Meniscal root repair system and method

Abstract

Disclosed herein, in some aspects, is a meniscal root repair systems and methods that allow for tensioning of one or more sutures prior to and / or after securing said suture(s) about the meniscal root and tibia, thereby allowing for post-tensioning of the suture and any re-adjustments as need be after an initial securing of the meniscal root. In some embodiments, the meniscal root repair system described herein allows the suture to be secured to the meniscal root (e.g., posterior root, anterior root, lateral root, and / or medial root) and tibia using a suture anchor that is disposed within a channel within the tibia, such that a distal end of the suture anchor is flush or substantially flush with an exterior surface of the tibia, and thereby eliminating or reducing any protrusions extending from the tibia (e.g., such as a suture button as described herein).

Description

MENISCAL ROOT REPAIR SYSTEM AND METHODCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Prov. App. No. 63 / 553,062, filed February 13, 2024, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] The meniscus is a cartilage disposed between the tibia and femur, at the knee joint. The meniscus is attached to the tibia via the meniscal root, which may include a posterior root and an anterior root. Tears in a meniscal root can result in long term health issues, including the development of osteoarthritis.

[0003] Traditional means for repairing a meniscal root repair can include using a suture with a suture button to secure the meniscus to the bone. Such methods, however, may lead to improper securement by the suture due to slack being present or developing in the suture securing the meniscus. In other cases, the use of a suture button results in said suture button to sit proud on a portion of the tibia, wherein such protrusion may cause unwanted interaction by the suture button with the surround tissue, bone, etc.SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure generally relates to meniscal root repair systems that help provide sufficiently tensioned suture to secure the meniscus to the bone (e.g., tibia), and wherein future re-tensioning is possible should any slack in the suture develop. In some cases, the suture is secured to the meniscus and tibia using an anchor body that sits flush within the tibia, such that the anchor body does not, or substantially does not extend beyond a surface of the tibia.

[0005] Disclosed herein, in some aspects, is a method for securing a tissue to a bone, the method comprising: coupling a suture to the tissue, the suture having a first and second portion; passing the first and second portions of the suture through a portion of an anchor body having an inner surface defining a passageway from a distal end to a proximal end thereof, the distal end having a distal opening having a first dimension, the proximal end having a proximal opening having a second dimension, wherein the first dimension is larger than the second dimension, such that at least a portion of the passageway tapers (“tapered region”) from the first dimension to the second dimension, wherein the first and second portions of the suture are passed through i) the proximal opening to enter the passageway, and ii) one or more lateral openings on theanchor body to exit the passageway; tensioning the suture via the first and second portions of the suture thereby tensioning at least a portion of the distal surface of the tissue to the bone; inserting the anchor body through a channel within the bone; and moving an anchor screw proximally within the passageway, such that the anchor screw at a proximal portion thereof abuts the suture against the inner surface, thereby securing the suture within the anchor body.

[0006] In some embodiments, coupling the suture about the tissue comprises disposing the suture about the tissue such that a first and second portion of the suture extend distally from a distal surface of the tissue, and at least a medial portion of the suture between the first and second portions is disposed about a proximal surface of the tissue. In some embodiments, the tapered region is located proximal to the one or more lateral openings. In some embodiments, the anchor body further comprises one or more suture channels on an outer surface thereof, each suture channel configured to receive the first portion of the suture, the second portion of the suture, or both, each suture channel extending from a respective lateral opening to the distal end of the anchor body.

[0007] In some embodiments, the anchor screw defines a body that tapers proximally from a fourth dimension to a fifth dimension along a portion thereof (“screw tapered portion”), the fourth dimension being larger than the fifth dimension. In some embodiments, the screw tapered portion corresponds with the anchor body tapered region, such that first portion and the second portion of the suture is configured to be abutted therebetween.

