Abstract: An improved implant inserter, and method of using same, with an elongated, substantially rigid shaft having a proximal surface which is capable of receiving a driving force, and a substantially rigid tip portion having a distal end and a proximal end. At least the distal end of the tip portion is capable of being placed within an implant such as a suture anchor. The inserter further includes a compliant region disposed between the tip portion and the shaft which requires less lateral force to bend than the tip portion, at least when the tip portion has been placed within the implant.

Abstract: A guide provides for placing a suture anchor into an outer rim of a glenoid cavity of a patient adjacent an edge of a glenoid labrum. The guide comprises an elongated guide tube having an axial lumen with a distal opening a rim engagement member pivotally attached to the elongated tube adjacent the distal opening. The rim engagement member has a first contact surface and a second contact surface each of which are distal of the guide tube and are separated from each other and disposed on opposite lateral sides of the guide tube whereby to allow placement of the contact member over the glenoid rim, with subsequent angular positioning of the guide tube and passage of an instrument down the lumen to the labrum.

Abstract: A suture anchor comprises a shell and an anchor member. The shell comprises a body having a distal end, a proximal end and sidewalls therebetween defining an axial cannulation therethrough. The anchor member comprises a body having a distal end and a proximal end which is sized to fit within the cannulation. The sidewalls define a lateral cut-out such that with the anchor member received within the cannulation a first lateral portion of the anchor member is exposed laterally and a second, laterally opposite, lateral portion of the anchor member is enclosed by the sidewalls. A friction enhancement on the first lateral portion frictionally engages a bone surface when the suture anchor is disposed within a bone tunnel defined by the bone surface. Suture is trapped between the shell and the anchor and also between the anchor and the bone surface.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for treating joint conditions, such as osteoarthritis and/or the pain associated therewith. The compositions and methods utilize a first component, namely hyaluraonic acid (“HA”), in combination with a lyophilized second component that is effective to at least temporarily reduce the viscosity of the HA. In an exemplary embodiment, the second component is one or more glycosaminoglycans (“GAG”), such as chondroitin sulfate (“CS”), including CS4 and/or CS6, dermatan sulfate, heparin, heparan sulfate, and keratan sulfate. The composition can optionally include other joint supplements, such as glucosamine (“GlcN”).

Abstract: Methods and compositions for producing therapeutic agents using chondrocytes are provided. The genetically engineered chondrocytes can be used to express the therapeutic agent in a subject, including in an environment typically associated with chondrocytes and in an environment not typically associated with chondrocytes.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to bone. In one exemplary embodiment, a cannulated suture anchor is provided and it includes a suture-engaging member formed therein and configured to receive a suture therearound such that trailing ends of the suture can extend through the suture anchor. The present invention also provides exemplary sutures and drivers that can be used with the various methods and devices disclosed herein, or with other methods and devices known in the art.

Abstract: Various arthroscopic shavers are provided that minimize contact between bodily fluid and the shaver hand piece. Arthroscopic shavers generally include a cutting assembly mated to a hand piece. In one embodiment, the shaver includes a hub that connects the cutting assembly with the hand piece and has an exit port configured to transport cut tissue and fluid from the device. In another embodiment, the shaver includes a hub configured to retrofit existing shaver hand pieces having interior lumens for removing cut tissue and fluid. The hub further includes an exit port that diverts fluid away from the hand piece.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for implanting a cross-pin through a bone tunnel, such as in an arthroscopic surgical procedure. In general, the methods and devices allow a cross-pin hole to be formed in a medial side of a knee bone such that it intersects a bone tunnel formed in the knee bone. In one embodiment, a cross-pinning guide device is provided that can be configured to angularly position the cross-pin hole relative to the bone tunnel to allow the cross-pin hole to intersect the bone tunnel without passing through another side, e.g., a lateral side, of the knee bone. The knee bone can be a femur or a tibia such that the cross-pin hole and the bone tunnel can each be entirely formed in the femur or in the tibia.

Abstract: Systems and methods for modifying the environment of target cell using genetically altered chondrocytes are provided. The genetically engineered chondrocytes can be used to express a therapeutic agent in a subject, including in an environment typically associated with chondrocytes and in an environment not typically associated with chondrocytes.

