Tensionable constructs with multi-limb locking mechanism through single splice and methods of tissue repair

Abstract

Systems and methods for soft tissue to bone repairs, without knot tying. Soft tissue repair systems include self-cinching constructs with a fixation device, a flexible strand with multiple flexible limbs, and a shuttle/pull device attached to the flexible strand to shuttle the multiple flexible limbs through the flexible strand and form a locking splice.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A surgical construct for tissue repairs, comprising:
 a tensionable construct comprising a flexible strand with a plurality of limbs, and a shuttling device attached to the flexible strand,   wherein the shuttling device allows the plurality of limbs of the flexible strand to pass through the flexible strand and form a locking splice and multiple adjustable closed loops.   
     
     
         2 . The surgical construct of  claim 1 , wherein the tensionable construct consists of the flexible strand with the plurality of limbs and the shuttling device attached to the flexible strand. 
     
     
         3 . The surgical construct of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible strand is a suture or suture tape with an end region split into the plurality of limbs. 
     
     
         4 . The surgical construct of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible strand is formed of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene. 
     
     
         5 . The surgical construct of  claim 1 , wherein the shuttling device is a suture passing instrument or a wire loop. 
     
     
         6 . A surgical system for tissue repairs, comprising:
 a fixation device comprising a body, a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end; and   a tensionable construct pre-loaded on the fixation device, the tensionable construct consisting of a flexible strand and a shuttling device attached to the flexible strand, wherein the flexible strand has one end which terminates in a knot and another end which is split into multiple limbs.   
     
     
         7 . The surgical system of  claim 6 , wherein the flexible strand is affixed to the body of the fixation device by passing the flexible strand through an opening at a distal end of the body and tying the knot. 
     
     
         8 . The surgical system of  claim 6 , wherein the shuttling device is configured to be pulled out of the body of the fixation device to allow the multiple limbs of the flexible strand to pass through the flexible strand and form a locking splice. 
     
     
         9 . The surgical system of  claim 8 , wherein the locking splice is formed outside the body of the fixation device. 
     
     
         10 . The surgical system of  claim 8 , wherein the locking splice is formed inside the body of the fixation device. 
     
     
         11 . The surgical system of  claim 6 , wherein at least a portion of the body is cannulated and the tensionable construct extends through the body. 
     
     
         12 . The surgical system of  claim 6 , wherein the flexible strand is fixed to the body of the fixation device, or to a part of the body of the fixation device. 
     
     
         13 . The surgical system of  claim 6 , wherein the body has an opening at a most proximal end configured to receive a driver head for driving the fixation device, and an opening at a most distal end configured to receive and house the knot of the flexible strand. 
     
     
         14 . The surgical system of  claim 6 , wherein the fixation device is an anchor with an anchor body provided with a plurality of circumferential ribs or ridges extending from an outer surface of the anchor body.