Tendon retention device

A method for securing a flexor digitorum longus tendon to a plantar aspect of a proximal phalangeal bone for the correction of a toe contracture comprising the steps of:

• piercing the flexor digitorum longus tendon by a sharp instrument);
• drilling a bore in the proximal phalangeal bone;
• providing a retention device comprising:
• a tack configured for insertion into and through the flexor digitorum tendon and into a plantar aspect of the proximal phalangeal bone, the tack having a round base defining a sloped upper side and a planar lower side, texturing on the sloped upper side of the rounded base, a shank of a first diameter extending from the upper side of the rounded base and having an upper end distal to the rounded base, and an externally threaded shaft extending from the upper end of the shank and having a second diameter that is less than the first diameter of the shank;
• and
• a sleeve configured for insertion into and through the proximal phalangeal bone and onto the tack, the sleeve having a tubular body defining a first end and a second end, an internally threaded bore extending into the tubular body from the first end thereof and sized to threadedly engage the externally threaded shaft of the tack, and a head on the second end of the tubular body, the head having non-threaded bone engagement features that allow the second component to be threadedly received onto the tack but disallow disengagement of the second component from the tack;
• pushing the externally threaded shaft of the tack through the flexor digitorum tendon;
• tensioning the flexor digitorum tendon;
• threading the sleeve onto the threaded shaft of the tack until the flexor digitorum tendon is appropriately compressed.