Abstract: A suture anchor method including a suture anchor and a suture anchor drive. The suture anchor is positionable on a rod of the suture anchor drive. The rod defines an awl for forming a hole in a bone. The suture anchor drive further has an impactor for moving the suture anchor along the rod between a retracted position and an advanced position so as to implant the suture anchor in the bone with the awl positioned in the bone.

Abstract: A compression screw comprising a threaded shaft and a head associated with the proximal end of the shaft. The head has a plurality of outwardly extending projections spaced from one another so as to define a plurality of recesses there between for receiving a screw drive in such a way that rotational force may be transferred from the screw drive to the screw. The projections of the head may be provided with suture fixation holes or a suture coupling may be positioned over the shaft so as to extend between the projections of the head.

Abstract: A suture anchor method including a suture anchor and a suture anchor drive. The suture anchor is positionable on a rod of the suture anchor drive. The rod defines an awl for forming a hole in a bone. The suture anchor drive further has an impactor for moving the suture anchor along the rod between a retracted position and an advanced position so as to implant the suture anchor in the bone with the awl positioned in the bone.

Abstract: A suture anchor method including a suture anchor and a suture anchor drive. The suture anchor is positionable on a rod of the suture anchor drive. The rod defines an awl for forming a hole in a bone. The suture anchor drive further has an impactor for moving the suture anchor along the rod between a retracted position and an advanced position so as to implant the suture anchor in the bone with the awl positioned in the bone.

Abstract: A fastening element includes (a) a non-load bearing core, the non-load bearing core includes a first biocompatible polymer; and (b) a load bearing sheath, the load bearing sheath including a second biocompatible polymer, wherein the load bearing sheath surrounds the non-load bearing core. The fastening element can be used as a suture, shoe lace or rope. The non-load bearing core has a Durometer Hardness Type A value ranging from 15 to 30. The load bearing sheath is formed from a plurality of yarns, each yarn comprising a plurality of filaments in form of mono or multifilament of the second biocompatible polymer. Each yarn may have a tenacity at break value ranging from 30 cN/dtex to 45 cN/dtex.

Abstract: Methods and devices for positioning and securing ligament grafts are provided. In general, the devices and methods utilize an implant having a particular outer surface profile and a bone tunnel having a complementary profile to provide a form fit between the implant and bone that utilizes friction to position and secure a ligament graft within the bone. Such an implant can be used in conjunction with a variety of ligament grafts, including hamstring ligament grafts. In addition, an “outside in” approach can be utilized with the implant to minimize the risk of damaging adjacent tissue during an operation and provide enhanced surgeon control. The devices and methods can be utilized in connection with repairing or replacing ligaments in a variety of joints, but can in some embodiments have particular utility in cruciate ligament reconstruction procedures.

Abstract: A suture anchor method including a suture anchor and a suture anchor drive. The suture anchor is positionable on a rod of the suture anchor drive. The rod defines an awl for forming a hole in a bone. The suture anchor drive further has an impactor for moving the suture anchor along the rod between a retracted position and an advanced position so as to implant the suture anchor in the bone with the awl positioned in the bone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for replacing damaged meniscal tissue includes a meniscus implant including a porous body having a plurality of interconnected open micro-pores and one or more open cavities for receiving meniscal tissue. The interconnected micro-pores are arranged to allow fluid to flow into the porous body and are in fluid communication with the one or more open cavities.

Abstract: A suture anchor system and method including a suture anchor and a suture anchor drive. The suture anchor is positionable on a rod of the suture anchor drive. The rod defines an awl for forming a hole in a bone. The suture anchor drive further has an impactor for moving the suture anchor along the rod between a retracted position and an advanced position so as to implant the suture anchor in the bone with the awl positioned in the bone.

Abstract: The Implantable holding device for acting on bones, in particular for ligament reconstruction and/or stabilization of a joint, includes a flexible loop member having a first end, a second end and a plurality of eyelets, and a support member configured to lie against a bone and including an attachment element. The loop member being braided to form bifurcating and converging portions which define the eyelets. The support member has a first attachment location for attachment of the first end of the loop member and a second attachment location for attaching the loop member by passing a portion of the attachment element through an eyelet.

Abstract: A method for elongating a tendon including by moving a cutting blade along the tendon in a helical path so as to make a helical cut in the tendon which allows elongation of the tendon.

Abstract: A compression screw comprising a threaded shaft and a head associated with the proximal end of the shaft. The head has a plurality of outwardly extending projections spaced from one another so as to define a plurality of recesses there between for receiving a screw drive in such a way that rotational force may be transferred from the screw drive to the screw. The projections of the head may be provided with suture fixation holes or a suture coupling may be positioned over the shaft so as to extend between the projections of the head.

Abstract: A fixation device, comprises an elongated element extending along a central axis, having a total length L and including a proximal section formed of a material that is substantially non-absorbent for electromagnetic radiation within a preselected wavelength range and a distal section formed of a material that is substantially non-absorbent for electromagnetic radiation within the preselected wavelength range in combination with a middle section axially arranged between the proximal and distal sections, the middle section formed of a material that is substantially absorbent for electromagnetic radiation in the preselected wavelength range.

Abstract: A fixation device, comprises an elongated element extending along a central axis, having a total length L and including a proximal section formed of a material that is substantially non-absorbent for electromagnetic radiation within a preselected wavelength range and a distal section formed of a material that is substantially non-absorbent for electromagnetic radiation within the preselected wavelength range in combination with a middle section axially arranged between the proximal and distal sections, the middle section formed of a material that is substantially absorbent for electromagnetic radiation in the preselected wavelength range.

Abstract: A fixation device, having an elongated element extending along a central axis, having a total length L and including a proximal section formed of a material that is substantially non-absorbent for electromagnetic radiation within a preselected wavelength range and a distal section formed of a material that is substantially nonabsorbent for electromagnetic radiation within the preselected wavelength range in combination with a middle section axially arranged between the proximal and distal sections, the middle section formed of a material that is substantially absorbent for electromagnetic radiation in the preselected wavelength range.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for replacing damaged meniscal tissue includes a meniscus implant including a porous body having a plurality of interconnected open micro-pores and one or more open cavities for receiving meniscal tissue. The interconnected micro-pores are arranged to allow fluid to flow into the porous body and are in fluid communication with the one or more open cavities.

Abstract: A method for elongating a tendon including by moving a cutting blade along the tendon in a helical path so as to make a helical cut in the tendon which allows elongation of the tendon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for replacing damaged meniscal tissue includes a meniscus implant including a porous body having a plurality of interconnected open micro-pores and one or more open cavities for receiving meniscal tissue. The interconnected micro-pores are arranged to allow fluid to flow into the porous body and are in fluid communication with the one or more open cavities.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for elongating a tendon including a cutting blade and a cutting guide supporting the cutting blade in such a way that the cutting blade is movable through at least a portion of a tendon in a helical path so as to make a helical cut in the tendon which allows elongation of the tendon.

Abstract: Methods and devices for positioning and securing ligament grafts are provided. In general, the devices and methods utilize an implant having a particular outer surface profile and a bone tunnel having a complementary profile to provide a form fit between the implant and bone that utilizes friction to position and secure a ligament graft within the bone. Such an implant can be used in conjunction with a variety of ligament grafts, including hamstring ligament grafts. In addition, an “outside in” approach can be utilized with the implant to minimize the risk of damaging adjacent tissue during an operation and provide enhanced surgeon control. The devices and methods can be utilized in connection with repairing or replacing ligaments in a variety of joints, but can in some embodiments have particular utility in cruciate ligament reconstruction procedures.