Method and apparatus for testing suture anchors

A system for testing the strength of sutures connected to an anchor installed into a bone, the system comprising:

• at least one sensor configured to generate a signal responsive to a linear force at the sensor;
• means for connecting the sutures, that are connected to the anchor installed in the bone, to the at least one sensor;
• a controller for receiving the signal generated by the at least one sensor;
• and
• an indicator operatively coupled to the controller, wherein
• the controller compares the signal received from the at least one sensor with a threshold, and activates the Indicator when the sensor signal exceeds the threshold.

A system for testing the strength of an anchor installed into a bone, the system comprising:

• at least one sensor configured to generate a signal responsive to a force at the sensor;
• a mechanical link associated with the at least one sensor and detachably connected to the anchor that is installed into the bone for applying a force thereto in a direction away from the bone and for transmitting the applied force to the at least one sensor;
• a controller for receiving the signal generated by the at least one sensor;
• and
• an indicator operatively coupled to the controller, wherein
• the controller activates the indicator in response to the signal received from the sensor.

An apparatus for testing the strength of an anchor installed into a bone, the apparatus comprising:

• at least one sensor configured to generate a signal in response to a force;
• a link associated with the at least one sensor for applying a force to the anchor which is at least in part in a direction away from the bone and for transmitting the applied force to the at least one sensor;
• and
• an indicator operably coupled to the at least one sensor, the indicator configured to activate based on the signal from the at least one sensor.