Suture tensioning device
A device for tensioning suture which includes a cannulated tube that allows a suture to be fed through at least a portion of the tube. An adjustment device (for example, a wheel or a knob) is actuated to turn a threaded post on the end of the tube. A length of suture passes through at least a portion of the cannulated tube and is secured into a forked pin attached to the adjustment device. Turning the adjustment device draws against the suture, increasing therefore the tension on the suture. The suture tensioning device may be employed in conjunction with a tensiometer.
1. A suture tensioning device, comprising:
a cannulated tube having a proximal end and a distal end, and a longitudinal slit configured to allow a strand of suture attached to a graft or bone segment to be fed through at least a portion of the cannulated tube;
a handle attached to the proximal end of the cannulated tube, at least a portion of the handle being provided with a slit to allow the strand of suture attached to the graft or bone segment to pass through at least a portion of the cannulated tube and through the handle;
two springs compressibly disposed between the cannulated tube and the handle for biasing the handle and the tube apart; and
an adjustment device removably attached to the handle, the adjustment device comprising a structure for capturing and securing the strand of suture therein, the adjustment device being configured to be released from the handle, and to be subsequently reinserted into the handle to secure the strand of suture to the structure, the adjustment device being further configured such that rotation of the device adjusts overall length of the device, thereby adjusting suture tension.
2. The suture tensioning device of claim 1 , wherein the structure is a forked pin.
3. The suture tensioning device of claim 1 , wherein the adjustment device is a wheel or a knob.
4. The suture tensioning device of claim 1 , wherein the tube is provided at its most distal end with a stabilizing device configured to engage bone cortex.
5. The suture tensioning device of claim 4 , wherein the stabilizing device is a modular piece with a plurality of spikes for engaging bone cortex.