Augmented suture construct for syndesmotic stabilization
A method includes forming a bone tunnel through a first bone and a second bone and inserting a flexible construct through the bone tunnel. The flexible construct includes a first anchoring element and a second anchoring element coupled by at least one flexible strand defining an adjustable loop. The at least one flexible strand includes a first end extending from the first anchoring element in an opposite direction from the adjustable loop. A length of the adjustable loop is adjusted to position the first bone and the second bone in a selected spacing. The first end of the at least one flexible strand is coupled to a tissue section using a third anchoring element.
1. A method, comprising:
forming a bone tunnel through a first bone and a second bone;
inserting a flexible construct through the bone tunnel, the flexible construct including a first anchoring element and a second anchoring element coupled by at least one flexible strand defining an adjustable loop, the at least one flexible strand including a first end extending from the first anchoring element in an opposite direction from the adjustable loop;
adjusting a length of the adjustable loop to position the first bone and the second bone in a selected spacing; and
coupling the first end of the at least one flexible strand to a tissue section using a third anchoring element.
2. The method of claim 1 , comprising adjusting a length of an intermediate portion of the at least one flexible strand.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the third anchoring element comprises a tissue anchor.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the first end of the at least one flexible strand is coupled to the tissue section by an interference fit.
5. The method of claim 3 , wherein the tissue anchor comprises a body defining a channel, and wherein the at least one flexible strand extends at least partially into the channel.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the at least one flexible strand defines a loop about a portion of the body of the tissue anchor.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first anchoring element is selected from the group consisting of a knot capsule, a bone plate, a tissue anchor, and a button.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second anchoring element is selected from the group consisting of a knot capsule, a bone plate, a tissue anchor, and a button.
9. The method of claim 1 , comprising coupling a second free end of the at least one flexible strand to the tissue section using a fourth anchoring element, wherein the second end extends from the first anchoring element in the opposite direction from the adjustable loop.
10. The method of claim 1 , comprising coupling a bone plate to the first bone, wherein the flexible construct passes therethrough the bone tunnel through a hole defined by the bone plate.