Multi-anchor suture

Abstract

A multi-anchor suture is provided which comprises at least two anchors and at least one suture attached to each anchor. The multiple anchors are inserted into a patient's bone and the suture connecting the anchors facilitates reattachment of soft tissue to the bone. Also provided is a method of attaching soft tissue to bone using the inventive multi-anchor suture.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A device for attaching soft tissue to bone during arthroscopic surgery comprising: 
 two anchors that are capable of being at least partially inserted into a bone, wherein each anchor has a region adapted to reduce the possibility that the anchor will disengage from the bone; and    a knotless suture attached to each anchor.    
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the region adapted to reduce the possibility that the anchor will disengage from the bone comprises barbs.  
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2  wherein the suture is attached to at least one barb.  
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 2  wherein the barbs bend slightly during insertion of the anchor into the bone.  
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the region adapted to reduce the possibility that the anchor will disengage from the bone comprises threads.  
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the anchors each have a length and the suture has a length, and wherein the length of the suture is less than the length of at least one anchor.  
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the anchors are relatively firmly embedded in the bone.  
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the suture and both anchors are intregal.  
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1  wherein at least one anchor is non-cannulated.  
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the anchors are cannulated.  
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the anchors are held in place during initial insertion into the bone by guide wires.  
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the suture is attached to each anchor at a single position on each anchor.  
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the two anchors are substantially identical.  
     
     
         14 . A method for attaching soft tissue to bone during arthoscopic surgery comprising: 
 inserting at least two anchors partially into a bone; and    connecting the anchors with a knotless suture to maintain a soft tissue adjacent to the bone.    
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14  comprising the further step of: 
 applying force to the anchors to insert the anchors into the bone at least approximately 5-6 millimeters.  
 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14  comprising the further step of: 
 applying force to the anchors at least until the suture is taut.  
 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the anchors are space apart in the bone approximately 5 millimeters.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the anchors are cannulated.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 14  wherein at least one anchor is inserted into the soft tissue.  
     
     
         20 . A device for re-attaching soft tissue to bone comprising: 
 two anchors for insertion into a tissue and a bone; and    a suture which is eccentrically attached to each anchor without the use of a knot.