Ligation-free soft tissue implant system and related methods

Abstract

A knotless suture-based implant system and related methods for joining bone and / or tissue portions are disclosed. The implant system includes a flexible anchor tube having an annular sidewall defining an internal cavity, a first longitudinal end, and a second longitudinal end. The implant system further includes a suture extending through the sidewall of the anchor tube multiple times to form a free loop extending from the sidewall. The implant system further includes at least one suture threader extending through a portion of the loop of the suture and configured to translate first and second ends of the suture through the loop by translational movement of the suture threader. The suture extends along an arrangement that allows the suture to slide through the anchor tube when the first and second ends of the suture are tensioned.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 968,765, entitled "Ligation-Free Soft Tissue Implant System and Related Methods," filed January 31, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to implants and methods for repairing soft tissue and / or bone, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to ligation-free implants, systems, assemblies, and related methods for joining soft tissue to soft tissue, soft tissue to bone, and bone to bone. [Background technology]

[0003] Tissue and / or bone of a mammalian body (e.g., a human body) can be degraded or otherwise compartmentalized or separated so that joining of portions of the tissue and / or bone can be anatomically and / or physiologically suitable or desirable.

[0004] For example, the human foot includes a plantar plate on the bottom of the foot below the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP joint). The plantar plate is a thick, ligamentous (composed of fibrocartilage) structure that connects the metatarsals and corresponding proximal phalanges. The plantar plate can be torn or otherwise compromised. In some instances, the tissue of the plantar plate itself can weaken, tear, or segment along its length between the corresponding metatarsal and proximal phalanges. Alternatively, the plantar plate can become avulsed or separated from one or more corresponding metatarsals or proximal phalanges.

[0005] As another example, the human hand contains a volar plate, a structure similar to the plantar plate. A volar plate is attached to each metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP joint) and each interphalangeal joint of the hand. Like the plantar plate, the volar plate can also be torn.

[0006] Many other ligaments in a mammalian body may be torn, such as by attachment of the ligament to the tissue itself or to one or more bones. Similarly, one or more bones in a mammalian body may be injured or segmented. Typical tissue and bone repair options include inducing healing by suturing / reapproximating the torn or injured area or reattaching the tissue and bone. Current systems for performing such repairs tend to be large, complex, and / or require the creation of multiple and / or relatively large through-holes in the tissue and / or bone.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for small, easy-to-manage, and user-friendly implants, systems, assemblies, and methods for repairing plantar (and volar) plates and joining other tissues and / or bones in the foot, hand, and other parts of the mammalian (e.g., human) body. There is also a need for tissue and / or bone repair / joining implants, systems, assemblies, and methods that do not require the creation of multiple and / or relatively large through-holes in the tissue and / or bone compartments to be joined. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for joining tissues and / or bone compartments or portions, such as joining soft tissue to soft tissue, soft tissue to bone, and bone to bone. The implants, systems, assemblies, and methods for joining soft tissue to soft tissue, soft tissue to bone, and bone to bone may be used to repair a ruptured plantar plate (and / or volar plate). However, the implants, systems, assemblies, and methods may also be used to repair / join any other tissue and / or bone compartment or portion of the foot, hand, or other part of a mammalian body (e.g., a human body).

[0009] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a bone and / or tissue joining implant system comprising a flexible anchor tube, a suture, and at least one suture passer. The flexible anchor tube includes an annular sidewall defining an internal cavity, a first longitudinal end, and a second longitudinal end. The suture extends through the sidewall of the anchor tube multiple times to form a free loop extending from the sidewall. The at least one suture passer extends through a portion of the loop of the suture and is configured to translate the first and second ends of the suture through the loop by its translational movement. The suture extends along an arrangement that allows the suture to slide through the anchor tube when the first and second ends of the suture are tensioned.

[0010] In some embodiments, a first tip of the suture originates from the first end of the suture and extends from the outer surface of the anchor tube through a first portion of the side wall of the anchor tube proximal to the first longitudinal end into the first internal cavity, extends longitudinally through a portion of the internal cavity toward a second longitudinal end of the anchor tube, extends through a second portion of the side wall distal to the first longitudinal end, and extends from the internal cavity to the outer surface of the anchor tube. In some embodiments, a second tip of the suture originates from the second end of the suture and extends from the outer surface of the anchor tube through a third portion of the side wall proximal to the second longitudinal end into the internal cavity, extends longitudinally through a portion of the internal cavity toward the first longitudinal end, and extends through a fourth portion of the side wall distal to the second longitudinal end from the internal cavity to the outer surface of the anchor tube. In some such embodiments, a first intermediate portion of the suture extends from a first tip that extends through a second portion of the sidewall of the anchor tube, a second intermediate portion of the suture extends from a second tip that extends through a fourth portion of the sidewall of the anchor tube, and the first and second intermediate portions of the suture form a loop. In some such embodiments, the first and second intermediate portions of the suture are continuous portions of the suture.

[0011] In some embodiments, when the first and second distal ends of the suture are tensioned, the anchor tube deforms from the neutral configuration to a deformed configuration. In some such embodiments, in the deformed configuration, the anchor tube defines a curved shape. In some such embodiments, the concave shape comprises a U-shape or a V-shape. In some other such embodiments, the anchor tube deforms or folds upon itself along the longitudinal length of the anchor tube in the deformed configuration. In some other such embodiments, the anchor tube defines a first maximum lateral width and a first maximum longitudinal length in the neutral configuration, and defines a second maximum lateral width greater than the first maximum lateral width and a second maximum longitudinal length less than the first maximum longitudinal length in the deformed configuration.

[0012] In some embodiments, the anchor tube is longitudinally elongated in the neutral configuration, hi some embodiments, the anchor tube is cylindrical in the neutral configuration.

