Abstract: Endosteal fixation of a ligament graft with a bioabsorbable interference screw installed in a retrograde manner in ACL reconstruction. The bioabsorbable interference screw is insert-molded with a length of suture extending from the distal tip of the screw for pulling the interference screw into the joint and into position for retrograde insertion at the top of the tibial tunnel. The interference screw has a cannulation extending partially through the screw from the leading tip. The cannulation is shaped to receive a correspondingly shaped driver. The driver is inserted into the tibial tunnel to engage the screw. By turning the driver, the interference screw is turned into the tibial tunnel in a retrograde manner. Accordingly, interference fixation of the graft near the tibial plateau is provided, thereby eliminating graft abrasion at the tibial plateau tunnel opening.

Abstract: A handle for surgical instruments that has a “wishbone” configuration. In one embodiment, the instrument is provided with a ratchet mechanism allows two operating handles to be locked in a predetermined position (for example, when the surgical instrument that is maneuvered is in use) or to move relative to each other when the ratchet is partially or fully released (for example, when the surgical instrument that is maneuvered is not in use). In another embodiment, the instrument is provided with a rotary gear mechanism.

Abstract: An instrument for surgical suturing includes a shaft, and a needle disposed slidably for longitudinal travel with respect to the shaft. A prong formed on one end of the shaft projects across a longitudinal axis of the needle and has an opening formed through the prong that provides a clearance through which a tip portion of the needle passes when it is advanced. Slots formed on a surface of the prong facing the shaft releasably hold suture across the opening. Advancing the needle through the clearance allows a hook formed on the tip of the needle to capture the suture. Once withdrawn, the needle draws the suture back through tissue pierced during advancement. The suture is released from the slots and drawn back through the tissue for further knot tying and suturing to effect the tissue repairs.

Abstract: Endosteal fixation of a ligament graft with an interference fixation device installed in a retrograde manner in ACL reconstruction is disclosed. The interference fixation device may be a screw or a ribbed implant fitted with a length of reinforced suture or wire for pulling the interference fixation device through the tibial tunnel. The suture extends beyond the leading tip of the interference fixation device a sufficient length to allow the interference fixation device to be passed into the joint by pulling on the suture or wire exiting the tibial tunnel. A driver or an impaction device, such as a slap hammer, is employed to advance and insert the interference fixation device in a retrograde manner into the tibial tunnel. Accordingly, interference fixation of the graft near the tibial plateau is provided, thereby eliminating graft abrasion at the tibial plateau tunnel opening.

Abstract: An instrument for surgical suturing includes a shaft, and a needle disposed slidably for longitudinal travel with respect to the shaft. A prong formed on one end of the shaft projects across a longitudinal axis of the needle and has an opening formed through the prong that provides a clearance through which a tip portion of the needle passes when it is advanced. Slots formed on a surface of the prong facing the shaft releasably hold suture across the opening. The suture is held in the slots by passing the suture strands separately back around the sides of the prong, then together up through a channel formed on the prong above the slots, and securing the strands in a pinch slot formed in a handle of the instrument. Advancing the needle through the clearance allows a hook formed on the tip of the needle to capture the suture. Once withdrawn, the needle draws the suture back through tissue pierced during advancement.

Abstract: A torque driver includes a torque measurement assembly for indicating the amount of torque being applied during implanting of an interference screw. The torque measurement assembly includes a proximal cup and a distal cup, and a coil spring fixed between the cups. A torque scale is marked on one of the cups, while a reference marking is provided on the other. When used to insert an interference screw, the driver head is inserted into the socket of the screw and the driver is turned, which causes the torque spring to tighten. As the spring tightens, the reference mark moves relative to the scale to indicate the torque measurement exerted on the spring. Using this torque driver, a surgeon can be made aware if too much torque is being exerted or if a desired minimum torque load for achieving a desirable level of fixation strength for the graft is not reached.

Abstract: Apparatus for autogenous or allograft transplantation of articular cartilage with bone from one site, such as in the knee, to another to treat chondral defects. Graft harvesters and recipient site harvesters create identically-sized donor graft osteochondral cores and recipient sockets. Collared pins disposed within the harvesters facilitate removal of the harvested cores. Windows formed in the side of the harvester tubes allow visualization of the graft, such as when being inserted into the recipient socket. A removable three-piece driver/extractor is provided to allow for impact-driving and depth control of the harvesters at the selected sites.

Abstract: Endosteal fixation of a ligament graft with a bioabsorbable interference screw installed in a retrograde manner in ACL reconstruction. The bioabsorbable interference screw is insert-molded with a length of suture extending from the distal tip of the screw for pulling the interference screw into the joint and into position for retrograde insertion at the top of the tibial tunnel. The interference screw has a cannulation extending partially through the screw from the leading tip. The cannulation is shaped to receive a correspondingly shaped driver. The driver is inserted into the tibial tunnel to engage the screw. By turning the driver, the interference screw is turned into the tibial tunnel in a retrograde manner. Accordingly, interference fixation of the graft near the tibial plateau is provided, thereby eliminating graft abrasion at the tibial plateau tunnel opening.