[0008] In some embodiments, moving the anchor screw within the passageway comprises threading the anchor screw with the inner surface, using friction fit, or both. In some embodiments, the first portion of the suture is passed through a first lateral opening of the one or more lateral openings located on a first lateral side of the anchor body, and the second portion of the suture is passed through a second lateral opening of the one or more lateral openings located on a second lateral side of the anchor body, such that the first and second portions extend in different directions after entering the passageway. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the outer surface of the anchor body comprises one or more ridges configured to provide surface tension within the channel.

[0009] In some embodiments, the method further comprises moving the anchor screw distally within the passageway, so as to allow for re-tensioning of the suture, and then moving the anchor screw proximally within the passageway to secure the suture. In some embodiments, the method further comprises securing one or more additional sutures to the bone based on steps (a) - (e).

[0010] In some embodiments, the proximal tip of the anchor screw comprises a blunt end. In some embodiments, the anchor body about the first dimension has a width or diameter fromabout 3 mm to about 7 mm. In some embodiments, the suture has a width or diameter from about 1 mm to about 3 mm. In some embodiments, the anchor screw is configured to mate with an inserter at a distal end thereof. In some embodiments, the method further comprises creating the channel through the bone. In some embodiments, the method further comprises creating a bone tunnel, wherein the bone tunnel is disposed between the channel and the tissue, the bone tunnel configured to receive the suture therethrough. In some embodiments, the tissue comprises a meniscus, and the bone comprises tibia.

[0011] Disclosed herein, in other aspects, is a suture anchor system comprising: a) a suture having a first portion, a second portion, and a medial portion therebetween; and a b) suture anchor assembly, comprising i) an anchor body having an inner surface defining a passageway from a distal end to a proximal end thereof, the distal end having a distal opening having a first dimension, the proximal end having a proximal opening having a second dimension, wherein the first dimension is larger than the second dimension, such that at least a portion of the passageway tapers (“anchor body tapered region’7) from the first dimension to the second dimension, the anchor body configured to be disposed within a channel of a bone; ii) an anchor screw configured to be received within the passageway via the distal opening, the anchor screw defining a screw body that tapers proximally from a fourth dimension to a fifth dimension along a portion thereof (“screw tapered portion”), the fourth dimension being larger than the fifth dimension; and iii) one or more lateral openings disposed along a lateral portion of the anchor body, each lateral opening configure to receive the first portion, the second portion, or both of the suture, the one or more lateral openings disposed proximal to the anchor tapered portion; wherein, the screw tapered portion corresponds with the anchor body tapered region, and wherein the first portion and the second portion are configured to enter the passageway through the proximal end and exit through the one or more lateral openings, such that first portion and the second portion are configured to be abutted between the screw tapered portion and the anchor body tapered portion.

[0012] In some embodiments, the anchor body further comprises one or more suture channels on an outer surface thereof, each suture channel configured to receive the first portion of the suture, the second portion of the suture, or both, each suture channel extending from a respective lateral opening to the distal end of the anchor body. In some embodiments, the anchor screw is configured to be secured within the anchor body via threading, friction fit, or both. In some embodiments, a first lateral opening of the one or more lateral openings is located on a first lateral side of the anchor body, and a second lateral opening of the one or more lateral openings is located on a second lateral side of the anchor body.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first and second portions are configured to extend from the passageway in different directions by passing through different lateral openings of the one or more lateral openings. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the outer surface of the anchor body comprises one or more ridges configured to provide surface tension within the channel. In some embodiments, the system further comprises one or more additional sutures, each having a respective first and second portion configured to enter the passageway and exit any one of the one or more lateral openings. In some embodiments, a proximal tip of the anchor screw comprises a blunt end. In some embodiments, the anchor body about the first dimension has a width or diameter from about 3 mm to about 7 mm.

