Abstract: There is provided a device for making an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair having a hooked bone-penetrating portion having a sharp tip, a shaft for transmitting force, and a gripping portion. The device may function as a suture passer, being configured to hold or pass one or more suture, and may be cannulated or have an eyelet for this purpose. There is also provided a suture passer of substantially the same shape as the device, which is configured to hold or pass one or more suture, and which may define a channel or have an eyelet for this purpose. Also disclosed herein is a kit comprising the device and suture passer. A method of making a rotator cuff is also disclosed, wherein the greater tuberosity of the humerus is perforated with the device to form a curved bone channel, and a suture is then passed through the bone channel.

Abstract: There is provided a device for use in making an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair comprising an awl having a gripping portion and a shaft for transmitting force to a hooked bone-penetrating portion for forming bone tunnels, the bone-penetrating portion having a sharp tip. The awl may also function as a suture passer and comprise an eyelet situated below the tip for receiving a suture and passing it through the curved bone tunnel. A kit comprising a suture passer of substantially the same shape and of a size as the awl is also provided to pass suture through the bone tunnel formed by the awl. The suture passer is preferably blunt. Methods of using the device and kit are also provided. The method may comprise piercing the bone in a first and second location to form a bone tunnel of substantially continuous curvature and passing a suture therethrough.