Importance

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Abstract

A system and method for re-attaching soft tissue to bone. In its preferred embodiment, the system comprises pin means, sleeve means, driver means, suture anchor means and suture anchor installation tool means. In use, the soft tissue is placed against the surface of the bone in its desired re-attachment position. Then the pin means is passed through the soft tissue and into the bone to securely fix the pin means (and hence the soft tissue) to the bone. Then the patient's anatomy is manipulated as needed to determine if the soft tissue has been properly positioned relative to the bone. If the soft tissue is properly positioned, the surgeon proceeds to the next step in the procedure; if not, the pin means is removed and the tissue positioning operation repeated until the soft tissue has been positioned in the desired location. Next, the sleeve means is slid telescopically over the pin means, passed through the soft tissue and then, using the driver means, drilled into the bone. Then the pin means is completely withdrawn from the bone and the soft tissue, leaving a hole in the bone. The suture anchor means is then passed down the interior of the sleeve means and into the bone, using the suture anchor installation tool means. Then the installation tool means is withdrawn from the sleeve means, leaving the suture anchor means deployed in the bone and its associated suture extending out through the sleeve means. The sleeve means is then withdrawn, and the free ends of the suture used to secure the soft tissue to the bone.

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First Claim