Suture anchor installation system and method

An apparatus for placement of a suture anchor having a suture connected thereto, which comprises:

• a handle dimensioned for engagement by the user, the handle including:
• a frame having first and second opposed frame sections, each frame half section having a suture retainer adapted for retaining a suture portion;
• first and second covers releasably mounted to respective first and second frame sections to at least partially enclose the suture retainers, each cover having a needle park for retaining a needle;
• and
• a release button mounted to the frame and movable to release the first and second covers to expose the suture portions;
• and
• an elongated member connected to the handle and extending therefrom, the elongated member having an anchor mount for mounting a suture anchor.