METHOD OF FASTENING A SOFT TISSUE GRAFT IN AN OPENING PROVIDED IN A HUMAN OR ANIMAL BONE AND FASTENER SUITABLE FOR THE METHOD

摘要

A soft tissue graft (1) suitable e.g. for replacing a tendon or ligament is fastened in a bone opening (3) provided in a human or animal patient by press-fitting an end portion of the graft (1) and a fastener (4/5) into the bone opening (3) such that the graft end portion is pressed against a first portion of the bone wall inside the bone opening (3), by then anchoring the fastener (4/5) in a second portion of the bone wall by liquefying a material having thermoplastic properties comprised by the fastener (4/5) and making it to penetrate into the bone wall, and by tying the end portion of the graft (1) to the fastener (4/5) with the aid of at least one suture (2.2) extending from the graft end portion. The step of tying is carried out after the step of anchoring, during the step of anchoring or between the step of anchoring and the step of press-fitting. The tied connection between the fastener (4/5) and the graft end portion successfully counteracts potential graft slipping.