Method of securing a tendon graft with an interference fixation screw

Patent 5282802 Issued on February 1, 1994. Estimated Expiration Date:

August 19, 2011. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

D245516

2570465

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Inventor

Mahony, III, Thomas H.

Application

No. 746965 filed on 08/19/1991

US Classes:

606/72, Orthopedic fastener606/60, Internal fixation means606/73Threaded fastener element

Examiners

Primary: Hafer, Robert A.
Assistant: Rimell, Sam

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Ice Miller Donadio & Ryan

Foreign Patent References

0260970 EP. 03/13/1988
3630863 DE. 03/13/1988
2622790 FR. 05/13/1989
1375252 SU. 02/13/1988

International Class

A61F 005/04

Abstract

A method of securing a tendon graft in a ligament tunnel is described. The tendon graft is used to replace a ligament and has a length of tendon section with bone grafts attached to the tendon at each end. The method includes the step of providing an interference fixation screws made of material that is soft compared to bone. The fixation screws are cooled to a temperature to make them sufficiently rigid to track in a straight line when they are tightened in the ligament tunnel. Each bone graft is then secured in place in the ligament tunnel by inserting a fixation screw between each bone graft and the bone surrounding the ligament tunnel and tightening it therebetween. After each fixation screw is tightened, it has a portion extending beyond a respective entrance to the ligament tunnel which is then trimmed.