[0014] In some embodiments, the suture has a width or diameter from about 1 mm to about 3 mm. In some embodiments, the anchor body has a length from about 10 to about 20 mm. In some embodiments, the anchor screw is configured to mate with an inserter at a distal end thereof. In some embodiments, the suture is configured to couple with a tissue, so as to secure the tissue to the bone via i) insertion of the anchor body through the channel, and ii) securing the first and second portions between the screw tapered region and the anchor body tapered region. In some embodiments, the tissue comprises a meniscus, and the bone comprises tibia.

[0015] These and other embodiments are described in further detail in the following description related to the appended drawing figures.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Specific embodiments of the disclosed devices, delivery systems, or methods will now be described with reference to the drawings. The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee. Nothing in this detailed description is intended to imply that any particular component, feature, or step is essential to the invention.

[0017] FIG. 1 shows an exemplar}' meniscal root repair system, specifically a posterior root repair system, according to an embodiment described herein.

[0018] FIG. 2 depicts a cutaway view of an exemplary suture anchor assembly, according to an embodiment described herein.

[0019] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of an anchor body of the suture anchor assembly from FIG. 2, according to an embodiment herein.

[0020] FIG. 4 depicts a first side view of the anchor body of the suture anchor assembly from FIG. 2, according to an embodiment described herein.

[0021] FIG. 5 depicts a second side view of the anchor body of the suture anchor assembly from FIG. 2, according to an embodiment described herein.

[0022] FIG. 6 depicts a top view of the anchor body of the suture anchor assembly from FIG. 2, according to an embodiment described herein.

[0023] FIG. 7 depicts a flow chart of an exemplary method for securing a suture to a meniscus and tibia, according to an embodiment described herein.

[0024] FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary repair system having a suture extending from a tibia and through an anchor body, wherein first and second portions of the suture extend in different directions, according to an embodiment described herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Specific embodiments of the disclosed system and method will now be described with reference to the drawings. Nothing in this detailed description is intended to imply that any particular component, feature, or step is essential to the disclosure.

[0026] In some embodiments, the target tissue for repair is a meniscal root (e.g., of a meniscus), and the bone is the tibia, wherein the systems and methods described herein provide for securing a meniscal root (e.g., posterior root) to the tibia (so as to secure the meniscus to the tibia). Embodiments of the present method and system however can be used to repair and reconstruct tom ligaments and tendons in a variety' of locations of a human body. The meniscal root is selected in the following description of a repair system herein as an example, but it will be appreciated that the methods and systems disclosed herein may have many other possible applications, including other anatomical parts of a person, such as for example, for ACL repair. For example, an anchor described herein could be used to secure suture tails attached to a graft associated with the ACL repair. Other exemplary uses for an anchor described herein include acromioclavicular (AC) joint repair and / or ankle Syndesmosis.

[0027] The present disclosure, in some embodiments, provides meniscal root repair systems and methods that allow for tensioning of one or more sutures prior to and / or after securing said suture(s) about the meniscal root and tibia, thereby allowing for post-tensioning of the suture and any re-adjustments as need be after an initial securing of the meniscal root. In some embodiments, the meniscal root repair system described herein allows the suture to be secured to the meniscal root (e.g., posterior root, anterior root, lateral root, and / or medial root) and tibia using a suture anchor that is disposed within a channel within the tibia, such that a distal end of the suture anchor is flush or substantially flush with an exterior surface of the tibia, and thereby eliminating or reducing any protrusions extending from the tibia (e.g., such as a suture button as described herein). In some cases, such suture buttons (e.g., for traditional repair systems) and / orsutures, when placed proud against the tibia or extending from the tibia, result in patient discomfort or pain, and / or can cause irritation for the patient. In some cases, patients can feel the protrusions resulting from such arrangement of the suture buttons and / or suture in traditional repair systems.

