Abstract: A system for fixation of a soft tissue tear includes a flexible, generally helical fixation element biased to a predetermined pitch. A hollow, generally helical insertion element is dimensioned to admit at least a distal portion of the fixation element into a lumen thereof. The insertion element's pitch along a central portion is larger than that of the fixation element. The insertion element is insertable in a screwing motion across the soft tissue tear and is positionable with the central portion bridging the tear. The fixation element is insertable into the insertion element, and the insertion element is removable in a reverse screwing motion, leaving the fixation element positioned across the tear. The positioning of the central portion permits the fixation element to contract following removal of the insertion element to bring the two bridged sides of the tear together, permitting them to heal.

Abstract: A medical tensioning cable system provides dynamic tensioning to maintain high tension in a fixation system despite tissue shifting, cable slippage, or other inadvertent loss of tension. An exemplary embodiment of an in-line dynamic tensioning system includes a dynamically tensioning cable retainer, suitably comprising a suture anchor or bone screw, which provides a bias to maintain tension in the cable after installation. The retainer includes a retaining mechanism for retaining the cable or suture and a biasing mechanism connected to the retaining mechanism. In the event of cable slippage or slackening, the biasing mechanism tends to take up the slack and maintain tension. As a result, cable tension is maintained regardless of inadvertent cable slackening after installation.

Abstract: A plug system for preventing material from extruding beyond a desired location in a bone tunnel includes a plug member that has an insertion axis extending from a first end and a plurality of interleaving arms disposed about the insertion axis. The arms are affixed at a second end and are flarable at the first end between an insertion position wherein the arms are relatively close packed and a position wherein the arms are flared. A portion of each arm remains in overlapping relation to an adjacent arm. The system further includes an expansion member that has an insertion portion adapted to separate the arms upon progressive entry along the insertion axis from the first end. In use the plug can be inserted either first end first, with the expansion member drawn into the plug by a manipulator, or second end first, with the expansion member driven along the insertion axis.

Abstract: A gauge for measuring bone thickness includes an elongated pin for insertion into a bore through a bone section. The pin has a length sufficient to span the entire bone section with a distal tip protruding therefrom. The pin further has a length measurement indicator disposed along an outer surface, such as a series of colored bands or indicia, the visualization of which communicates bone thickness. In a particular embodiment a protrusion extending away from the pin's outer surface is provided to retain the pin within the bore. A cannula may be provided for facilitating the introduction of the pin into the bone section. Methods are also described for measuring bone thickness and for contouring bone.

Abstract: A gauge for measuring bone thickness includes an elongated pin for insertion into a bore through a bone section. The pin has a length sufficient to span the entire bone section with a distal tip protruding therefrom. The pin further has a length measurement indicator disposed along an outer surface, such as a series of colored bands or indicia, the visualization of which communicates bone thickness. The gauge also has a head at a proximal end of the pin, which is dimensioned to prevent its movement into the bone section's bore. In a particular embodiment a protrusion extending away from the pin's outer surface is provided to retain the pin within the bore. Methods are also described for measuring bone thickness and for contouring bone.

Abstract: A cerclage cable system comprises a cable in conjunction with a biasing mechanism for maintaining cable tension. Inadvertent loss of cable tension is compensated for by the biasing mechanism. In one embodiment, cerclage cable system includes a leaf spring disposed between the cable and the bone. Alternative embodiments include other biasing mechanisms, such as helical compression springs and resilient materials. Further embodiments include biasing mechanisms in line with the cable to maintain tension. Such a cerclage system maintains cable tension by taking up inadvertent slack in the cable with the biasing mechanism.