Methods and devices for treating a syndesmosis injury

摘要

Embodiments relate to implantable devices for the treatment of syndesmosis injuries. Embodiments include a first anchor attachable to a first bone, the first anchor being coupled to a flexible component, the flexible component in turn being coupled to a base component. The base component may be rigid, and may be externally threaded for engaging with a second anchor. Position of the second anchor may be adjusted by rotating the second anchor with respect to the base component, thereby adjusting relative position of the two bones. An assembly may be created in which an outer tube contains the flexible component and the base component inside the outer tube, and at its distal end the outer tube may engage the first anchor so as to allow transmission of torque. The outer tube may be withdrawn proximally after implantation of the first anchor. The bones may be a tibia and a fibula.

主权项

1. A method of treating a syndesmosis injury, comprising:
forming a hole through a second bone and into a first bone; inserting a deployment assembly into the hole in the second bone, the deployment assembly comprising:
(a) an outer tube having a distal end, a proximal end, an outer diameter, and an inner diameter(b) a tether disposed within the outer tube, the tether comprising:
(i) a flexible component; and(ii) a base component coupled to the flexible component, said base component being substantially rigid, the base component having a distal portion that is externally threaded having a base component external thread having a base component external thread major diameter, and having a proximal portion; and(c) a first bone anchor disposed at a distal end of the outer tube, the first bone anchor having a first bone anchor external thread having a first bone anchor external thread major diameter, the first bone anchor being coupled to a distal end of the flexible component, wherein the outer tube has a torque-transmitting engagement feature cooperating with the first bone anchor; positioning the first bone anchor in the first bone; removing the outer tube; and coupling a second anchor to the base component and positioning the second anchor in the second bone or in a plate connected to the second bone,wherein the first bone anchor external thread major diameter is greater than the outer tube outer diameter at the distal end, the outer tube outer diameter is greater than the outer tube inner diameter, the outer tube inner diameter is greater than the base component external thread major diameter, and the base component proximal portion is sufficiently narrow so that the second anchor can advance non-rotatingly along the proximal portion of the base component.