[0028] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary meniscal root repair system, according to an embodiment herein, for securing a meniscal root (e g., posterior root 2) to the tibia 3. In some embodiments, the meniscal root is secured to the tibia using one or more sutures 30, which are passed through a bone tunnel 4 and secured in place using an anchor 10 (as described herein). In some embodiments, the anchor is disposed within a counterbore channel within the tibia 6. wherein the anchor remains flush or substantially flush within the counterbore channel, such that the anchor does not or does not substantially protrude or extend from the tibia. As described herein, in some embodiments, the suture is secured to the anchor via an anchor screw that is inserted within an anchor body of the anchor, wherein the anchor screw pinches the suture 30 within said anchor body (as described herein). As described herein, any number of sutures can be used to secure a meniscal root, and that are at least partially passed through the anchor for securing to the tibia.

[0029] In some embodiments, the bone tunnel, through which the suture(s) are passed through, has a width or diameter from about 1 mm to about 5 mm, or about 2 to about 4 mm, such as about 2.4 mm. In some embodiments, the counterbore channel has a width or diameter from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, from about 2 mm to about 8 mm, from about 4 mm to about 6 mm, such as about 5 mm. In some embodiments, the counterbore channel has a depth from about 5 mm to about 25 mm. such as from about 10 mm to about 20 mm, about 13 mm to about 18 mm, or about 16 mm.

[0030] FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary meniscal root repair system, specifically a cutaway view' of a suture anchor assembly comprising an anchor body 10 and an anchor screw 24. In some embodiments, the meniscal root repair system further comprises one or more sutures 30 configured to be secured via the suture anchor assembly (as described herein). In some embodiments, the anchor screw 24 is configured to be inserted within the anchor body 10, as depicted in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the anchor body 10 comprises a distal opening 12 at a distal end thereof, a proximal opening 14 at a proximal end thereof, and a passageway 22 therebetween. In some embodiments, the distal opening 12 includes a transverse dimension 18 that is larger than a transverse dimension 20 of the proximal opening 14. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a transverse dimension of the passagew ay 22 tapers from the distal opening dimension 18 to the proximal opening dimension 20. In some embodiments, the passageway 22 includes a tapered region 16 wherein the transverse dimension of the passageway tapers from asize equivalent or substantially equivalent to the distal opening dimension 18 to a size equivalent or substantially equivalent to the proximal opening dimension 20. In some embodiments, the term “dimension” as used herein refers to a diameter, width, cross-sectional area, or other references to size as known in the art, of the distal and proximal openings and the passageway.

[0031] In some embodiments, the anchor body 10 includes an inner surface that defines the passageway 22. In some embodiments, the anchor screw 24 is configured to be inserted through the distal opening 12 and within the passageway 22.

[0032] In some embodiments, the anchor screw 24 includes a proximal portion 26 that corresponds, or substantially corresponds with the tapered region 16 of the passageway 22. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the proximal portion of the anchor screw is configured to pinch the one or more sutures 30 that enter the passageway through the proximal opening 14 (as described herein) and that pass through the tapered region 16. In some embodiments, the suture comprises a first portion 30a and a second portion 30b configured to extend in different directions from the passageway 22, as described herein.

[0033] In some embodiments, the anchor screw 24 defines a region distal to the proximal portion 26 that corresponds or substantially corresponds with the passageway distal to the tapered region 16. In some embodiments, the anchor screw 24 is configured to be secured within the passageway 22 through friction fit. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the anchor body, that at least partially defines the passageway, includes threading that correspond to threading disposed about an outer surface of the anchor screw 24 (not show n), such that the anchor screw 24 is secured to the anchor body 10 via threading. In some embodiments, the anchor screw 24 includes a distal end 27 that is configured to receive at least a portion of a driver (not shown) that is configured to rotate the anchor screw 24, thereby enabling said threaded connection between the anchor screw 24 and anchor body 10. Accordingly, said driver is also configured to withdraw at least a portion of the anchor screw from the anchor body.

