Abstract: A fixation device for securing a transplant in a bone tunnel, having a strap with a plurality of protrusions disposed along its length, a fastening member with an aperture therein for passing the strap, and a connection element disposed at a distal end of the strap for engaging a transplant is provided. The fixation device is configured such that, when the distal side of the fastening member lies substantially flush against an outer surface of the bone, a longitudinal axis of the aperture is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the bone tunnel. A method for securing a transplant in a bone tunnel using the aforementioned fixation device is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drill guide and method for providing a drill guide, where the drill guide is for placing a fixation device hole proximate to a bone tunnel in a bone. The drill guide includes a foot for placement in the bone tunnel in the bone and a leg extending from the foot and having a recess. A locator is placed within the recess and, in a retracted position, the locator is inside the leg. The locator is also hingedly connected to the leg such that, in an unretracted position, the locator rotates and extends outwardly from the recess for locating a fixation device hole.

Abstract: A bone anchor having a rivet having a proximal end and a head distal to an elongate body, a sleeve having an internal channel for slidably receiving the body, and an expansion nut having a channel therethrough for slidably receiving said body, proximal of said sleeve is provided. The sleeve further has a shoulder provided within the internal channel in the region of the proximal end for engaging the expansion nut. The rivet, sleeve and expansion nut are arranged such that movement of the rivet from a first position to a second position causes the sleeve to cam over the rivet head and expansion nut until said expansion nut engages said shoulder, forcing the sleeve to expand into a wall of a bone hole.

Abstract: A method for passing suture through tissue and a suture passing instrument having a first jaw coupled to an end of an elongated shaft, a second jaw coupled to the first jaw, and formed with a holder for supporting a suture, and a needle slidably disposed within the first jaw, having a hook on a side for releasably capturing a portion of a suture, is provided. The first jaw defines a channel for receiving the needle and a ramp for deflecting the needle transversely of the shaft when advanced to an extended position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drill guide and method for providing a drill guide, where the drill guide is for placing a fixation device hole proximate to a bone tunnel in a bone. The drill guide includes a foot for placement in the bone tunnel in the bone and a leg extending from the foot and having a recess. A locator is placed within the recess and, in a retracted position, the locator is inside the leg. The locator is also hingedly connected to the leg such that, in an unretracted position, the locator rotates and extends outwardly from the recess for locating a fixation device hole.

Abstract: A suture holding system including a suture and a block having first, second and third regions for receiving the suture, having proximal and distal ends, is provided. The suture is received in the first and second regions of the block, defining a first suture portion, and is then received in the third region before passing between the block and the first suture portion, defining a second suture portion. In this configuration, pulling on the distal end of the suture selectively locks the suture to block, whereas pulling on the proximal end of the suture allows the suture to advance freely in that direction. Suture holding system may also include a second block, being rotated 180 degrees with respect to the first block. A delivery device for implanting the suture holding system in soft tissue and methods for repairing a tear in soft tissue are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drill guide and method for providing a drill guide, where the drill guide is for placing a fixation device hole proximate to a bone tunnel in a bone. The drill guide includes a foot for placement in the bone tunnel in the bone and a leg extending from the foot and having a recess. A locator is placed within the recess and, in a retracted position, the locator is inside the leg. The locator is also hingedly connected to the leg such that, in an unretracted position, the locator rotates and extends outwardly from the recess for locating a fixation device hole.

Abstract: A surgical drill for providing holes at an angle for use in repair and replacement of the ACL is disclosed, generally comprising a drill guide having a head that is angularly adjustable with respect to a body, a flexible guide pin and a flexible drill. The adjustable head of the drill guide allows a surgeon to drill a hole in the femur at an angle to a tunnel provided in the tibia. Because the surgeon can access the femur via the hole in the tibia, the surgical drill of the present invention obviates the need for a second hole in the tissue and also makes placement of femur hole more precise for securement of the ligament or tendon graft within the hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drill guide and method for providing a drill guide, where the drill guide is for placing a fixation device hole proximate to a bone tunnel in a bone. The drill guide includes a foot for placement in the bone tunnel in the bone and a leg extending from the foot and having a recess. A locator is placed within the recess and, in a retracted position, the locator is inside the leg. The locator is also hingedly connected to the leg such that, in an unretracted position, the locator rotates and extends outwardly from the recess for locating a fixation device hole.

Abstract: A device for snaring cord-like objects is provided. The device comprises a hollow shaft having a pointed distal end, a rod having a pair of wires attached to its distal end, the wires being spring biased away from one another, and activation means. The rod and wires are located in the lumen of the shaft in reciprocally movable relationship therewith. The activation means is attached to the proximal ends of the shaft and the rod so as to allow the controlled movement of the rod and wires relative to the shaft. One of the wire-like elements defines a hook-shaped configuration at its distal end. The device allows the wire-like elements to be selectively located within the distal end of the shaft or in a configuration wherein the wire-like elements extend outwardly from the distal end of the shaft in flaring relationship to one another.

Abstract: A surgical fastening system for attaching one piece of tissue to another piece of tissue. The system comprises a surgical fastener, an installation tool for deploying the surgical fastener in tissue, and a method for using the same.

Abstract: A rivet-like bone anchor has a floating washer at its head that can adapt to an angled bone surface and, thereby, better secure a tissue thereto. The anchor includes a rivet, an expandable sleeve, and a washer. The rivet includes a head and an elongate body having proximal and distal ends, the head being mounted on the proximal end of the elongate body. The expandable sleeve has an inner bore adapted to receive the rivet body. The washer “floats” at a proximal end of the sleeve. As the rivet is inserted into sleeve, the sleeve expands into an interference fit with the bone. The head of the rivet, moreover, forces the floating washer into contact with the tissue at an angle that conforms to that of the underlying bone surface. A deployment tool permits the anchor to be deployed without application of unnecessary counterforce. The tool includes an outer tube, the distal end of which can hold the anchor housing, e.g., via a screw fit.