[0013] In some embodiments, the anchor tube is formed from a biocompatible material.In some embodiments, the suture is formed from a biocompatible material.

[0014] In some embodiments, at least one suture comprises a multifilament suture. In some such embodiments, the suture is a braided suture.

[0015] In some embodiments, the suture is solid. In some embodiments, the system further comprises at least one insertion device. In some such embodiments, the first and second distal ends of the suture are coupled to the at least one insertion device. In some such embodiments, the at least one insertion device includes a first insertion device coupled to the first distal end of the suture and a second insertion device coupled to the second distal end of the suture.

[0016] In some embodiments, the at least one insertion device comprises at least one needle. In some such embodiments, the at least one needle comprises at least one non-straight needle.

[0017] In some embodiments, the anchor member is flexible. In some embodiments, the anchor member is formed from a hollow braided suture. In some embodiments, the at least one suture passer includes a first suture passer and a second suture passer.

[0018] In some such embodiments, the first suture passer extends through a first portion of the suture loop and the second suture passer extends through a second portion of the suture loop. In some such embodiments, the first and second suture passers extend through a common portion of the suture loop. In some embodiments, the first suture passer passes through the suture loop along a first direction and the second suture passer passes through the suture loop along a second direction that is generally opposite the first direction.

[0019] In some embodiments, at least one suture passer includes an exposed loop, and when the first and second tips of the suture are translated by the suture passer through the loop along a first direction and the first and second tips are pulled, the loop applies sufficient tension to the first and second tips to prevent the first and second tips from translating through the loop along a second direction opposite the first direction.

[0020] In another aspect, a method of joining first and second anatomical structures is provided. The method includes implanting a flexible anchor tube having an annular sidewall defining an internal cavity and first and second longitudinal ends within the first anatomical structure. The method further includes passing a portion of a first and second distal end of a suture through a portion of the second anatomical structure, the suture forming a free loop extending from the sidewall, the suture extending in an arrangement that allows the suture to slide through the anchor tube when the first and second distal ends of the suture are tensioned. The method further includes passing a portion of the first and second distal ends of the suture through at least one loop of at least one suture passer extending through a fixed portion of the loop. The method further includes passing a portion of the first and second distal ends of the suture through a fixed portion of the loop via the at least one suture passer. The method further includes tensioning the first and second distal ends of the suture to shorten the length of the loop portion, deforming the anchor tube to a deformed configuration, and then approximating the first and second anatomical structures, wherein the fixation portion of the loop portion fixes the position of the first and second distal ends within the fixation portion after tensioning.

[0021] These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention provided by this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of various aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. It is emphasized that, in accordance with standard industry practice, various features may or may not be drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of various features may be arbitrarily increased or decreased for clarity of illustration. The drawings are merely for the purpose of illustrating inventive embodiments of the present disclosure and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top view of a tissue and / or bone fixation implant system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 2 is a side cross-sectional view of an anchor tube and corresponding suture of the implant system of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the implant system of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the implant system of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the anchor tube of the implant system of FIG. 1 in a deformed state, pulled against an inner surface of a bone, and extending through tissue, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B] 5B is a side cross-sectional view showing the anchor tube of the implant system of FIG. 1 in a deformed state and with overlapping sutures contacting the outside of the bone, securing the bone and tissue of FIG. 5A together, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5C] 5B is a side cross-sectional view of the anchor tube of the implant system of FIG. 1 in a deformed state and with overlapping sutures contacting the anchor tube, securing the bone and tissue of FIG. 5A together, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 2 is a top view of a pair of implant systems of FIG. 1 repairing tissue, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 7 is a top view of the implant system of FIG. 6 implanted through bone, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the implant system of FIG. 7 with an anchor tube loaded into the insertion tool, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the implant system of FIG. 8 with the anchor tube implanted in bone, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the implant system of FIG. 9 with the anchor tube embedded in the bone and the distal end of the suture embedded through tissue, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of the implant system of FIG. 10 with the anchor embedded in the bone, the tip of the suture embedded through the tissue, and the tip of the suture passed through the suture loop, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 12 is a side cross-sectional view of the implant system of FIG. 11 securing bone and tissue together. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] In this detailed description and in the claims that follow, the terms "proximal," "distal," "anterior," or "plantar," "posterior," or "dorsal," "medial," "lateral," "superior," and "inferior" are defined according to their standard usage to refer to a particular portion or part of a bone or implant, according to the relative placement of natural bone or directional terms of reference. For example, "proximal" refers to the portion of the device or implant closest to the body, and "distal" refers to the portion of the device or implant furthest from the body. With respect to directional terms, "anterior" refers to a direction toward the front of the body, "posterior" refers to a direction toward the back of the body, "medial" refers to a direction toward the midline of the body, "lateral" refers to a direction toward either side of the body or away from the midline of the body, "superior" refers to above another object or structure, and "inferior" refers to below another object or structure. Furthermore, with respect to the foot in particular, the term "dorsal" refers to the top of the foot, and the term "plantar" refers to the bottom of the foot.

[0025] Similarly, locations or directions may be used herein with reference to anatomical structures or anatomical surfaces. For example, because the present implants, devices, instruments, and methods are described herein with reference to use with bones of the foot, the bones of the foot, ankle, and lower leg may be used to describe surfaces, locations, directions, or orientations of implants, devices, instruments, and methods. Furthermore, the implants, devices, instruments, and methods disclosed herein, as well as their aspects, components, and features, etc., are described with reference to one side of the body for the sake of brevity. However, because the human body is relatively symmetrical or mirror-imaged across a line of symmetry (the midline), it is hereby expressly contemplated that the implants, devices, instruments, and methods described and / or illustrated herein, as well as their aspects, components, and features, etc., may be changed, varied, modified, reconfigured, or otherwise altered for use on or associated with another side of the body for the same or similar purposes without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, implants, devices, instruments, and methods described herein with reference to the right foot, as well as their aspects, components, and features, etc., may be reversed so that they function equally well on the left foot. Furthermore, while the implants, devices, instruments and methods disclosed herein, and their aspects, components, features, etc., are described in terms of the foot for the sake of brevity, it should be understood that the implants, devices, instruments and methods may also be used in other bones of the body having similar structures.

