Compliant inserter for implants

Abstract

An improved implant inserter, and method of using same, with an elongated, substantially rigid shaft having a proximal surface which is capable of receiving a driving force, and a substantially rigid tip portion having a distal end and a proximal end. At least the distal end of the tip portion is capable of being placed within an implant such as a suture anchor. The inserter further includes a compliant region disposed between the tip portion and the shaft which requires less lateral force to bend than the tip portion, at least when the tip portion has been placed within the implant.

1 - 25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . A method of inserting a suture anchor into bone, comprising:
 coupling a suture anchor, having a distal end and a proximal end, and defining a lumen open at the proximal end, to an inserter including an elongated, substantially rigid shaft having a proximal surface which is capable of receiving a driving force, a substantially rigid tip portion having a distal end and a proximal end, by placing the distal end within the lumen of the suture anchor to provide internal support for the suture anchor during insertion into bone, and abutting a distal-facing shoulder at the proximal end of the tip portion against the proximal end of the suture anchor, and wherein the inserter further comprises a compliant region disposed between the shoulder and the shaft which requires less lateral force to bend than the tip portion, at least when the tip portion has been placed within the suture anchor, the compliant region being selected from a) a material more malleable than the tip portion, b) a bellows-type structure, and c) a smaller cross-section region of the shaft; and   driving the suture anchor into the bone.   
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 26  further including maintaining sterility of the suture anchor and the inserter until the suture anchor is inserted into the bone. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 26  further including forming a hole in the bone to receive the suture anchor. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 26  wherein the compliant region comprises the material more malleable than the tip portion, and wherein the method further comprises the step of, prior to driving the suture anchor into the bone, bending the material more malleable the tip portion to move the shaft off axis with respect to the tip portion. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 26  wherein the compliant region comprises the bellows-type structure, and wherein the method further comprises the step of, prior to driving the suture anchor into the bone, bending the bellows-type structure to move the shaft off axis with respect to the tip portion. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 26  wherein the compliant region comprises the smaller cross-section region of the shaft, and wherein the method further comprises the step of, prior to driving the suture anchor into the bone, bending the smaller cross-section region of the shaft to move the shaft off axis with respect to the tip portion.