Biointerference screw fixation technique

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.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.