbed first relative to other portions of the cylindrical portion for defining a plurality of apertures on the cylindrical portion.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing screw threads in hard material workpieces with a series of taps. The present invention employs a threaded bore formed in a bracket assembly to align and position multiple taps on a rotary machine. The taps are used in sequence to cut threads progressively deeper into a substrate. The present invention provides a method of aligning and orienting each progressive tap to begin its cut at the same initial starting point.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing screw threads in hard material workpieces with a series of taps. The present invention employs a threaded bore formed in a bracket assembly to align and position multiple taps on a rotary machine. The taps are used in sequence to cut threads progressively deeper into a substrate. The present invention provides a method of aligning and orienting each progressive tap to begin its cut at the same initial starting point.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing a surgery, especially an Anterior Cruciate Ligament replacement surgery, where a flexible strand insertion rod cooperates with a U-Guide apparatus to insert a flexible strand into a tunnel formed in a bone portion and to guide a drill point to form a tunnel transversely to the tunnel of the insertion rod. The drill point is guided through the insertion rod and the flexible strand is held over the drill point as the transverse tunnel is formed. The insertion rod is then removed from the tunnels formed in the bone and the flexible strand is held looped over the drill point. Subsequently, a soft tissue replacement is affixed to one end of the flexible strand and pulled over the drill point with the other end of the flexible strand. The drill point is then used to pull a cross pin through the transverse tunnel to hold the looped end of the soft tissue replacement in place.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing screw threads in hard material workpieces with a series of taps. The present invention employs a threaded bore formed in a bracket assembly to align and position multiple taps on a rotary machine. The taps are used in sequence to cut threads progressively deeper into a substrate. The present invention provides a method of aligning and orienting each progressive tap to begin its cut at the same initial starting point.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing screw threads in hard material workpieces with a series of taps. The present invention employs a threaded bore formed in a bracket assembly to align and position multiple taps on a rotary machine. The taps are used in sequence to cut threads progressively deeper into a substrate. The present invention provides a method of aligning and orienting each progressive tap to begin its cut at the same initial starting point.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing screw threads in hard material workpieces with a series of taps. The present invention employs a threaded bore formed in a bracket assembly to align and position multiple taps on a rotary machine. The taps are used in sequence to cut threads progressively deeper into a substrate. The present invention provides a method of aligning and orienting each progressive tap to begin its cut at the same initial starting point.

Abstract: A method for forming a patch using a laminated material and a process for forming the laminated material. Also a plurality of patches using the laminated material for various implantation purposes into an anatomy. In addition, an implant method for implanting one or a plurality of the selected patches for various reasons.

Abstract: A positioning member may be released to move an anchor member to a holding position. The positioning member being operable to be held in a selected orientation until the anchor member is in a selected position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing a surgery, especially an ACL replacement surgery, where a flexible strand insertion rod co-operates with a U-Guide apparatus to insert a flexible strand into a tunnel formed in a bone portion and to guide a pair of drill points to form a pair of tunnels transversely to the tunnel of the insertion rod. The drill points are guided through the insertion rod and the flexible strand is held over the drill points as the transverse tunnels are formed. The insertion rod is then removed from the tunnels formed in the bone and the flexible strand is held looped over the second drill point. Subsequently, a soft tissue replacement is affixed to one end of the flexible strand and pulled over up to the first drill point with the other end of the flexible strand. The first drill point is then used to pull a cross pin through the transverse tunnel to hold the looped end of the soft tissue replacement in place.