[0034] FIGs. 3-6 depict exemplar}’ perspective view s of the anchor body 10, including an outer surface. In some embodiments, the anchor body 10 includes one or more lateral openings 28 between the passageway 22 and the outer surface of the anchor body 10. In some embodiments, the one or more lateral openings are located distal to the tapered region 16. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the outer surface of the anchor body 10 includes a suture channel 32 extending distally from a corresponding lateral opening 28. In some embodiments, the suture channel 32 is recessed compared with an adjacent portion of the outer surface of the anchor body. In some embodiments, the suture channel 32 is configured to receive at least a portion of a suture therein, so as to enable the suture 30 to extend from the passageway- 22, through the lateral opening 28. and along the anchor body 10. In some embodiments, theanchor body comprises, 1, 2, 3, 4, or more lateral openings 28 and corresponding suture channels 32.

[0035] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the anchor body further comprises ridges 34 disposed thereabout. In some embodiments, the ridges 34 are configured to aid in fixation of the anchor body within the counterbore channel (as described herein, e.g., see reference character 6 from FIG. 1). For example, the ridges may provide further surface tension with an interior surface of a counterbore channel (e.g., channel within the tibia), so as to further secure the anchor body 10 within the counterbore channel. In some embodiments, the anchor body is secured within the counterbore channel via friction fit.

[0036] In some embodiments, a suture anchor assembly (e.g., both the anchor body and the anchor screw) used herein may be categorized based on material. For example, a suture anchor assembly used herein may be formed from bioinert and biocompatible metals such as titanium, stainless steel and alloys thereof. In some embodiments, a suture anchor assembly used herein is made of a bioabsorbable material or combination. Exemplary materials include PGA, polylactic acid (PLA) a copolymer of PLA and PGA (PLGA) or a combination of the two. Additional alternatives for a suture anchor assembly used herein include anchors that are biocomposites having a bioabsorbable polymer and an osteoconductive bioceramic or such materials in combination to accelerate bone formation and mineralization by the timed degradation of the ceramic along with the polymer. Still another alternative suture anchor assembly material is PEEK.

[0037] As described herein, a meniscal root repair system may include one or more sutures 30. In some embodiments, the repair system comprises 1. 2, 3, 4, or more sutures. In some embodiments, each lateral opening 28 and / or suture channel 32 of the anchor body is configured to receive 1, 2, 3, 4, or more sutures 30.

[0038] In some embodiments, for any suture used with the repair system, the suture material may comprise high-strength, non-absorbable suture material such as UHMWPE. In some embodiments, suture material may comprise non-absorbable suture material such as polyester. In some embodiments, the suture material may be made from absorbable suture material, such as polyglactin (PGLA). A main body of suture material used may comprise a standard braided UHMWPE suture conforming to a USP #2 standard for diameter and strength. In some embodiments, the suture material may be tapered. In particular, a free tail or a suture may be tapered to a smaller diameter. In particular, a smaller diameter of a suture material may allow for easier passing of the suture material through the anchor body. In some embodiments, a tapered section of a suture material may be generated by loosely braiding the strands so that they are able to be flattened out. In some embodiments, a tapered section of a suture material may begenerated by removing some of the strands of the suture material to decrease the diameter. In some embodiments, a tapered section of a suture material may be generated by removing a core of the suture material so as to decrease the diameter of the suture material. In some embodiments, both ends of the suture may conform to a USP #2 standard for diameter and strength, with a smaller diameter section along the suture between these two ends. In some embodiments, the tapered section may extend to one end of the suture.

[0039] In some embodiments, any suture used with a repair system herein comprises a suture tape, a round suture, or other sutures known in the art. In some embodiments, any one of the sutures used with a repair system described herein comprises a suture tape having a width from about 1 mm to about 3 mm, such as about 2 mm, or about 2.3 mm.