[0026] Generally speaking, implants, systems, assemblies, and methods are disclosed herein for joining soft tissue to soft tissue, soft tissue to bone, and bone to bone. The implants, systems, assemblies, and methods may be used to repair a ruptured plantar plate of the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP joint). While the implants, systems, assemblies, and methods are illustrated and described in this disclosure in connection with plantar plate repair, the implants, systems, assemblies, and methods may similarly be used and adapted to join any soft tissue to any soft tissue, any soft tissue to any bone, or any bone to any bone without undue experimentation. For example, the implants, systems, assemblies, and methods may similarly be used to repair / join any other tissue and / or bone compartment or portion of the foot or other parts of a mammalian (e.g., human) body, such as, but not limited to, a ruptured volar plate.

[0027] The presently disclosed implants, systems, assemblies, and related methods for joining soft tissue to soft tissue, soft tissue to bone, and bone to bone may be similar to, for example, the implants, systems, assemblies, and related methods disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 775,591, filed December 5, 2018, entitled "Implant System and Methods of Use," U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 883,429, filed August 6, 2019, entitled "Soft Tissue Implant Systems, Instruments and Related Methods," and / or International PCT Application No. PCT / US2019 / 064741, filed December 5, 2019, entitled "Soft Tissue Implant Systems, Instruments and Related Methods," each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Similarly, the implants, systems, assemblies, and related methods for joining soft tissue to soft tissue, soft tissue to bone, and bone to bone of the present disclosure may include one or more instruments (e.g., one or more insertion instruments and / or implantation instruments) disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 883,429, filed August 6, 2019, entitled "Soft Tissue Implant Systems, Instruments and Related Methods," and / or International PCT Application No. PCT / US2019 / 064741, filed December 5, 2019, entitled "Soft Tissue Implant Systems, Instruments and Related Methods," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0028] Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to designate like or similar components throughout the several views, and with particular reference to Figures 1 through 12, there is shown an exemplary embodiment of an implant system 10 for joining soft tissue to soft tissue, soft tissue to bone, or bone to bone in accordance with the present disclosure. As shown in Figures 1 through 5C, the implant system 10 may include a first biocompatible collapsible anchor tube 14 (also referred to herein as a "tension anchor 14") and a biocompatible suture 12 (also referred to herein as a "tension strand 12") that passes multiple times through a sidewall 16 of the anchor tube 14.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1-5C , the first biocompatible collapsible anchor tube 14 may be elongated along a longitudinal direction. In some embodiments, the anchor tube 14 may define a longitudinal length that is within the range of 5 mm to 35 mm, or within the range of 8 mm to 17 mm, or within the range of 10 mm to 15 mm. In an exemplary embodiment shown, the anchor tube 14 defines a longitudinal length of approximately one-half inch. The anchor tube 14 may be sized relatively larger than the suture 12. For example, the width or diameter of the anchor tube 14 may be larger than the width or diameter of the suture 12.

[0030] Anchor tube 14 may be formed from an annular sidewall 16 defining an internal cavity 18 and first and second longitudinal ends 17A, 17B, as shown in FIG. 1 . Thus, anchor tube 14 may be hollow. The dimensions of internal cavity 18 may be larger than suture 12 so that suture 12 can pass through internal cavity 18. Internal cavity 18 may extend entirely through anchor tube 14 such that internal cavity 18 is open or accessible at one or both longitudinal ends 17A, 17B of anchor tube 14. In some embodiments, internal cavity 18 may extend completely through anchor tube 14 such that internal cavity 18 is open or accessible at both longitudinal ends 17A, 17B of anchor tube 14, as shown in FIG. 1 . In some alternative embodiments (not shown), the interior cavity 18 may extend only partially through the anchor tube 14, such that the interior cavity 18 is open or accessible at only one of the longitudinal ends 17A, 17B of the anchor tube 14. Thus, in such embodiments, one of the longitudinal ends 17A, 17B of the anchor tube 14 (and interior cavity 18) may be closed via an end wall, plug, heat seal, or any other configuration (whereas the other longitudinal end of the anchor tube 14 may be open to the interior cavity 18). In other alternative embodiments (not shown), both longitudinal ends 17A, 17B of the anchor tube 14 (and interior cavity 18) may be closed. In this manner, the interior cavity 18 may be sealed or closed within the anchor tube 14.

[0031] Anchor tube 14 may be flexible, foldable, deformable, bendable, stretchable, or otherwise reconfigurable in its overall shape. For example, in a natural, neutral, or undeformed state, such as shown in FIGS. 1-4 , anchor tube 14 may extend substantially straight or linearly along the longitudinal direction. Thus, anchor tube 14 may have a substantially cylindrical shape in its natural state, as shown in FIGS. 1-4 . In some embodiments, in the natural state, as shown in FIGS. 1-4 , anchor tube 14 may extend substantially straight or linearly along the longitudinal direction, or may include a slightly curved or arcuate shape. Thus, anchor tube 14 may have a substantially cylindrical shape in its natural state, as shown in FIGS. 1-4 , or may be slightly curved. In its natural state, anchor tube 14 defines a first maximum lateral width and a first maximum longitudinal length. As described further below, the anchor tube 14 may be deformed by tensioning the suture 12 into a deformed shape, configuration, or state in which the anchor tube 14 defines a second maximum lateral width that is greater than the first maximum lateral width and a second maximum longitudinal length that is less than the first maximum longitudinal length.

