Suture management system

Abstract

Assemblies, devices and methods are provided for suture management associated with surgical procedures for anchoring suture to bone. Suture elements mounted to suture anchors are terminated in suture loops or tags, and associated stop members that in combination with visual coding provide suture identification, prevent accidental unmounting of suture from suture anchors, and reduce the number of suture legs requiring active management during complex arthroscopic repairs. The present invention also provides exemplary drivers that can be used with the various methods and devices disclosed herein, or with other methods and devices known in the art.

1 - 29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . A method for reattaching soft tissue to a bone, comprising:
 fixing into the bone a suture anchor which has a first suture element slidably attached thereto, the first suture element having a first end and a second end, the first end terminating in a suture loop;   connecting the first suture element to the soft tissue;   forming a surgical knot with the first suture element suture loop.   
     
     
         31 . A method according to  claim 30  wherein the first element suture loop is collapsible and the step of forming the surgical knot comprises collapsing the first element suture loop. 
     
     
         32 . A method according to  claim 30  and further comprising the step of passing a second suture element through the first element suture loop. 
     
     
         33 . A method according to  claim 32  and further comprising the step of coupling the second suture element to the first suture element suture loop. 
     
     
         34 . A method according to  claim 33  wherein the second suture element is coupled to the first suture element suture loop by collapsing the first suture element suture loop. 
     
     
         35 . A method according to  claim 33  wherein the second suture element is coupled to the first suture element suture loop by tying the first suture element suture loop. 
     
     
         36 . A method according to  claim 30  wherein the suture is slidably received through an opening on the suture anchor and wherein the suture loop stops the first end of the first suture element from passing through the opening. 
     
     
         37 - 39 . (canceled)