[0040] FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary flow chart of a method for performing a meniscal root repair (e.g., a posterior root repair). In some embodiments, a bone tunnel (e.g., see reference character 4 from FIG. 1) and a counterbore channel (e.g., see reference character 6 from FIG. 1) through the tibia is created 702 using any tool as known in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the bone tunnel is created by passing a guide pin through the tibia towards a meniscus root. In some embodiments the guide pin is from about 1 mm to about 3 mm, such as about 2 mm or about 2.4 mm in size (e.g., width, diameter). In some embodiments, the counterbore channel is created by drilling over the bone tunnel to create a larger opening for the anchor (e.g., from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, such as about 3 mm to about 7 mm, or about 5 mm). In some embodiments, the counterbore channel is sized so as to allow the anchor body (as described herein) to be secured within a portion of the counterbore channel via friction fit. In some embodiments, the counterbore depth may correspond to a length of the anchor, which may be from about 5 mm to about 25 mm, such as from about 10 mm to about 20 mm, from about 13 mm to about 17 mm, or about 16 mm. In some embodiments, the counterbore depth is maximized so as to minimize or reduce a length of the bone tunnel, and thereby reduce a length of the suture needed. In some embodiments, the length of the bone tunnel is from about 0.5 cm to about 5 cm, such as from about 1 cm to about 2 cm, or about 3.7 cm.

[0041] In some embodiments, a distal surface or region of the meniscus to be repaired faces a proximal opening of the bone tunnel (e.g., reference character 4 of FIG. 1). In some embodiments, one or more sutures are coupled 704 to the meniscus (corresponding to where a root is to be repaired, such as the posterior root). In some embodiments, for a given suture, coupling the suture to the meniscus includes passing the suture through an opening in the meniscus, such that a first portion of the suture is disposed about a proximal surface or region of the meniscus and a second portion of the suture is disposed about a distal surface or region of the meniscus. The first portion is then wrapped around a peripheral edge of the meniscus suchthat both the first and second portions of the suture can extend from the distal surface or region of the meniscus, while having a medial portion of the suture between the first and second portions of the suture disposed about a proximal surface or region of the meniscus.

[0042] In some embodiments, step 702 can occur after step 704.

[0043] In some embodiments, the first and second portions of the suture are passed through the bone tunnel and the counterbore, and thereafter through the proximal opening 706 of the anchor body 14 so as to enter the passageway 22, and pass through the tapered region 16. In some embodiments, the first and second portions are passed through 708 one or more lateral openings 28 to exit the passageway. In some embodiments, the first portion is passed through a first lateral opening, and the second portion is passed through a second lateral opening that is spaced apart from the first lateral opening, such that the first and second portions extend from the passageway in different directions.

[0044] In some embodiments, the anchor body is then inserted within the counterbore channel 706, and secured therein (as described herein). In some embodiments, a distal end of the anchor body is flush or substantially flush with an exterior surface of the tibia, and / or the anchor body is completed inserted within the counterbore channel, such that the anchor body does not protrude from the counterbore channel and does not extend beyond the distal end of the counterbore channel.

[0045] In some embodiments, each of the first and second portions of the suture, which are configured to pass along a respective suture channel (with respect to a lateral opening) when within the counterbore channel, are tensioned 712. FIG. 8 provides an exemplary depiction of a suture 30 extending from the tibia 3 and through an anchor 10 (as described herein), with the first 30a and second 30b portions of the suture being tensioned (FIG. 8 also depicts two ends from a second suture for a total of 4 ends of sutures being passed through the anchor), while an inserter 8 is coupled to the anchor for insertion within the counterbore channel within the tibia.