Abstract: An instrument for surgical suturing includes a shaft, and a needle disposed slidably for longitudinal travel with respect to the shaft. A prong formed on one end of the shaft projects across a longitudinal axis of the needle and has an opening formed through the prong that provides a clearance through which a tip portion of the needle passes when it is advanced. Slots formed on a surface of the prong facing the shaft releasably hold suture across the opening. Advancing the needle through the clearance allows a hook formed on the tip of the needle to capture the suture. Once withdrawn, the needle draws the suture back through tissue pierced during advancement. The suture is released from the slots and drawn back through the tissue for further knot tying and suturing to effect the tissue repairs.

Abstract: An instrument for surgical suturing includes a shaft, and a needle disposed slidably for longitudinal travel with respect to the shaft. A prong formed on one end of the shaft projects across a longitudinal axis of the needle and has an opening formed through the prong that provides a clearance through which a tip portion of the needle passes when it is advanced. Slots formed on a surface of the prong facing the shaft releasably hold suture across the opening. The suture is held in the slots by passing the suture strands separately back around the sides of the prong, then together up through a channel formed on the prong above the slots, and securing the strands in a pinch slot formed in a handle of the instrument. Advancing the needle through the clearance allows a hook formed on the tip of the needle to capture the suture. Once withdrawn, the needle draws the suture back through tissue pierced during advancement.

Abstract: Endosteal fixation of a ligament graft with an interference fixation device installed in a retrograde manner in ACL reconstruction is disclosed. The interference fixation device may be a screw or a ribbed implant fitted with a length of reinforced suture or wire for pulling the interference fixation device through the tibial tunnel. The suture extends beyond the leading tip of the interference fixation device a sufficient length to allow the interference fixation device to be passed into the joint by pulling on the suture or wire exiting the tibial tunnel. A driver or an impaction device, such as a slap hammer, is employed to advance and insert the interference fixation device in a retrograde manner into the tibial tunnel. Accordingly, interference fixation of the graft near the tibial plateau is provided, thereby eliminating graft abrasion at the tibial plateau tunnel opening.

Abstract: Endosteal fixation of a ligament graft with an interference fixation device installed in a retrograde manner is disclosed. An interference screw is installed at the top of the tibial tunnel, through the tibial plateau, in a procedure for ACL reconstruction. The interference screw is fitted with a length of suture for pulling the screw onto a driver placed through the tibial tunnel. The suture is secured to the screw using a knot, an adhesive, insert molding, and equivalents. The suture extends beyond the leading tip of the screw a sufficient length to allow the screw to be passed into the joint by pulling on the suture exiting the tibial tunnel. A driver fits into a drive opening in the leading front end of the screw. Turning the driver advances the screw in a retrograde manner into the tunnel. Accordingly, interference fixation of the graft near the tibial plateau is provided, thereby eliminating graft abrasion at the tibial plateau tunnel opening.

Abstract: A torque driver for measuring the amount of torque being applied during implanting of an interference screw, includes a handle, drive shaft and drive head, a sleeve disposed around the proximal portion of the shaft, and a torque measurement assembly connected between the handle and the sleeve. The torque measurement assembly includes a proximal cup and a distal cup, and a coil spring encased between the cups, with one end of the spring fixed in the proximal cup and the other end of the spring fixed in the distal cup. The proximal cup is fixed to the distal end of the sleeve, and the proximal portion of the sleeve is fixed in the handle. The distal cup is fixed to the drive shaft, which rotates freely within the sleeve. Thus, the drive shaft and distal cup move together as one unit while the handle, sleeve, and proximal cup move together as one unit, so that the two units are physically connected to each other only by the torque spring.

Abstract: Endosteal fixation of a ligament graft with an interference fixation device installed in a retrograde manner is disclosed. An interference screw is installed at the top of the tibial tunnel, through the tibial plateau, in a procedure for ACL reconstruction. The interference screw is fitted with a length of suture for pulling the screw onto a driver placed through the tibial tunnel. The suture is secured to the screw using a knot, an adhesive, insert molding, and equivalents. The suture extends beyond the leading tip of the screw a sufficient length to allow the screw to be passed into the joint by pulling on the suture exiting the tibial tunnel. A driver fits into a drive opening in the leading front end of the screw. Turning the driver advances the screw in a retrograde manner into the tunnel. Accordingly, interference fixation of the graft near the tibial plateau is provided, thereby eliminating graft abrasion at the tibial plateau tunnel opening.

Abstract: An arthroscopy pump tubing set for delivering a sterile fluid under pressure to a patient undergoing arthroscopic surgery. The tubing set is installed on a peristaltic arthroscopy pump. Fluid is delivered under pressure from fluid bags to a patient, through supply tubing of the tubing set, to achieve better visualization of the operative site. A chamber with a fixed volume is attached to the fluid supply tubing, and a collapsible bladder is contained within the chamber. The collapsible bladder has an open end connected with tubing to a pressure transducer inside the arthroscopy pump. Once activated, the pump begins to introduce sterile fluid from the bags, through the tubing, and into the patient. As pressure builds within the operative site, fluid enters the chamber, and air in the chamber is compressed. The compressed air in the chamber compresses the bladder. Air pressure in the bladder is experienced by the pressure transducer inside the arthroscopy pump.