Methods and systems for attaching tissue to bone

Abstract

A system and method for attaching tissue to bone are provided. In one embodiment, a system for attaching tissue to bone includes a suture, suture anchor, inserter tool, drill, and drill guide having an outer guide (22) and an inner guide (24). A method for attaching tissue to bone includes attaching a suture to tissue, nesting the suture in a notch on the distal end of the outer guide, passing the suture through a lumen formed in the outer guide, and inserting an inner guide in a lumen formed in the outer guide. The drill guide protects the suture from rotational movement of the drill and allows a user to maintain alignment between the drill guide and the drilled hole. As a result, a suture anchor can be more easily positioned within the drilled hole.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to methods and systems for attaching tissue to bone. Background technique [0002] Complete or partial separation of ligaments, tendons, and / or other soft tissues in the body from their associated bones is a relatively common injury, especially in athletes. This damage is often the result of excessive stress placed on these tissues. By way of example, tissue detachment may arise due to accidental events such as falls, excessive exertion during work-related activities or during athletic events. In the case of partial detachment, the injury will in many cases heal itself if given enough time and care is taken not to expose the injury to further excessive stress. However, for a complete separation, surgery is often required to reattach the soft tissue to its associated bone. [0003] A variety of devices are currently available to reattach soft tissue to bone. Examples of these currently available devices include screws, ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0005] Although current suture anchoring methods are effective at anchoring soft tissue to bone, it can be difficult to deploy the suture anchor into the anchor receiving hole, especially when using knotless suture anchors

For example, after a hole is formed in bone and the drill is removed from the surgical site, it can be difficult for the surgeon to locate the hole and pass through muscle and other bone to access the hole

Even after the location of the hole is confirmed, it can be difficult to determine the angle of the hole

It is important to precisely identify the location and angle of the drilled hole, as pushing the suture anchor into the small hole at an improper angle will often result in anchor failure

This can increase the time required to perform tissue attachment procedures and increase costs

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