Method for securing sutures to bones

Abstract

A method for securing a repair, such as a rotator cuff repair and includes an anchor placed within a hole formed in bone and a cannulated screw inserted into the hole after the anchor has been inserted to effectuate a firm and secure connection of tissue to bone, particularly when the quality of the bone does not permit optimal fixation. The method allows superior tissue fixation to bone with the ease of knotless suture anchor application.

1 - 3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . A method of firmly securing tissue to a bone mass comprising the steps of:
 a) drilling or punching a hole in the bone mass;   b) inserting a fixation anchor, having at least one suture element attached thereto, into the hole, thereby drawing tissue that has been secured by the at least one suture, into secure attachment with the bone mass; and   c) inserting a cannulated bone screw into the hole to prevent movement of the anchor.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the cannulated bone screw is screwed into the hole for secure engagement. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the anchor and the screw are both inserted by an inserter rod which passes through the cannulated bone screw and inserts the anchor into the hole drilled in the bone mass. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the suture element is captured by the anchor during the anchor's insertion into the hole. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the inserter rod has markings to measure the distance the anchor has been inserted into the bone mass and allow for correctly sizing of a length of the screw. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the inserter rod is removed once the screw has been placed into secure engagement with the anchor. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the suture element is first inserted via a screw anchor into the bone mass; the suture is passed through the tissue element and then captured by an anchor for insertion into the hole. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the screw anchor has one or more suture loops attached thereto. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the anchor has at least one adjustable length suture loop attached thereto. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the at least one adjustable length suture loop is adjustable using a sliding, self-locking knot.