APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR ANCHORING AUTOLOGOUS OR ARTIFICIAL TENDON GRAFTS IN BONE

摘要

An anchor assembly (12) for autologous or artificial tendon grafts comprises an insertion element (14) and a stabilizing element (15). The insertion element has a stem (20) and a head (21) containing an aperture (13) large enough to receive a graft (10). The stabilizing element (15) is adapted to be embedded in bone, and comprises a sleeve (19) with a cavity (17) arranged to receive and hold the insertion element stem (20). In use, the stabilizing element (15) is affixed in the bone, and the stem (20) of the insertion element (14) is placed therein. A tendon graft (10) may be secured to the insertion element (14) either before or after its placement in the stabilizing element (15). Two such anchors may be linked with one or multiple grafts, in either a two-ply or four-ply arrangement.