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 the rotator cuff and then anchoring the first suture anchor into the humerus, the first suture anchor including
 (i) an elongated body having an axially oriented bore into the body, the bore including at least one axially oriented suture passage and a wall thickness between the bore and an external surface of the body, 
 (ii) a suture of gauge #2 or lower passing into the bore, around a suture attachment in the bore and back out of the bore, 
 (iii) a maximum outer diameter of 4 mm, and 
 (iv) external threads about a portion of the exterior surface of the body adjacent the at least one suture passage; 
 wherein the first suture anchor being threaded into the humerus during the step of anchoring and wherein the suture passage comprising an area where the wall thickness goes to zero between the external threads and the bore; 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 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 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 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 anchor has a maximum diameter of 2.8 mm.