Suture anchor and method
Suture anchors and associated methods are disclosed having suture securing features able to lock suture ends extending from a body tissue, such as from a bone tunnel.
1. A suture anchor for repairing soft tissue, the suture anchor comprising:
an implant body comprising a proximal end and a distal end, the implant body comprising:
an exterior surface extending from the proximal end to the distal end, the exterior surface having a plurality of radially extending ridges configured to engage a bone tunnel in response to insertion of the implant body into the bone tunnel;
an axial passage; and
an opening in the distal end of the implant body providing communication between the exterior surface and the axial passage;
a suture comprising:
a first end secured to a suture carrier disposed in the axial passage, wherein the suture carrier is too large to pass through the opening; and
a second end,
wherein the suture extends from the first end out the opening, and extends outside the implant body to the second end; and
an interference member configured to secure the second end to the proximal end of the implant body.
2. The suture anchor of claim 1 , wherein the axial passage comprises a proximal end having a passage opening.
3. The suture anchor of claim 2 , wherein the opening is coaxial with the axial passage.
4. The suture anchor of claim 2 , wherein the interference member is configured to axially slide within the axial passage to secure the second end of the suture to the proximal end of the implant body.
5. The suture anchor of claim 4 , wherein the interference member comprises an aperture configured to receive the second end of the suture.
6. The suture anchor of claim 5 , wherein the aperture comprises a slot having a length greater than a width of the slot.
7. The suture anchor of claim 1 , wherein the suture carrier is within the axial passage and restricts passage of the first end out of the axial passage through the opening.
8. The suture anchor of claim 1 , wherein the suture carrier comprises one or more of a knot, a sphere, a rod, and a crimp of the first end of the suture.
9. The suture anchor of claim 1 , wherein the suture carrier is molded to the implant body.
10. The suture anchor of claim 1 , wherein the suture carrier anchors the first end of the suture to the distal end of the implant body.
11. The suture anchor of claim 1 , wherein the proximal end of the implant body comprises a passage through which the interference member is inserted.
12. The suture anchor of claim 1 , wherein the distal end is opposite the proximal end in a distal direction, and the suture extends out the opening in the distal direction.