Importance

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Abstract

A system for fixation of a soft tissue tear includes a flexible, generally helical fixation element biased to a predetermined pitch. A hollow, generally helical insertion element is dimensioned to admit at least a distal portion of the fixation element into a lumen thereof. The insertion element's pitch along a central portion is larger than that of the fixation element. The insertion element is insertable in a screwing motion across the soft tissue tear and is positionable with the central portion bridging the tear. The fixation element is insertable into the insertion element, and the insertion element is removable in a reverse screwing motion, leaving the fixation element positioned across the tear. The positioning of the central portion permits the fixation element to contract following removal of the insertion element to bring the two bridged sides of the tear together, permitting them to heal. An orthopedic system for stabilizing two sections of a bone in spaced-apart relation includes an elongated guide element and a coil element having a bore dimensioned for threading over the guide element. The coil element is biased in an outward direction for fixating two sections of bone in a desired spaced-apart orientation.

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First Claim