[0032] At least the sidewall 16 of the anchor tube 14 may be deformed inwardly from its natural state such that the interior cavity 18 is at least partially collapsed laterally. The anchor tube 14 (e.g., at least its sidewall 16) may be further deformed such that the anchor tube 14 curves, bends, tucks, or rearranges from a generally straight or cylindrical neutral shape to a "bulging" shape. As shown in Figures 5A-7, the suture 12 may extend through a side or portion of the sidewall 16 multiple times, thereby forming the anchor tube 14 into a concave / convex shape (depending on the portion of the sidewall 16 that includes the suture 12 extending through it), an arcuate shape, a folded shape, a "C" shape, a "U" shape, and / or a "V" shape. For example, as shown in Figures 5A-7, the suture 12 may fold, tuck, or retract against a side or portion of the side wall 16 so that the anchor tube 14 tightly assumes an arcuate shape (e.g., defined by a relatively small radius) or U-shape.

[0033] The anchor tube 14 (e.g., the sidewall 16) may be solid or porous. For example, the anchor tube 14 (e.g., the sidewall 16) may be molded using a solid material. As another example, the anchor tube 14 (e.g., the sidewall 16) may be woven from one or more threads, fibers, or filaments. For example, in some embodiments, the anchor tube 14 is formed from braided or woven filaments, threads, or sutures. In one such embodiment, the anchor tube 14 is formed from hollow braided sutures. In some embodiments, the anchor tube 14 (e.g., the sidewall 16) may be formed by one or more machining, additive, and / or extrusion processes. The anchor tube 14 (e.g., the sidewall 16) may be a unitary structure or may be formed from multiple members or portions (and / or materials). The anchor tube 14 (e.g., the sidewall 16) may be formed or fabricated from one or more biocompatible materials. For example, anchor tube 14 (e.g., sidewall 16) may be made or formed from polyester, polyethylene (e.g., ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene), polypropylene, nylon (e.g., polyamide), silk, polyglycolic acid (PGA), polydioxanone (PDO), polylactic acid (PLA), polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), stainless steel, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, anchor tube 14 is formed from polyester.

[0034] As described above, the biocompatible suture 12 passes through the side or a portion of the sidewall 16 of the anchor tube 14 multiple times. The suture 12 may be any flexible biocompatible thread, fiber, filament, or similar member. The suture 12 may be a monofilament suture or a multifilament suture (e.g., a multifilament braid). For example, the suture 12 may be two filaments braided together, formed from the same or different materials. The suture 12 may be made or formed from any biocompatible material, such as any non-absorbable biocompatible material. In some such embodiments, the suture 12 may be made or formed from polypropylene, polyethylene (e.g., ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene), nylon (e.g., polyamide), polyester, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyglycolic acid (PGA), polydioxanone (PDO), polylactic acid (PLA), polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), silk, stainless steel, or a combination thereof. For example, suture 12 may be made of polyethylene (e.g., ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) and polyester filaments braided together. In one embodiment, suture 12 is made of polyethylene.

[0035] Suture 12 may be solid, solid, continuous, or otherwise void of an interior longitudinally extending cavity or open space. For example, the cross-section of suture 12 may be composed of multiple filaments that are intertwined, braided, or woven throughout the cross-section. Thus, suture 12 may be solid.

[0036] Suture 12 may have any cross-sectional shape. Suture 12 may have any length and / or any dimension, such as a cross-sectional width or diameter. In some embodiments, suture 12 may be at least 45 cm long, e.g., in the range of 10 cm to 100 cm, or more preferably, in the range of 40 cm to 90 cm. Suture 12 may be at least a United States Pharmacopeia (USP) designated non-absorbable suture size 6-0, e.g., a USP designated non-absorbable suture size 6-0 to 5, or a USP designated non-absorbable suture size 4-0 to 1. In some embodiments, suture 12 may be at least 60 cm long and at least a USP designated non-absorbable suture size 0, or at least 45 cm long and at least a USP designated non-absorbable suture size 2-0.

[0037] As described above, the sutures 12 of the implant system 10 are configured or arranged in an arrangement that allows the sutures 12 to slide freely through the anchor tube 14. As the length of the suture 12 extending through the anchor tube 14 decreases, the implant system 10 is configured such that tension applied to the first and second ends or tips 20, 30 of the suture 12 extending from the anchor tube 14 causes the suture 12 to slide through the anchor tube 14, which in turn causes the anchor tube 14 and the anatomical structures coupled to the first and second tips 20, 30 of the suture 12 to be pulled together simultaneously.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1 , first and second tip portions 20, 30 of suture 12 may each extend through sidewall 16 of anchor tube 14. First tip portion 20 of suture 12 may include a first suture tip section 22 that extends from a free end of suture 12 through sidewall 16 of anchor tube 14 and into interior cavity 18. As shown in FIG. 1 , first suture tip section 22 of first tip portion 20 of suture 12 may extend through a first portion or side of sidewall 16 proximal to first longitudinal end 17A of anchor tube 14. Inside interior cavity 18, first inner portion 24 of first tip portion 20 of suture 12 may begin at first suture tip section 22 and extend longitudinally within interior cavity 18 toward second longitudinal end 17B (opposite first longitudinal end 17A) of anchor tube 14, as shown in FIG. 1 . First inner portion 24 of first tip 20 may extend through a first portion or side of side wall 16 that is distal to first longitudinal end 17A (and proximal to second longitudinal end 17B) of anchor tube 14. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), first inner portion 24 of first tip 20 of suture 12 may originate from first suture tip segment 22 and extend longitudinally within internal cavity 18 toward first longitudinal end 17A (opposite second longitudinal end 17B) of anchor tube 14. Thus, first inner portion 24 of first tip 20 may extend through a first portion or side of side wall 16 that is proximal to second longitudinal end 17B (and proximal to first longitudinal end 17A) of anchor tube 14.

