Importance

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Abstract

A suture anchor assembly is described which includes an elongated insertion stem and an approximately cylindrical anchoring element having an axial channel for receiving the insertion stem. In its nonexpanded state, the anchoring element can be placed into a pre-drilled opening in a bone. An expander element loaded onto the insertion stem is engaged with a proximal end of the anchoring element. The proximal end of the anchoring element is capable of telescoping or camming movement over the distal end of the expander element so that resilient proximal portions of the anchoring element are forced outward against the expander element, causing the resilient proximal portions of the anchoring element to expand into the bone hole, fixing the anchoring element in a pressure fit firmly within the opening. A kit for emplacing and removing the suture anchor is also provided as well as methods for attaching a suture to a bone using the present assembly.

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First Claim