Abstract: Sheaths for implantable fixation devices and methods of using the sheaths are disclosed. In some embodiments, the sheaths have a flexible body with a perforated wall, and an interior of the body is sized and shaped to receive the fixation device. In other embodiments, the sheaths include a plurality of flexible or inflexible tubes arranged to form a ring, where the central cavity defined by the ring is sized and shaped to receive the fixation device.

Abstract: Techniques are described for making one-piece tubes for surgical instruments in which an inner tube that carries a cutting implement is disposed for movement within an outer tube having a cutting window that exposes the cutting implement to tissue. Swaging is performed to close an end of a tubular member that is to serve as either the inner tube or the outer tube. Other processing steps are also performed. For example, a selected amount of a protrusion formed by the swaging is cut away, the tube material is fused together at a seam formed by the swaging, and the closed distal end of the tubular member is formed into a selected shape. For example, the selected shape is rounded so that the distal end defines convex (e.g., substantially hemispherical) interior and exterior distal surfaces. This renders the tube suitable for use in full-radius surgical instruments. Alternatively, the selected shape is flattened so that the distal end defines flattened interior and exterior distal surfaces.

Abstract: An endoscopic system for internal inspection of an object includes an endoscope extending along a longitudinal axis between a distal end to be inserted into the object and a proximal end and an illumination assembly attached to the proximal end of the endoscope. The illumination assembly includes a solid-state light source. The endoscopic system also includes an optical system positioned distally from the solid-state light source to receive and convey light to the distal end.

Abstract: A bone anchor includes an anchor body configured to be retained within bone. The anchor body includes a restrictor defining an opening having a first portion for permitting passage of a member therethrough, and a second portion restricting passage of the member therethrough. The member is movable between the first and second portions in a direction non-parallel to a direction of passage of the member through the opening. The restrictor includes an edge lining the opening oriented obliquely to a direction of passage of the member through the opening. The anchor body includes one or more resilient members with sharp, proximal edges for penetrating bone tissue.

Abstract: Implantable devices that deliver a drug to a target location are disclosed. In general, the devices include a portion that engages tissue near the target location and a section with an internal cavity that houses the drug. The drug can be incorporated into a controlled release agent, such as drug-polymer microspheres, which steadily or intermittently release the drug. Alternatively, instead of defining an internal cavity, the section can be formed from a material that includes the controlled release agent. The devices can be used, e.g., to deliver down-regulatory cytokines to a site of inflammation.

Abstract: A method of securing a tissue graft within a bone passage includes providing a graft fixation member comprising a closed-loop having a pair of opposing loop sections and capturing a first loop section of the closed-loop within the fixation member. An opposing second loop section of the closed loop is passed through an opening in the tissue graft, and the second loop section of the closed loop is secured to the fixation member.

Abstract: A set of surgical instruments for repairing a cartilage surface on a posterior surface of the patella includes a first instrument and a second instrument. The first instrument includes a channel defining a longitudinal axis that extends from the channel to intersect an anterior surface of the patella. The second instrument is mountable to the first instrument and includes a surface that is configured to be placed against a posterior surface of the patella. The longitudinal axis of the channel is at an angle to the surface of the second instrument when the second instrument is mounted in the first instrument.

Abstract: A graft anchor includes an anchor member for placement in bone tissue. The anchor member defines an opening. An inner member is insertably securable into the anchor member opening. A fastener is configured such that insertion and securing of the inner member into the anchor member opening results in a holding force being applied to the graft. The anchor member is of limited length to maintain its distal end within the bone. The anchor member includes a distal drive opening for receiving a drive tool and the inner member includes a proximal drive opening for receiving the drive tool. The fastener includes channels for containing the graft, a fastener body with protrusions extending from the fastener body for penetrating bone tissue, and a reinforcing member contained within the fastener body.

Abstract: A method of closing a tissue wound includes providing a wound closure device having a first anchor, a second anchor, and a flexible member movably attached to the second anchor, positioning the first anchor against tissue, passing the flexible member across the wound, positioning the second anchor against tissue, and pulling on a free end of the flexible member to shorten a length of the flexible member between the first and second anchors, thereby closing the wound. A wound closure device includes a first anchor, a second anchor; and a flexible member connecting the first anchor to the second anchor, the flexible member being movably attached to the second anchor, such that pulling on a free end of the flexible member shortens a length of the flexible member between the first and second anchors.