Abstract: Sheaths for implantable fixation devices have a flexible body with a perforated wall, and an interior of the body is sized and shaped to receive the fixation device. Sheaths include a plurality of flexible or inflexible tubes arranged to form a ring, where the central cavity defined by the ring is sized and shaped to receive the fixation device.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and devices for repairing a ruptured ligament, meniscus, cartilage, tendon, and bone.

Abstract: A sheath for organizing soft tissue includes a first tube having a flexible body sized and shaped to receive a fixation device, and a second tube coupled to the first tube having a flexible body sized and shaped to receive a soft tissue graft. A method for implanting soft tissue in a bone tunnel includes coupling a soft tissue graft to a sheath assembly; and positioning the sheath assembly relative to the soft tissue graft based on a measured depth of a bone tunnel. A set of surgical devices for implanting soft tissue grafts in a bone tunnel includes a sheath assembly, a measurement device for measuring the depth of the bone tunnel, a securing element configured to secure the sheath assembly to the soft tissue graft at a position determined by the measured bone tunnel depth, and a tensioning device configured to organize a plurality of soft tissue grafts.

Abstract: A graft ligament anchor includes a tubular body having a bore therethrough and proximal and distal ends. A flange is attached to the tubular body at the proximal end thereof and extends radially outwardly beyond the tubular body. A deformable wall is disposed in the tubular body bore and defines, at least in part, a chamber for retaining the graft ligament therein. An expansion device is configured for insertion into the tubular body axially of the tubular body, and for impinging upon the deformable wall to press the deformable wall, and hence the graft ligament received in the chamber, toward a wall of the bore, whereby to fix the graft ligament in the tubular body.

Abstract: An anchor assembly for autologous or artificial tendon grafts comprises an insertion element and a stabilizing element. The insertion element has a stem and a head containing an aperture large enough to receive a graft. The stabilizing element is adapted to be embedded in bone, and comprises a sleeve with a cavity arranged to receive and hold the insertion element stem. In use, the stabilizing element is affixed in the bone, and the stem of the insertion element is placed therein. A tendon graft may be secured to the insertion element either before or after its placement in the stabilizing element. Two such anchors may be linked with one or multiple grafts, in either a two-ply or four-ply arrangement.

Abstract: A device for use in ligament grafting includes a holder for receiving a ligament graft. A sheath is mounted over the holder in an expanded diameter state. The ligament graft is removed from the hollow body with the sheath so that the ligament graft is captured in the sheath in a reduced diameter state and a substantial length of the sheath extends from opposite ends of the graft.

Abstract: The present invention provides a graft device and methods of use. The graft device comprises a protective surface for protecting a tissue portion of a graft from damage by surgical instruments during a surgical operation to attach the graft to a bone. The graft device also comprises a binding surface that is adapted to abut and control the tissue portion of the graft.

Abstract: A graft ligament anchor comprises a graft ligament engagement member disposed in an opening in a bone, the graft ligament engagement member being arranged to receive a graft ligament alongside the engagement member, and a locking member for disposition in the opening, and at least in part engageable with the graft ligament engagement member. Movement of the locking member in the opening causes the locking member to urge the engagement member, and the graft ligament therewith, toward a wall of the opening, to secure the graft ligament to the wall of the opening.

Abstract: A graft ligament anchor comprises a graft ligament engagement member disposed in an opening in a bone, the graft ligament engagement member being arranged to receive a graft ligament alongside the engagement member, and a locking member for disposition in the opening, and at least in part engageable with the graft ligament engagement member. Movement of the locking member in the opening causes the locking member to urge the engagement member, and the graft ligament therewith, toward a wall of the opening, to secure the graft ligament to the wall of the opening.

Abstract: A sheath (20) for containing a ligament graft (14) during connective tissue surgery, the sheath (20) being formed from bioabsorbable material and having a relaxed state and a stretched state, in which the length of the sheath (20) is substantially greater than the length in the relaxed state. A device for holding the sheath (20) and a method of utilizing the sheath (20) are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to facilitate passage of lacerated ends of a tendon back into and/or through an associated sheath. The method is often necessary to complete repair when lacerated ends of a tendon retract from the associated laceration site in the sheath. The method includes applying respective elastomeric tubes over lacerated ends of the tendon. Each elastomeric tube is preferably made of thin, elastic rubber. The elastomeric tube also prevents fraying and catching of the respective lacerated end during passage into and through the sheath. Multiple threads are preferably engaged with the elastomeric tube. An applicator is provided to slide a respective elastomeric tube over each lacerated end of the tendon. Each elastomeric tube is placed over the respective lacerated end of the tendon by pulling on the associated threads. After the tube is applied, the applicator is removed.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for delivery of grafts such as, for example, semitendinosus and/or gracilis tendons for reconstructive surgery. The device is a woven structure whose diameter is reduced when placed in tension. It has a tapering end and an open end. A suture is looped within the device so that the loop extends from the open end to receive the folded graft. The suture is pulled to insert the graft into the device. The graft, after folding and being pulled into the device, may have sutures extending out of one end as an optional feature to facilitate subsequent fixation. The sutures extending through the tapered end are pulled, tightening the device around the graft while pulling the device with the graft inside through the bone tunnels such as, for example, tibial and femoral tunnels. The narrow tapering end traps the graft as the device tightens around the graft for insertion into the tunnels.