Adjustable continuous filament structure and method of manufacture and use
AssigneeHowmedica Osteonics Corp.
InventorsKyle Craig Pilgeram, Luis Padilla, Aaron Vodnick, Randy Longerich
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Abstract
A method of assembling an adjustable continuous filament assembly whereby a single length of filament is spliced to form a nonadjustable portion and a single free segment. The single free segment is introduced into the inner core of the nonadjustable portion at a first position. The single free segment is passed through at least a portion of the inner core of the nonadjustable portion. The single free segment is withdrawn from the nonadjustable portion at a second position, thereby forming an adjustable portion secured to the nonadjustable portion and adjustable by the single free segment.
Claims20
A method of assembling an adjustable continuous filament assembly, comprising the steps of:
- splicing a single length of filament forming a nonadjustable portion and a single free segment;
- introducing the single free segment into an inner core of the nonadjustable portion at a first position;
- passing the single free segment through at least a portion of the inner core of the nonadjustable portion;
- and
- withdrawing the single free segment from the nonadjustable portion at a second position, thereby forming an adjustable portion secured to the nonadjustable portion and adjustable by the single free segment.
A continuous filament assembly, comprising:
- a single line of filament having a nonadjustable portion, an adjustable portion, and a single free segment, the adjustable portion having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion extending from the nonadjustable portion to a first position along an outer wall of the nonadjustable portion, and the second portion entering into the outer wall of the nonadjustable portion nonadjustable portion and extending through at least a portion of an inner core of the nonadjustable portion nonadjustable portion to a second position along the outer wall of the nonadjustable portion, the single free segment extending from the outer wall of the nonadjustable portion at the second position such that the free segment is continuous with the second portion of the adjustable portion, wherein pulling the free segment shrinks the first portion of the adjustable portion.
A method of positioning, securing and tensioning a replacement ACL graft within a tunnel extending through a femur using a continuous adjustable filament device, comprising the steps of:
- introducing to the tunnel a single line of filament having a nonadjustable portion, an adjustable portion, a single free segment, and a button anchor, the button anchor being secured to the nonadjustable portion, and the graft positioned through the adjustable portion;
- passing the filament, anchor and graft into a femoral tunnel such that the anchor engages a lateral cortex of the femur;
- tensioning the single free segment to shrink the adjustable portion;
- and
- securing the graft within a tibial tunnel.
A method of positioning tissue against bone using a continuous adjustable filament device, comprising the steps of:
- obtaining a single line of filament having a nonadjustable portion, an adjustable portion, single free segment, and a suture anchor, the suture anchor being secured to the single line of filament;
- passing at least a portion of the adjustable portion through the tissue;
- passing the nonadjustable portion and suture anchor through the adjustable portion passed through the tissue;
- inserting the suture anchor into the bone;
- and
- tensioning the single free segment to shrink the adjustable portion, thereby positioning the tissue against the bone.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.