Importance

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Abstract

An installation tool for deploying an anchoring device in a preformed hole in a workpiece is provided. The anchoring device is attached to a portion of a length of cord-like material carrying a needle-like member about at least one of its free ends. A retention device defining a continuous groove around an axle; a retention groove defined by circumferentially spaced arcuate projections from at least one of its end surfaces; and a notch forming a pathway connecting the continuous groove with the retention groove also is provided. The needle-like member and the free end of the cord-like material are releasably located in the retention groove, the cord-like material is passed through the notch, and the cord-like material extending from the fastening device is wrapped around the axle. The retention device is also releasably attachable to the handle of the installation tool. In use, the free end(s) of the cord-like material and the needle-like member(s) are held by the retention device mounted on the handle of the installation tool during the insertion of the anchoring device. Thereafter, the retention device may be detached from the handle, and kept in the vicinity of the hole until the free end(s) of the cord-like material and the needle-like member(s) are required for use in attaching an object to the workpiece. In the preferred embodiments, the fastening device is a suture anchor, the workpiece is bone, the cord-like material is suture, and the needle-like members are curved surgical needles.

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First Claim