METHOD FOR TENDON REPAIR
Disclosed is a device and method for repairing a partially or totally ruptured tendon. The device comprises an implant placed inside or outside of the tendon on either side of the rupture in order to strengthen the ruptured area during repair. Once positioned inside the tendon, the tendon is held in place so it can heal either by sewing or stapling through the tendon and implant, or by any other suitable method that utilizes the implant to provide strength to the ruptured area. In this manner the tendon can heal with less chance of rupturing again prior to healing.
1 . A method of repairing a ruptured tendon by using a tendon repair device that includes a body with an outer surface including stiplets, the tendon having a first end on one side of the rupture and a second end on the other side of the rupture, the method comprising the steps of:
positioning a first end of the tendon repair device into the first end of the tendon;
positioning a second end of the tendon repair device into the second end of the tendon;
pressing together the first end of the tendon and the second end of the tendon over the tendon repair device.
2 . The method of claim 1 wherein the first end of the tendon is physically attached to the second end of the tendon by suturing.
3 . The method of claim 1 wherein the first end of the tendon is physically attached to the second end of the tendon by one or more of staples, rivets, snaps and clamps.
4 . A method of repairing a ruptured tendon by using a tendon repair device comprising a hollow tube having an inner surface including raised portions comprising one or more of ribs, backward angled ribs, barbs and stiplets, the tendon having a first end on one side of the rupture and a second end on the other side of the rupture, the method comprising the steps of:
positioning the first end of the tendon into a first end of the tendon repair device;
positioning the second end of the tendon into a second end of the tendon repair device;
pressing together the first end of the tendon to the second end of the tendon inside of the tendon repair device.
5 . The method of claim 4 wherein the first end of the tendon is physically attached to the second end of the tendon by suturing.
6 . The method of claim 4 wherein the first end of the tendon is physically attached to the second end of the tendon by one or more of staples, rivets, snaps and clamps.
7 . The method of claim 4 wherein the first end of the tendon is held in place against the second end of the tendon by clamping the first end of the tendon and the second end of the tendon.
8 . The method of claim 5 wherein the tendon is first secured into position by pins or spikes.
9 . The method of claim 6 wherein the tendon is first secured into position by pins or spikes.
10 . The method of claim 1 wherein the outer surface of the tendon repair device further includes: one of a spiraled configuration, a cruciate cross section, and a plurality of outwardly-extending ribs.
11 . The method of claim 4 wherein the inner surface of the tendon repair device further includes one of a spiraled configuration and a cruciate cross section.