System and method for attaching soft tissue to bone

Abstract

Methods and devices for securing soft tissue to a rigid material such as bone are disclosed herein. A bone anchor is described that comprises a base and a top such that suture material may be compressed between surfaces on the base and top to secure the suture to the anchor. Also described is an inserter that can be used to insert the bone anchor into bone and move the anchor top relative to the anchor base to clamp suture material there between. Also described is a soft-tissue and bone piercing anchor and associated inserter. Methods are described that allow use of the bone anchors to provide multiple lengths of suture material to compress a large area of soft tissue against bone.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A suture anchor, comprising:
 an outer anchor member comprising an outer side portion, a proximal end comprising a hole, and a central bore, wherein the hole opens into the central bore;   angled protrusions on the outer side portion configured to provide greater resistance to removal of the outer anchor member than to insertion; and   a bushing disposed within the central bore, wherein the bushing comprises a side portion having a plurality of ratchet structures.   
     
     
         2 . The anchor of  claim 1 , wherein the outer anchor member is tapered at its distal end. 
     
     
         3 . The anchor of  claim 1 , wherein the ratchet structures comprise U shaped cuts in the bushing to define tabs on the side portion of the bushing. 
     
     
         4 . The anchor of  claim 1 , wherein the outer anchor member comprises a second bore at the distal end of the outer anchor member having a smaller diameter than the central bore. 
     
     
         5 . The anchor of  claim 1 , wherein the anchor comprises a plurality of grooves into which the ratchet structures are configured to engage. 
     
     
         6 . The anchor of  claim 1 , wherein the anchor is configured to be driven directly into bone. 
     
     
         7 . The anchor of  claim 1 , comprising a suture securing mechanism. 
     
     
         8 . A suture anchor-inserter assembly, comprising the suture anchor of  claim 1  coupled to an inserter, the inserter comprising an outer tube, an inner member, and a handle. 
     
     
         9 . The assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the outer tube and inner member are movable longitudinally relative to each other. 
     
     
         10 . The assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the distal tip of the outer tube comprises an anchor engagement structure engaging the proximal end of the outer anchor member. 
     
     
         11 . The assembly of  claim 8 , comprising suture coupled to the suture anchor.