Method for creating a double bundle ligament orientation in a single bone tunnel during knee ligament reconstruction

Abstract

A method and construct for joint repair in which attachment of a double bundle graft ligament approximates anatomic orientation using interference fixation in a single bone tunnel. The double bundle graft features separable strands. A threaded screw is inserted between the separable strands and provides interference fixation of the graft against radially opposing walls defining the bone tunnel. Attachment of the graft using separated strands more closely approximate the configuration of the native ligament. The resulting reconstruction exhibits mechanical functionality that more accurately mimics that of the intact joint, with a minimum of associated tissue morbidity.

1 - 4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . A construct for surgical reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament of a knee, comprising:
 a folded over graft having separable strands;   a fixation device disposed between the separable strands of the folded over graft near an orifice of a femoral socket, the orifice of the femoral socket being disposed at the joint, the graft being secured in the femoral socket with the fixation device so as to approximate the anatomical attachment and functionality of the anterior cruciate ligament being replaced by separating and anatomically placing the separable strands of the graft with the fixation device so as to reconstruct anteromedial and posterolateral bundles of the anterior cruciate ligament.   
     
     
         6 . A construct as recited in  claim 5 , wherein the folded over graft includes two strands, and the fixation device is installed between two strands of the graft such that the graft strands are secured separately by the fixation device against a corresponding opposing wall of the socket. 
     
     
         7 . A construct as recited in  claim 5 , wherein the fixation device comprises a threaded screw. 
     
     
         8 . A construct as recited in  claim 5 , comprising multiple adjacent graft bundle ligaments. 
     
     
         9 . The construct as recited in  claim 5 , wherein the separable strands of the folded over graft are also secured in a tibial tunnel with a second fixation device. 
     
     
         10 . A construct as recited in  claim 5 , wherein the graft is a double graft. 
     
     
         11 . A construct as recited in  claim 5 , wherein the graft is a triple graft. 
     
     
         12 . A construct as recited in  claim 5 , wherein the graft is a quadruple graft.