Partial thickness rotator cuff repair system and method

Abstract

A suture anchor is disclosed which has an elongated body having a distal end, a proximal end and an exterior surface. An axially oriented bore extends into the body from the proximal end and a proximal portion of the bore has a plurality of abutment surfaces for engaging a tool. The bore includes one or more axially oriented suture passages leading to a suture attachment within the bore. A length of suture extends into the at least one suture passage from the body proximal end and extends to the suture attachment. A screw thread spirals about a portion of the exterior surface of the body adjacent the at least one suture passage. Between the bore and the exterior surface of the body the body has a wall thickness and wherein the suture passage comprises the area where the wall thickness goes to zero.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A method of performing a partial thickness rotator cuff repair, the method comprising the steps of:
 inserting a first suture anchor through a tendon of a rotator cuff and then anchoring the first suture anchor into a humerus, the first suture anchor comprising;
 an elongated body having an axially oriented bore into the body, 
 a suture of gauge #2 or lower passing into the bore, around a suture attachment in the bore and back out of the bore; 
 a maximum outer diameter of 4 mm; and 
 external threads; 
 the first suture anchor being threaded into the humerus during the stop of anchoring; and 
 wherein the first suture anchor has a pull-out resistance from the humerus of at least 25 pounds; 
   inserting a second suture anchor into the humerus;   passing a first length of the suture from the first suture anchor through the tendon and to the second suture anchor whereby to hold the tendon to the humerus.   
     
     
         16 . A method according to  claim 15  wherein the first suture anchor is formed of a bioabsorbable material. 
     
     
         17 . A method according to  claim 15  wherein the first suture anchor is not proud of a surface of the humerus. 
     
     
         18 . A method according to  claim 15  and further comprising the step of passing a second length of the suture from the first suture anchor and through the tendon. 
     
     
         19 . A method according to  claim 18  and further comprising the step of anchoring a third suture anchor into the humerus and passing the second length of the suture to the third suture anchor. 
     
     
         20 . A method according to  claim 15  wherein the first suture anchor has a maximum diameter of 3.5 mm. 
     
     
         21 . A method according to  claim 20  wherein the first suture anchor has a maximum diameter of 2.8 mm. 
     
     
         22 . A method according to  claim 15  wherein the body comprises two axially aligned spine members with the axially oriented bore being open between the spine members and between the threads. 
     
     
         23 . A method according to  claim 15  wherein the suture is slidably received upon the suture attachment.