Importance

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Abstract

A suture anchor inserter includes a manually engageable handle and a shaft which extends from the handle through a passage in the anchor. During insertion of the anchor into body tissue, an end portion of the shaft pierces the body tissue in advance of the anchor. At the same time, a pusher surface on the shaft applies force against a trailing end portion of the anchor to push the anchor into the body tissue. The shaft may be formed as one piece or may include an inner member which is enclosed by an outer member which is movable relative to the inner member. During insertion of the anchor into body tissue, it may be desired to change the orientation of the anchor relative to the body tissue and the shaft of the inserter. When the orientation of the anchor is to be changed, rotational force is applied to the anchor by tensioning the suture and pressing the end portion of the shaft against an inner surface of the passage in the anchor.

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First Claim