Abstract: A graft fixation system for fixing graft material in a bone tunnel includes an expandable fixation member having a graft receiving eyelet disposed proximate its distal end, opposed bone engaging elements disposed about its periphery, and an expansion plug receiving opening defined in its proximal end. The system also includes an expansion plug having a diameter greater than the diameter of the expansion plug receiving opening so that forceble insertion of the expansion plug into the expansion plug receiving opening causes an expansion of the expandable fixation member driving the opposed bone engaging elements apart so as to fix the bone engaging elements, as well as the graft material, in a bone tunnel.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for treating joint conditions, such as osteoarthritis and/or the pain associated therewith. The compositions and methods utilize a first component, namely hyaluronic acid (“HA”), in combination with at least one stabilizer. The composition can include a stabilizer that increases the stability and shelf-life of the HA. In another embodiment, the compositions and methods can also include an additional component, such as one or more glycosaminoglycans (“GAG”) or GAG precursors. Examples of GAGs or GAG precursors can include chondroitin sulfate (“CS”), dermatan sulfate, heparin, heparan sulfate, keratan sulfate, and glucosamine (“GlcN”).

Abstract: A depth gauge and method provide for accurate measurement of a socket portion of a bone tunnel in an ACL reconstruction.

Abstract: A tissue cutting device, assembly and method of using same, including a generally cylindrical tube having a distal end and a proximal end and defining an open passage extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The distal end defines a cutting edge, and the tube has a substantially smooth exterior along a working length selected for insertion through the epidermis of a patient to access tissue to be cut. The assembly further includes a grasping tool having a distal portion defining a grasping element capable of grasping tissue and of being inserted through the passage of the tube. The tube and the grasping tool are separable and independent from each other, and the tube is advanceable relative to the tool to cut tissue held by the grasping element.

Abstract: A novel high tensile strength semi-absorbable composite suture with minimized non-absorbable mass. The suture has a core made from a bioabsorbable polymer. The core is covered by a braided sheath. The braided sheath is made from an absorbable yarn and a bioabsorbable yarn. The bioabsorbable yarn is made from a least one filament of a bioabsorbable polymer. The nonabsorbable yarn is made from at least one filament of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene.

Abstract: A device for snaring cord-like objects is provided. The device comprises a hollow shaft having a pointed distal end, a rod having a pair of wires attached to its distal end, the wires being spring biased away from one another, and housing. The rod and wires are located in the lumen of the shaft in reciprocally movable relationship with each other. The housing is attached to the proximal ends of the shaft and the rod so as to allow controlled movement of the rod and wires relative to the shaft. One of the wire-like elements defines a hook-shaped configuration at its distal end. The device allows the wire-like elements to be selectively located within the distal end of the shaft or in a configuration where the wire-like elements extend outwardly from the distal end of the shaft in flaring relationship to one another.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of using locally administered collagenase as a non-invasive means of enhancing cell release from the cartilage or fibrocartilage tissues adjacent to a disease or injury site. The subsequent migration of cells from these tissues into the lesion or wound, followed by deposition of the appropriate extracellular matrix, results in closure of the lesion or fusion of a tissue gap.

Abstract: A device for locking a suture in place without the need for tying knots once the suture is placed within tissue is provided. The device comprises an anchor having a cannula and a locking mechanism for securing the suture within the cannula.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for preparing and implanting tissue scaffolds. Various embodiments of scribing tools are provided that are configured to mark one or more predetermined shapes around a defect site in tissue. The shape or shapes marked in tissue can be used to cut a tissue scaffold having a shape that matches the shape or shapes marked in tissue. In one embodiment, the scribing tool used to mark a shape in tissue can also be used to cut the tissue scaffold.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for a graft fixation device for fixing a graft member within a bone tunnel. In one embodiment, a graft fixation device is provided having a radially expandable sheath adapted to be disposed within a bone tunnel, and a sheath expander adapted to be received within the radially expandable sheath to expand the sheath and thereby anchor a graft between the sheath and the bone tunnel. In an exemplary embodiment, the graft fixation device is particularly useful to affix a graft within a femoral tunnel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a suture anchor that includes an elongate shank defining a longitudinal axis and having at least one engaging member for applying the suture anchor within the bone and securing the suture anchor in the bone once implanted formed thereon, and a drive head having a proximal end, a distal end and a radial cross-sectional geometry, where the drive head is mated to the elongate shank, includes at least one suture attachment element formed in a portion thereof and at least one anti-rotational member integral therewith, suture anchor kits utilizing the suture anchors and methods of attaching bone to gone.