Soft tissue suture anchor

Abstract

The present invention provides a suture anchor comprising a plate having a tissue abutting surface and including a centrally defined bore sized to accept at least one strand of suture therethrough. A suture support is provided comprising a first suture gripping member connected to the plate and positioned adjacent the centrally defined bore on the side of the plate remote from the tissue abutting surface, and a second suture gripping member mounted on a deformable support connected to the first suture support and movable into engagement with the first suture support by deforming the deformable support. The first and second suture supports have irregular cooperating engaging surfaces which grip a suture between them when the surfaces are engaged. Advantageously, first and second gripping members form a suture crimp that is disposed in spaced relation to the plate, and in generally confronting relation to the bore, both before and after the crimping of the suture. This arrangement maintains the point of gripping of the suture distant from the point of exit from the tissue portions being sutured. This spaced and generally confronting arrangement between the suture crimp and the plate 10 helps to minimize damage to the tissue caused by movement of the suture relative to the tissue during suturing and afterward. Also, this advantageous arrangement also provides for more accurate location of the suturing point in the tissue when that site is viewed in a subsequent radiographic image.