Abstract: A method for threading a suture through a suture anchor after the anchor has been driven into a bone comprises the steps of (1) providing a suture anchor having an eyelet, with at least a portion of a pre-installed suture engaging implement passed through the eyelet; (2) driving the suture anchor into a bone, leaving the eyelet and the suture engaging implement exposed; (3) engaging a suture with the suture engaging implement; (4) removing the suture engaging implement from the eyelet so as to pull the suture through the eyelet; and (5) disengaging the suture engaging implement from the suture. In one embodiment, the suture engaging implement comprises a thin, flexible tube having an open end. The tube is pre-installed in the anchor by passing it through the eyelet. One end of the suture is pushed into the open end of the tube. The tube is pulled out of the eyelet so as to pull the suture through the eyelet. The end of the suture is then removed from the open end of the tube.

Abstract: A suture passer of the type adapted for releasably retaining a suture is disclosed. The suture passer has a handle and an elongate tubular probe guide extending in a distal direction from the handle. The tubular probe guide can be straight or curved. An elongate probe is axially movably disposed within the tubular probe guide, for motion between at least one retracted position and an extended position in which the sharpened distal tip of the probe is exposed. The probe has a recess, which cooperates with an opening on the tubular guide for receiving a suture.