Apparatus and method for repairing tissue

Abstract

Assemblies and methods suitable for knotless arthroscopic repair of tissue defects include two fixation members coupled by two limbs of suture comprising a continuous loop. A unidirectional restriction element that can be a preformed locking, sliding suture knot proximate to one of the fixation members, provides tensioning of the repair.

1 - 40 : (canceled) 
     
     
         41 . An apparatus for repairing a body tissue having a surface, the apparatus comprising:
 first and second fixation members, each of the first and the second fixation members having a respective contact surface adapted to be positioned in contact with the tissue surface;   a continuous loop of suture extending between respective contact surfaces of the first and the second fixation member, the loop having a length, and being slidably positioned through one or more opening through the second fixation member;   a tensioning limb of suture extending from the contact surface of the first fixation member; and   wherein tension applied to the tensioning limb with respect to the first fixation member is effective to reduce the length of the loop.   
     
     
         42 . The apparatus of  claim 41  wherein the tensioning limb is continuous with the suture comprising the loop. 
     
     
         43 . The apparatus of  claim 42  wherein the first fixation member comprises a locking, sliding knot through which the tensioning limb is positioned. 
     
     
         44 . The apparatus of  claim 43  wherein the sliding knot is position adjacent a non-contact surface on the first fixation member, the non-contact surface being opposed and opposite to the contact surface. 
     
     
         45 . The apparatus of  claim 43  wherein the tensioning limb can pass slidingly through the knot in a first longitudinal direction along the suture, and is restricted from sliding through the knot in an opposite longitudinal direction. 
     
     
         46 - 47 : (canceled)