[0046] In some embodiments, the anchor screw is locked 714 within the passageway so as to secure the suture to the anchor body in the tensioned configuration (e.g., after tensioning the suture). In some embodiments, the anchor screw is locked using said inserter, which may be rotated to drive the screw inside the anchor body. In some embodiments, the anchor screw pinches the first and second portions of the suture along the lateral region 16 of the passageway, thereby providing two regions of the suture that is secured to the anchor body. In some embodiments, an inserter (which may also be referred to as driver interchangeably) is used to insert the anchor screw, which may include rotating the anchor screw for a threaded connection with the anchor body. Optionally, in some embodiments, where the suture is needed to be retensioned, the anchor screw can be at least partially removed (e.g., using an inserter to rotate theanchor screw to withdraw from the passageway), where once the pinch exerted by the anchor screw on the suture is removed, the suture can be tensioned again 716, after which the anchor screw can be re-inserted to secure the suture to the anchor body. In some embodiments, such retensioning may be needed if there is slack in the suture at the time of initial securement of the suture about the meniscus and tibia, and / or if slack in the suture develops over time such that retensioning is needed. For example, in some embodiments, such re-tensioning may be needed if there is a change in the knee position, where it is determined there is additional slack in the suture that needs to be removed, or if the suture looks too taut. In some embodiments, once a desired tensioning of the suture is obtained, and the anchor screw is locked within the anchor, the suture tails may be trimmed.

[0047] In some embodiments, steps 704 through 712 can occur in any sequential order. For example, in some embodiments, the anchor is inserted within the counterbore channel prior to tensioning the suture, prior to coupling the suture with the meniscus, and / or prior to passing the suture through the bone tunnel.

[0048] As used herein, the term '‘approximately” and “about” means within 15% of a given stated numerical value for a parameter, variable, dimension, and the like.

[0049] As will be understood by one of ordinary' skill in the art, any of the anchors, inserts, sutures, and delivery devices may be combined with one another or substituted for another and thus any number of combinations may be used. Additionally, various features of an anchor system have been described herein including anchor tip configurations, insert tip configurations, channel configurations, suture passage configurations, suture groove configurations, bone engaging ridges, suture types and numbers, delivery device configurations, driver tip configurations, and device coupler configurations. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that these features may be combined with one another or substituted for another and thus any number of combinations may be used.

[0050] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now- occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.

Claims

CLAIMSWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method for securing a tissue to a bone, the method comprising:(a) coupling a suture to the tissue, the suture having a first and second portion;(b) passing the first and second portions of the suture through a portion of an anchor body having an inner surface defining a passageway from a distal end to a proximal end thereof, the distal end having a distal opening having a first dimension, the proximal end having a proximal opening having a second dimension, wherein the first dimension is larger than the second dimension, such that at least a portion of the passageway tapers (“tapered region”) from the first dimension to the second dimension, wherein the first and second portions of the suture are passed through i) the proximal opening to enter the passageway, and ii) one or more lateral openings on the anchor body to exit the passageway;(c) tensioning the suture via the first and second portions of the suture thereby tensioning at least a portion of the distal surface of the tissue to the bone;(d) inserting the anchor body through a channel within the bone; and(e) moving an anchor screw proximally within the passageway, such that the anchor screw at a proximal portion thereof abuts the suture against the inner surface, thereby securing the suture within the anchor body.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein coupling the suture about the tissue comprises disposing the suture about the tissue such that a first and second portion of the suture extend distally from a distal surface of the tissue, and at least a medial portion of the suture between the first and second portions is disposed about a proximal surface of the tissue.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the tapered region is located proximal to the one or more lateral openings.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the anchor body further comprises one or more suture channels on an outer surface thereof, each suture channel configured to receive the first portion of the suture, the second portion of the suture, or both, each suture channel extending from a respective lateral opening to the distal end of the anchor body.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the anchor screw defines a body that tapers proximally from a fourth dimension to a fifth dimension along a portion thereof (“screw tapered portion”), the fourth dimension being larger than the fifth dimension.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the screw tapered portion corresponds with the anchor body tapered region, such that first portion and the second portion of the suture is configured to be abutted therebetween.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein moving the anchor screw within the passageway comprises threading the anchor screw with the inner surface, using friction fit, or both.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the suture is passed through a first lateral opening of the one or more lateral openings located on a first lateral side of the anchor body, and the second portion of the suture is passed through a second lateral opening of the one or more lateral openings located on a second lateral side of the anchor body, such that the first and second portions extend in different directions after entering the passageway.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the outer surface of the anchor body comprises one or more ridges configured to provide surface tension within the channel.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising moving the anchor screw distally within the passageway, so as to allow for re-tensioning of the suture, and then moving the anchor screw proximally within the passageway to secure the suture.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising securing one or more additional sutures to the bone based on steps (a) - (e).