[0039] 1-5C , an intermediate portion of suture 12 may extend from and between two portions of sidewall 16, forming loop 29. Tension applied to first and second tips 20, 30 may be adjusted to allow anchor tube 14 to slide freely along suture 12, such that anchor tube 14 slides along the length of suture 12 and loop 29 shortens. This adjusts the length of the loop of suture 12 and the length of first and second tips 20, 30 extending from sidewall 16 of anchor tube 14. In this manner, first anchor tube 14 and first and second tips 20, 30 may be implanted into a segment or portion of bone and / or tissue, and then first and second tips 20, 30 are pulled to shorten loop 29, deforming anchor tube 14 and simultaneously drawing the segment or portion together to join / repair. As explained further below, such a configuration of suture 12 and anchor tube 14, and thus the section or portion of bone and / or tissue, may be maintained or secured by passing a portion of loop portion 29 of suture 12 over first and second tips 20, 30 of suture 12. As first and second tips 20, 30 are pulled to tighten system / structure 10, loop portion 29 may also be tightened, thereby preventing first and second tips 20, 30 from sliding through / out of loop portion 29. In this manner, system / structure 10 may be self-locking / securing and does not require any ligatures or external mechanisms to lock or secure the configuration of system / structure 10 and the section or portion of bone and / or tissue.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 1-4 , second tip 30 of suture 12 may include a second suture tip section 32 that extends from the free end of suture 12 through sidewall 16 of anchor tube 14 and into interior cavity 18. As shown in FIG. 1 , second suture tip section 32 of second tip 30 of suture 12 may extend through a first portion or side of sidewall 16 proximal to second longitudinal end 17B of anchor tube 14. Inside interior cavity 18 of anchor tube 14, second inner portion 34 of second tip 30 of suture 12 may begin at second suture tip section 32 and extend longitudinally within interior cavity 18 toward first longitudinal end 17A (opposite second longitudinal end 17B) of anchor tube 14, as shown in FIG. 1 . Second inner portion 34 of second tip 30 may extend through a first portion or side of side wall 16 that is distal to first longitudinal end 17A (and proximal to second longitudinal end 17B) of anchor tube 14. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), second inner portion 34 of second tip 30 of suture 12 may originate from second suture tip segment 32 and extend longitudinally within internal cavity 18 toward second longitudinal end 17B (opposite first longitudinal end 17A) of anchor tube 14. Thus, second inner portion 34 of second tip 30 may extend through a first portion or side of side wall 16 that is distal to second longitudinal end 17B (and proximal to first longitudinal end 17A) of anchor tube 14.

[0041] 1-4 , a first intermediate portion 26 of suture 12 extends from first inner portion 24 of suture 12 and sidewall 16 of anchor tube 14, and a second intermediate portion 36 of suture 12 extends from second inner portion 34 of suture 12 and sidewall 16 of anchor tube 14. First intermediate portion 26 and second intermediate portion 36 cooperate to form an exposed loop portion 29 located outside of anchor tube 14 (i.e., located outside internal cavity 18). Thus, loop portion 29 may include an intermediate portion of suture 12 extending from a first portion of the outer surface of sidewall 16 of anchor tube 14 and returning through a second portion of the outer surface of sidewall 16 of anchor tube 14 spaced apart along the longitudinal length of anchor tube 14.

[0042] 1-5A, system / structure 10 further comprises at least one suture passer 50A, 50B extending through a portion of loop portion 29 of suture 12 and configured to translate at least one of suture passers 50A, 50B through loop portion 29, thereby causing first and second tip sections 22, 32 of first and second tip ends 20, 32, respectively, of suture 12 to translate through loop portion 29. In some embodiments, at least one suture passer 50A, 50B may include an exposed tail portion and an exposed loop or hook through which first and second tip sections 22, 32 of first and second tip ends 20, 32 may be passed, as shown in FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 1-5A, at least one suture passer 50A, 50B may be passed through the loop portion 29 such that the tail and loop portions of the at least one suture passer 50A, 50B extend from different sides or portions of the outer surface / outer face of the suture 12 at the loop portion 29, thereby causing the first and second tip sections 22, 32 of the first and second tip sections 20, 32 to be passed through the loop portion of the at least one suture passer 50A, 50B, and the tail portion of the at least one suture passer 50A, 50B may be pulled (pulled) to translate / pull the first and second tip sections 22, 32 through their respective portions of the loop portion 29 (i.e., through a portion of the suture 12 at the loop portion 29) as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C , the suture 12 is configured such that when the first and second tip sections 22, 32 of the first and second tip portions 20, 32 are translated / pulled through one or more portions of the loop portion 29 and the suture is pulled (by the first and second tip portions 20, 32 being pulled), the loop portion 29 is shortened and a frictional and / or pushing force is exerted on the first and second tip sections 22, 32 sufficient to prevent the first and second tip sections 22, 32 from translating or retracting on their own through the loop portion 29. Thus, as will be further described below and as shown in Figures 5B and 5C, the configuration of the system / structure 10, and therefore the first and second tip sections 20, 32 of the suture 12, may be self-securing or self-locking in that they do not need to be ligated or secured by an external fixation mechanism to secure the anatomical structure (e.g., one or more bones and / or one or more tissues) joined by the anchor tube 14 and the first and second tip sections 22, 32 of the suture 12.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 1-5A, the illustrated exemplary embodiment of the system / structure 10 includes a first suture passer 50A and a second suture passer 50B. In some such embodiments, the first suture passer 50A extends through a first portion of the loop portion 29 of the suture 12, and the second suture passer 50B extends through a second portion of the loop portion 29 of the suture 12 that is different from the first portion. In other embodiments, the first suture passer 50A and the second suture passer 50B extend through a common portion of the loop portion 29 of the suture 12, as shown in FIGS. 1-5C. In some embodiments, the first suture passer 50A and / or the second suture passer 50B extend laterally directly through the suture 12 at the loop portion 29. In some other embodiments, the first suture passing portion 50A and / or the second suture passing portion 50B may extend through a longitudinal portion of the suture 12 in the loop portion 29. In some embodiments, the suture 12 may include a braid of filaments (as described above), and the first suture passing portion 50A and the second suture passing portion 50B may extend through a portion of the braided filaments.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 1-5A, the first suture passer 50A may extend through the loop portion 29 of the suture 12 along a first direction such that its loop or hook portion is located on a first side of the loop portion 29, and the second suture passer 50B may extend through the loop portion 29 along a second direction different from the first direction (e.g., generally opposite the first direction) such that its loop or hook portion is located on a second side of the loop portion 29 different from the first side of the loop portion 29.

