Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed herein for accessing the hip joint. A first device can be securely attached to the capsule of a joint. The first device can tent the capsule to increase the volume of the peripheral compartment. A second device can be biased against the first device to pierce the tented capsule and create a portal. Devices and methods are also disclosed herein for distending the capsule of a joint. A distention device may access a portal established within the capsule. The distention device can expand the capsule by applying an expansive force within the peripheral compartment. The distention device can maintain distention of the peripheral compartment while other devices access the joint.

Abstract: A method for creating space in a joint, the method comprising: applying force to a body part so as to distract the joint and create an intrajoint space; inserting an expandable member into the intrajoint space while the expandable member is in a contracted condition; expanding the expandable member within the intrajoint space; and reducing the force applied to the body part so that the joint is supported on the expandable member.

Abstract: A telescoping access cannula comprising: an outer tube; an inner tube carried by the outer tube, the inner tube being coaxial with the outer tube and longitudinally movable relative to the outer tube; and a rotatable member carried by the outer tube and connected to the inner tube, wherein rotation of the rotatable member causes longitudinal movement of the inner tube relative to the outer tube.

Abstract: A microfracture instrument for applying microfracture therapy to a bone, the microfracture instrument comprising: an elongated shaft comprising a distal end and a proximal end; a needle comprising a body terminating in at least one sharp point, the needle being movably mounted to the distal end of the shaft for movement between an extended position for engaging the bone with the at least one sharp point of the needle and a retracted position for withdrawing the at least one sharp point of the needle from the bone; and a drive shaft movably mounted to the elongated shaft, the drive shaft being connected to the body of the needle so that movement of the drive shaft relative to the elongated shaft moves the needle between its extended position and its retracted position.

Abstract: A system for securing soft tissue to bone, the system comprising: a center post anchor comprising a body adapted for disposition in bone and having a retention element thereon for retaining the body in bone, the center post anchor comprising a suture having a first portion secured to the body and a second portion residing free of the body and adapted to be passed through the soft tissue which is to be secured to the bone; and a bridge post anchor comprising a body adapted for disposition in bone and having a retention element thereon for retaining the body in bone, the bridge post anchor including a capture element for capturing the second portion of the suture to the bone, such that when the center post anchor is disposed in bone and the second portion of the suture extends through in bone can secure the soft tissue to the bone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for re-attaching the labrum of a hip joint.