FIXATION DEVICE FOR LIGAMENT OR TENDON PROSTHESIS

摘要

A device (1) for affixing a pretensioned ligament or tendon prosthesis to a bone of a patient includes a hollow elongated sleeve (3) adapted to fit within a through drill hole in the bone and a cooperating wedge (9). A portion of the bore (35) of the hollow sleeve (3) is tapered with decreasing bore cross-sectional thickness towards the front end (5) of the elongated sleeve (3). The wedge (9) is shaped so that a portion of a ligament or tendon prosthesis can be securely trapped between the wedge (9) and the inner wall of the sleeve (3) when the wedge (9) is fully advanced forwardly within the sleeve (3). The device (1) also includes a locking nut (11) or ferrule for releasably locking the sleeve (3) and wedge (9) together with the wedge (9) fully advanced within the sleeve (3), and a releasable bolt/washer (21) assembly for preventing the prosthesis from being pulled forwardly through the drill hole in the patient's bone. The device (1) is easy to use and provides a highly secure fixation of the pretensioned prosthesis.