Abstract: A suture anchor retaining a suture is fixated in hard tissue, in particular in bone tissue, using any per se known method and is then secured using a securing element including a material having thermoplastic properties, which is liquefied in situ and made to penetrate the hard tissue in which the suture anchor is fixated. The securing element is e.g. a thermoplastic plug or thermoplastic sleeve which is anchored above the suture anchor in a mouth area of the same hard tissue opening. Alternatively the securing element is a thermoplastic pin which is introduced into an inner cavity of the suture anchor, wherein the material having thermoplastic properties is liquefied in this cavity and, in a liquid state is pressed through passages connecting the cavity with outer surfaces of the anchor.

Abstract: A tool for fixating a suture anchor in a hard tissue opening with the aid of a material having thermoplastic properties and energy transmitted to the suture anchor for in situ liquefaction of at least part of the material having thermoplastic properties, includes a distal face, an axial channel and a substantially tube-shaped interface piece fitting into the axial channel of the tool, wherein the axial channel and a proximal end of the interface piece are equipped with catch elements cooperating for catching the interface piece in the axial channel when the interface piece is moved in a proximal direction in the axial channel.

Abstract: A tool for fixating a suture anchor in a hard tissue opening with the aid of a material having thermoplastic properties and energy transmitted to the suture anchor for in situ liquefaction of at least part of the material having thermoplastic properties, includes a distal face, an axial channel and a substantially tube-shaped interface piece fitting into the axial channel of the tool, wherein the axial channel and a proximal end of the interface piece are equipped with catch elements cooperating for catching the interface piece in the axial channel when the interface piece is moved in a proximal direction in the axial channel.

Abstract: A human or animal joint is treated by introduction of a device between the suitably prepared articulating surfaces of the joint, and the device is anchored in both these articular surfaces with a material having thermoplastic properties. For allowing at least limited articulation of the joint after implantation, the device includes two articulating portions, wherein one of the articulating portions is anchored in each articulating surfaces of the joint. On implantation a proximal face of the device is contacted with a vibrating tool and the vibration is transmitted through parts of the device to locations in which the material having thermoplastic properties is near the bone tissue of the articulating surfaces of the joint and in which liquefaction is desired.

Abstract: A graft or prosthetic element suitable e.g. for replacing a tendon or ligament is fastened in a bone tunnel or blind opening with the aid of a fastener. In a first step, the graft or prosthetic element is press-fitted in the tunnel or opening by forcing the fastener into the opening or by positioning the fastener in the opening and then expanding it, wherein the fastener is in contact with the graft or prosthetic element and with the bone wall of the tunnel or blind opening. In a second step, the fastener is anchored in the bone wall of the tunnel or blind opening with the aid of a liquefiable material which is liquefied in the vicinity of the bone wall where it is in contact with the fastener and by making the liquefied material penetrate into the bone wall.

Abstract: A suture anchor retaining a suture is fixated in hard tissue, in particular in bone tissue, using any per se known method and is then secured using a securing element including a material having thermoplastic properties, which is liquefied in situ and made to penetrate the hard tissue in which the suture anchor is fixated. The securing element is e.g. a thermoplastic plug or thermoplastic sleeve which is anchored above the suture anchor in a mouth area of the same hard tissue opening. Alternatively the securing element is a thermoplastic pin which is introduced into an inner cavity of the suture anchor, wherein the material having thermoplastic properties is liquefied in this cavity and, in a liquid state is pressed through passages connecting the cavity with outer surfaces of the anchor.

Abstract: A tool for fixating a suture anchor in a hard tissue opening with the aid of a material having thermoplastic properties and energy transmitted to the suture anchor for in situ liquefaction of at least part of the material having thermoplastic properties, includes a distal face, an axial channel and a substantially tube-shaped interface piece fitting into the axial channel of the tool, wherein the axial channel and a proximal end of the interface piece are equipped with catch elements cooperating for catching the interface piece in the axial channel when the interface piece is moved in a proximal direction in the axial channel.

Abstract: A suture anchor includes a material having thermoplastic properties and is fixated in a hard tissue opening by liquefying at least part of this material and letting it penetrate into walls of the hard tissue opening. During the named fixation and preferably towards the end of it, the suture being held in a distal suture conduit is locked relative to the hard tissue by being clamped between the suture anchor and the wall of the hard tissue opening or by being clamped or braked through collapse of the suture conduit.