Patrick M Pierre

US Patent:

7063717, Jun 20, 2006

Filed:

Sep 27, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/256076

Inventors:

Patrick St. Pierre - Alexandria VA, US
Jeffrey Wyman - Naples FL, US
Reinhold Schmieding - Naples FL, US
Philip S. O'Quinn - Naples FL, US

Assignee:

Arthrex, Inc. - Naples FL

International Classification:

A61B 17/04

US Classification:

606232, 606 72, 606104

Abstract:

Endosteal fixation of a ligament graft with an interference fixation device installed in a retrograde manner in ACL reconstruction is disclosed. The interference fixation device may be a screw or a ribbed implant fitted with a length of reinforced suture or wire for pulling the interference fixation device through the tibial tunnel. The suture extends beyond the leading tip of the interference fixation device a sufficient length to allow the interference fixation device to be passed into the joint by pulling on the suture or wire exiting the tibial tunnel. A driver or an impaction device, such as a slap hammer, is employed to advance and insert the interference fixation device in a retrograde manner into the tibial tunnel. Accordingly, interference fixation of the graft near the tibial plateau is provided, thereby eliminating graft abrasion at the tibial plateau tunnel opening.