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the proximal tip of the anchor screw comprises a blunt end.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the anchor body about the first dimension has a width or diameter from about 3 mm to about 7 mm.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the suture has a width or diameter from about 1 mm to about 3 mm.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the anchor screw is configured to mate with an inserter at a distal end thereof.

16. The method of claim 1, further comprising creating the channel through the bone.

17. The method of claim 1, further comprising creating a bone tunnel, wherein the bone tunnel is disposed between the channel and the tissue, the bone tunnel configured to receive the suture therethrough.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein the tissue comprises a meniscus, and the bone comprises tibia.

19. A suture anchor system comprising:(a) a suture having a first portion, a second portion, and a medial portion therebetween; and(b) a suture anchor assembly, comprising:(i) an anchor body having an inner surface defining a passageway from a distal end to a proximal end thereof, the distal end having a distal opening having a first dimension, the proximal end having a proximal opening having a second dimension, wherein the first dimension is larger than the second dimension, such that at least a portion of the passageway tapers (‘“anchor body tapered region”) from the first dimension to the second dimension, the anchor body configured to be disposed within a channel of a bone;(ii) an anchor screw configured to be received within the passageway via the distal opening, the anchor screw defining a screw body that tapers proximally from a fourth dimension to a fifth dimension along a portion thereof (“screw tapered portion”), the fourth dimension being larger than the fifth dimension; and(iii) one or more lateral openings disposed along a lateral portion of the anchor body, each lateral opening configure to receive the first portion, the second portion, or both of the suture, the one or more lateral openings disposed proximal to the anchor tapered portion; wherein, the screw tapered portion corresponds with the anchor body tapered region, and wherein the first portion and the second portion are configured to enter the passageway through the proximal end and exit through the one or more lateral openings, such that first portion and the second portion are configured to be abutted between the screw tapered portion and the anchor body tapered portion.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the anchor body further comprises one or more suture channels on an outer surface thereof, each suture channel configured to receive the firstportion of the suture, the second portion of the suture, or both, each suture channel extending from a respective lateral opening to the distal end of the anchor body.

21. The system of claim 19, wherein the anchor screw is configured to be secured within the anchor body via threading, friction fit, or both.

22. The system of claim 19, wherein a first lateral opening of the one or more lateral openings is located on a first lateral side of the anchor body, and a second lateral opening of the one or more lateral openings is located on a second lateral side of the anchor body.

23. The system of claim 19, wherein the first and second portions are configured to extend from the passageway in different directions by passing through different lateral openings of the one or more lateral openings.

24. The system of claim 19, wherein at least a portion of the outer surface of the anchor body comprises one or more ridges configured to provide surface tension within the channel.

25. The system of claim 19, further comprising one or more additional sutures, each having a respective first and second portion configured to enter the passageway and exit any one of the one or more lateral openings.

26. The system of claim 19, wherein a proximal tip of the anchor screw comprises a blunt end.

27. The system of claim 19, wherein the anchor body about the first dimension has a width or diameter from about 3 mm to about 7 mm.

28. The system of claim 19, wherein the suture has a width or diameter from about 1 mm to about 3 mm.

29. The system of claim 19, wherein the anchor body has a length from about 10 to about 20 mm.

30. The system of claim 19, wherein the anchor screw is configured to mate with an inserter at a distal end thereof.

31. The system of claim 19, wherein the suture is configured to couple with a tissue, so as to secure the tissue to the bone via i) insertion of the anchor body through the channel, and ii) securing the first and second portions between the screw tapered region and the anchor body tapered region.

32. The system of claim 31, wherein the tissue comprises a meniscus, and the bone comprises tibia.

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