[0046] To facilitate implantation of the implant, the first and second tip segments 22, 32 of the suture 12 may be coupled or attached (e.g., tied, crimped, or removably or fixedly coupled) to a needle (e.g., a curved or bent needle) or other insertion device (not shown). The insertion device may then be used to pass or translate at least a portion of the first and second tip segments 22, 32 of the first and second tips 20, 32 through an anatomical structure. In some embodiments, the first tip segment 22 of the first portion 20 of the suture 12 is coupled to a first insertion device (e.g., a first needle) and the second tip segment 32 of the second portion 30 of the suture 12 is coupled to a second insertion device (e.g., a second needle).

[0047] In some embodiments (not shown), implant 10 may include embedded sutures or shuttle sutures. In some embodiments, the embedded sutures may be the same as or similar to sutures 12. The embedded sutures may extend through or be coupled to anchor tubes 14 and may be used to embed the anchor tubes.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 5A-5C , the implant 10 may be implanted such that the anchor tube 14 is disposed within or through a first anatomical structure 62A. In some embodiments, the first anatomical structure 62A may be a portion or section of a first bone and / or tissue. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5A-5C , the anchor tube 14 may extend into an opening 66 in the bone 62A such that the anchor tube 14 is disposed adjacent to or on an inner cortical surface 64 of the bone 62A (or the outer surface of the bone 62A). In such a configuration, the first and second tip segments 22, 32 and the loop portion 29 (i.e., the first and second intermediate portions 26, 36) of the suture 12 may initially extend through the opening 66 in the first anatomical structure 62A, as shown in FIG. 5A .

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 5A-5C , the first and second tip segments 22, 32 of the first and second tips 20, 32, respectively, may be passed through the second anatomical structure 62B at least once (i.e., one or more times). In some embodiments, the second anatomical structure 62B may be a portion or segment of a second bone and / or tissue. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5A-5C , the second anatomical structure 62B may include tissue such as a tendon. In some such embodiments, the second anatomical structure 62B may include a plantar plate and the first anatomical structure 62A may include a metatarsal. As discussed above, the first and second tip segments 22, 32 of the first and second tips 20, 32 may be coupled to one or more insertion devices (e.g., one or more needles), which may be used to translate the first and second tip segments 22, 32 through the anatomical structure 62B.

[0050] After extending through the second anatomical structure 62B, the first and second tip sections 22, 32 of the first and second tip portions 20, 32 of the suture 12 may be passed through the exposed loop portions of the first and second suture passers 50A, 50B, respectively (see FIG. 5A), and the first and second suture passers 50A, 50B are translated through the loop portion 29 so that the first and second tip sections 22, 32 extend through one or more respective portions of the loop portion 29, as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C. 5B, the first and second tip sections 20, 32 of the suture 12 can then be pulled to slide the suture 12 through the anchor tube 14 and the first and second anatomical structures 62A, 62B such that the loop portion 29 contracts / shortens, the anchor tube 14 reconfigures / alteres to a deformed state / configuration, and the first and second anatomical structures 62A, 62B are simultaneously drawn toward each other (i.e., the system / structure 10 is pulled toward each other). As mentioned above, the retraction of the suture 12 through the loop portion 20, and thus through the anchor tube 14 and the first and second anatomical structures 62A, 62B, can act to firmly grip or hold the first and second tip sections 22, 32 of the suture 12 to prevent the first and second anatomical structures 62A, 62B from being able to translate away from each other.

[0051] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5B , in a configuration of the first and second tip sections 22, 32 passing through the opening 66 and / or one or more portions of the loop portion 29 in the first anatomical structure 62A, when the system / structure 10 is pulled closer together, the ends of the loop portion 29, along with the first and second tip sections 22, 32 passing therethrough, may rest on / contact the outer surface of the first anatomical structure 62A. However, in other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5C , in a configuration of the first and second tip sections 22, 32 passing through the opening 66 and / or one or more portions of the loop portion 29 in the first anatomical structure 62A, when the system / structure 10 is pulled closer together, the ends of the loop portion 29, along with the first and second tip sections 22, 32 passing therethrough, may rest on / contact the outer surface of the anchor tube 14.

[0052] In some embodiments, multiple systems / structures 10A, 10B may be used to secure (and sometimes simultaneously draw) together first and second anatomical structures 62A, 62B, as shown in Figure 6. For example, as shown in Figure 6, multiple systems / structures 10A, 10B (or a single system / structure) may be used to secure (and sometimes simultaneously draw) together first and second tissue (e.g., ligament) sections 62A, 62B, such as two bottom plate sections.

