Method and Apparatus for Fixing a Graft in a Bone Tunnel

Abstract

A method for fixing a bone block in a bone tunnel comprising the steps of placing the bone block in the bone tunnel, advancing spaced-apart first and second metal wires through the bone, transversely of the bone tunnel, so as to intersect the bone block and extend through the bone block, removing one of the wires and replacing the one removed wire with a first absorbable rod, and removing the other of the wires and replacing the other removed wire with a second absorbable rod, whereby to retain the bone block in the bone tunnel with the absorbable rods.

1 - 8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . A crosspin for crosspinning a graft ligament in a bone tunnel, said crosspin comprising
 a distal portion for engaging the bone forming the far wall of the bone tunnel,   an intermediate portion for engaging the graft ligament, and   a proximal portion for engaging the bone forming the near wall of the bone tunnel, said distal portion,   said intermediate portion and said proximal portion having at least one radially-projecting protrusion formed thereon so as to facilitate securing the crosspin to the host bone.   
     
     
         10 . A crosspin according to  claim 9  wherein said protrusion comprises a screw thread. 
     
     
         11 . A crosspin according to  claim 9  wherein said protrusion comprises a circumferential rib. 
     
     
         12 . A crosspin according to  claim 11  wherein said circumferential rib has a substantially rounded outer edge. 
     
     
         13 . A crosspin according to  claim 11  wherein said circumferential rib has a substantially pointed outer edge. 
     
     
         14 . A crosspin according to  claim 11  wherein said circumferential rib is interrupted at at least one point around the periphery of the rib. 
     
     
         15 . A crosspin according to  claim 9  wherein said protrusion comprises a spike. 
     
     
         16 . A crosspin according to  claim 9  wherein said protrusion comprises a longitudinally-extending rib.