Importance

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Abstract

A cannulated bone screw for anchoring bidirectional suture threads to bone is provided, comprising a biocompatible body having a proximal end and a distal end, the body including exterior screw threads, preferably self-tapping, for inserting and retaining the body into the bone; a passageway extending through the body, the passageway including a central portion, a proximal portion, and preferably a distal portion, the central portion being sized to receive a suture thread therethrough, the proximal and distal portions each being sized to receive a suture thread knot, the central portion being sized smaller than the proximal and distal portions, the central portion being sufficiently small as to prevent a suture thread knot from being drawn therethrough; and a drive socket, formed into the proximal end of the body, the drive socket being sized to prevent a drive tool from contacting a suture thread knot within the proximal portion of the passageway. The body of the bone screw may be either cylindrical in shape, or it may be tapered with variably pitched screw threads. The bone screw is constructed of a biocompatible material, such as a metal, a non-absorbable polymer, or a bioabsorbable material, where the biocompatible material is coated with a bioabsorbable coating having a low coefficient of friction. The bioabsorbable coating may include one or more compounds, such as a pharmaceutical or selected bone growth factors. A method for using the bidirectional bone screw is also provided.

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First Claim