[0053] In some embodiments, one or more systems / structures 10 may be used to secure (and optionally simultaneously draw) a first anatomical structure 62A and a second anatomical structure (not shown) with the anchor tube 14 positioned on the exterior surface of the first anatomical structure 62A and the first and second tip segments 22, 32 of the first and second tips 20, 32 of the suture 12 extending through the first anatomical structure 62A, as shown in Figure 7. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the system / structure 10 may be used to secure (and optionally simultaneously draw) a bone / bone segment 62A with another bone / tissue segment with the anchor tube 14 positioned on the exterior surface of the bone 62A and the first and second tip segments 22, 32 of the suture 12 extending through the bone 62A.

[0054] An exemplary method of using the system / structure 10 to join tissue 62B (e.g., a plantar plate) (which may be a tissue compartment) to bone 62A (e.g., a metatarsal or phalange) (which may be a bone compartment) is shown in Figures 8 through 12.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 8 , the anchor tube 14 may be loaded onto the insertion tip 72 of an insertion tool 70. The insertion tool 70 may be configured to hold or secure the anchor tube 14 on the insertion tip 72, such as by tension on the suture 12. As shown in FIG. 8 , the insertion tip 72 may include a bifurcated free end and a pair of grooves extending proximally from the base of the bifurcated free end along different (e.g., opposing) sides. As shown in FIG. 8 , the bifurcated free end and at least one groove are configured to hold or engage the anchor tube 14, with an intermediate portion of the anchor tube 14 extending between the tines or arms on the base of the bifurcated free end and with the tip of the anchor extending within and along the groove. The insertion tool 70 may be relatively rigid and may thus be used to insert the anchor tube 14, held on the insertion tip 72, into and through a hole 66 in a bone 62A, as shown in FIG. 9 .

[0056] 9, the opening in the bone 62A may extend only partially through the bone 62A, and the anchor tube 14 may be positioned on / adjacent to an inner surface 64 of the bone 62A, such as the inner cortical surface of the bone 62A. In other embodiments, the anchor tube 14 may not be positioned within the bone 62A, but may instead be passed through the bone 62A and positioned adjacent to an outer surface of the bone 62A (see FIG. 7). In some embodiments, the anchor tube 14 may be positioned within the bone 62A (i.e., within the opening 66), but may not be positioned on / adjacent to the inner surface 64 of the bone 62A.

[0057] Once the anchor tube 14 is positioned on / in the bone 62A, the loop portion 29 of the suture 12 and the first and second tip segments 22, 32 of the first and second tips 20, 32 may extend through the opening 66 and be exposed, as shown in FIG. 9 . As shown in FIG. 10 , the first and second tip segments 22, 32 of the first and second tips 20, 32 may then be passed at least once through the tissue 62B. As shown in FIG. 8 , the first and second tip segments 22, 32 may be passed through different portions of the tissue 62B and / or may be passed through the tissue 62B multiple times. As mentioned above, the first and second tip segments 22, 32 may be coupled to an insertion needle, which may be used to pass the first and second tip segments 22, 32 through the tissue 62B (not shown).

[0058] After the first and second tip sections 22, 32 of the first and second tip portions 20, 32 have been passed through tissue 62B, the first and second tip sections 22, 32 may be passed through the loop or hook portions of the first and second suture passers 50A, 50B, respectively, which then pull or pass one or more respective portions of the loop portion 29 to pass / translate the first and second tip sections 22, 32 of the suture 12 in the loop portion 29, as shown in FIG. 11. Note that the first and second tip sections 22, 32 may be detached from the insertion device before passing / translating the suture 12 in the loop portion 29.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 12 , after the first and second tip sections 22, 32 have passed / translated through one or more portions of the suture 12 in the loop portion 29, the first and second tip sections 20, 32 of the suture 12 (e.g., the portions of the first and second tip sections 22, 32 extending beyond the loop portion 29) can be pulled (e.g., pulled along divergent (e.g., opposing) directions or pulled away from each other) to slide the suture 12 through the anchor tube 14 and tissue 62B (and, in some cases, bone 62A) such that the loop portion 29 contracts / shortens, the anchor tube 14 deforms to a deformed state / configuration, and the bone 62A and tissue 62B are simultaneously drawn closer together or toward each other (i.e., the system / structure 10 is pulled closer), as shown in FIG. 12 . As described above, as the suture 12 is retracted through the loop portion 20, and thus through the anchor tube 14 and tissue 62B (and possibly through the bone 62A), the suture 12 at the loop portion 29 can act to firmly grip or hold the first and second tip sections 22, 32 to prevent the bone 62A and tissue 62B from being able to translate away from one another. In this way, as shown in FIG. 12 , it is not necessary to ligate or secure the first and second tip sections 22, 32 of the suture 12 to secure the arrangement / configuration of the system / structure 10 and thus the approximation of the bone 62A and tissue 62B.

[0060] As described above, pulling on the first and second tips 20, 32 of the suture 12 pulls / deforms the anchor tube 14 into a concave / convex or folded configuration or shape (as described above), as shown in FIGS. 5A-7 and 12. The deformation of the anchor tube 14 into a concave / convex or folded configuration or shape helps prevent the anchor tube 14 from passing through the opening 66 in the bone 62A. Pulling or drawing the tips / strands 22 of the tensioning suture 12 in the bifurcation direction further seals the anchor tube 14 against the surface 64 of the bone 62A and also draws the bone 62A and tissue 62B toward each other (and sometimes simultaneously). The loop 29 then automatically or naturally locks the position of the first and second tips 20, 32 of the suture 12 in the loop 29, as shown in FIG. 12, thereby locking or securing the system / construct 10, thereby fixing or securing the relative positions of the bone 62A and tissue 62B.

