Suture anchor with improved torsional drive head

Abstract

The present invention provides a suture anchor that includes an elongate shank defining a longitudinal axis and having at least one engaging member for applying the suture anchor within the bone and securing the suture anchor in the bone once implanted formed thereon, and a drive head having a proximal end, a distal end and a radial cross-sectional geometry, where the drive head is mated to the elongate shank, includes at least one suture attachment element formed in a portion thereof and at least one anti-rotational member integral therewith, suture anchor kits utilizing the suture anchors and methods of attaching bone to gone.

1 . A suture anchor installation kit, comprising:
 at least one suture anchor having an elongate shank comprising a proximal end and a distal end and defining a longitudinal axis and comprising at least one engaging member formed thereon; and a drive head comprising a proximal end, a distal end mated to said elongate shank, a radial cross-sectional geometry, at least one suture attachment element formed in a portion of said drive head, and at least one anti-rotational member integral therewith; and   a cylindrical driver tool having a distal end comprising a socket formed therein having a shape adapted to receive and engage said drive head of said suture anchor.   
     
     
         2 . The suture anchor installation kit of  claim 1  wherein said radial cross-sectional geometry of said drive head is oval. 
     
     
         3 . The suture anchor installation kit of  claim 2  wherein said suture attachment element comprises at least one suture tunnel extending transversely through said drive head. 
     
     
         4 . The suture anchor installation kit of  claim 3  wherein said drive head further comprises at least one suture-receiving channel formed in an outer surface of said drive head and originating at and extending proximally from an opening of said suture tunnel. 
     
     
         5 . The suture anchor installation kit of  claim 2  further comprising a suture disposed in said suture attachment element. 
     
     
         6 . A method for attaching soft tissue to bone, comprising the steps of:
 forming a bone cavity within a bony structure;   providing a suture anchor comprising an elongate shank comprising a proximal end and a distal end and defining a longitudinal axis, said shank further comprising at least one engaging member formed thereon; and a drive head comprising a proximal end, a distal end mated to said elongate shank, at least one suture attachment element formed in a portion of said drive head, said suture attachment element comprising a suture disposed therein, and at least one anti-rotational member integral therewith;   inserting said suture anchor into said bone cavity; and   attaching soft tissue to said suture.