[0061] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprise" (and all forms of "comprise," such as "comprises" and "comprising"), "have" (and all forms of "having," such as "has" and "having"), "include" (and all forms of "comprise," such as "includes" and "including"), and "contain" (and all forms of "contains" and "containing") are open-ended linking verbs. Consequently, a method or apparatus that "comprises," "has," "includes," or "contains" one or more steps or elements possesses those one or more steps or elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more steps or elements. Similarly, a method step or apparatus element that "comprises," "has," "includes," or "contains" one or more features possesses those features or features, but is not limited to possessing only those features or features. Furthermore, an apparatus or structure that is configured in a particular way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways not recited.

[0062] The present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments. It will be understood that the architectural and operational embodiments described herein are exemplary of multiple possible configurations for providing the same general features, characteristics, and general system operation. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading, understanding, and understanding the foregoing detailed description. It is intended that the present invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations.

Claims

1. a flexible anchor tube including an annular sidewall defining an interior cavity, a first longitudinal end, and a second longitudinal end; a suture extending through the side wall of the anchor tube multiple times and forming a loop extending from the side wall; at least one suture passer extending through a portion of the loop of the suture, the at least one suture passer configured to move first and second tips of the suture through a portion of the loop upon pulling on the at least one suture passer; the suture threading portion has an exposed tail portion and an exposed loop portion through which the first and second tip portions are passed; the suture extends along an arrangement that allows the suture to slide through the anchor tube when the first and second ends of the suture are tensioned; Bone and / or tissue joining implant system.

2. 2. The implant system of claim 1, wherein the first tip of the suture originates from a first end of the suture and extends from an outer surface of the anchor tube through a first portion of the side wall of the anchor tube proximal to the first longitudinal end of the anchor tube into the internal cavity, extends longitudinally through a portion of the internal cavity toward the second longitudinal end of the anchor tube, and extends from the internal cavity through a second portion of the side wall distal to the first longitudinal end to the outer surface of the anchor tube.

3. 3. The implant system of claim 2, wherein the second tip of the suture originates from the second end of the suture and extends from an outer surface of the anchor tube through a third portion of the side wall proximal to the second longitudinal end of the anchor tube into the internal cavity, extends longitudinally through a portion of the internal cavity toward the first longitudinal end, extends through a fourth portion of the side wall distal to the second longitudinal end, and extends from the internal cavity to the outer surface of the anchor tube.

4. 4. The implant system of claim 3, wherein a first intermediate portion of the suture extends from the first tip that extends through the second portion of the side wall of the anchor tube, a second intermediate portion of the suture extends from the second tip that extends through the fourth portion of the side wall of the anchor tube, and the first and second intermediate portions of the suture form the loop portion.

5. The implant system of claim 4 , wherein the first and second intermediate portions of the suture are continuous portions of the suture.

6. 6. The implant system of claim 1, wherein when the first and second distal ends of the suture are tensioned, the anchor tube is deformed from a neutral configuration defining a first maximum lateral width and a first maximum longitudinal length to a deformed configuration defining a second maximum lateral width greater than the first maximum lateral width and a second maximum longitudinal length less than the first maximum longitudinal length.

7. The implant system of claim 6 , wherein in the deformed configuration, the anchor tube defines a curved shape.

8. The implant system of claim 7 , wherein the curved shape comprises a U-shape or a V-shape.

9. 7. The implant system of claim 6, wherein the anchor tube deforms or folds over itself along its longitudinal length in the deformed configuration.

10. 7. The implant system of claim 6, wherein the anchor tube defines a first maximum lateral width and a first maximum longitudinal length in the neutral configuration, and a second maximum lateral width greater than the first maximum lateral width and a second maximum longitudinal length less than the first maximum longitudinal length in the deformed configuration.

11. 11. The implant system of claim 6, wherein the anchor tube is longitudinally elongated in the neutral configuration.

12. The implant system of claim 11 , wherein the anchor tube is cylindrical in the neutral configuration.

13. The implant system of claim 1 , wherein the anchor tube is formed from a biocompatible material.

14. The implant system of claim 1 , wherein the suture is made of a biocompatible material.

15. The implant system of claim 1 , wherein the suture comprises a multifilament suture.

16. The implant system of claim 15 , wherein the suture is a braided suture.

17. 17. The implant system of claim 1, wherein the suture is solid.

18. 18. The implant system of claim 1, comprising a needle coupled to the first and second distal ends of the suture.

19. An implant system as described in any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising a first needle coupled to the first tip of the suture and a second needle coupled to the second tip of the suture.

20. 20. The implant system of claim 19, wherein the first needle or the second needle is a non-straight needle.

21. 21. The implant system of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the anchor tube is flexible.

22. 22. The implant system of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the anchor tube is formed from a hollow braided suture.

23. the at least one suture passer includes a first suture passer and a second suture passer; the first suture passing portion has a first exposed tail portion and a first exposed loop portion through which the first and second tip portions are passed; the second suture passing portion has a second exposed tail portion and a second exposed loop portion through which the first and second tip portions are passed; 23. An implant system according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

24. 24. The implant system of claim 23, wherein the first suture passer extends through a first portion of the looped portion of the suture and the second suture passer extends through a second portion of the looped portion of the suture.

25. 24. The implant system of claim 23, wherein the first suture passer and the second suture passer extend through a common portion of the loop portion of the suture.

26. 26. The implant system of any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the first suture passer passes through the loop portion of the suture along a first direction and the second suture passer passes through the loop portion of the suture along a second direction generally opposite the first direction.

27. 27. The implant system of any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the first and second tips of the suture are moved by at least one of the suture passers along a first direction through a portion of the loop portion, and when the first and second tips are pulled, the loop portion applies sufficient tension to the first and second tips to prevent the first and second tips from moving through the portion of the loop portion along a second direction opposite the first direction.

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