The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 31, 2010
Filed:
Dec. 13, 2006
Zhixu Guan, Bonita Springs, FL (US);
Gerlinde Michel, Munich, DE;
Zhixu Guan, Bonita Springs, FL (US);
Gerlinde Michel, Munich, DE;
Arthrex, Inc., Naples, FL (US);
Abstract
An expanding plug for tendon fixation features a two-part system in which an expansion pin fits inside a fixation sleeve. The fixation sleeve is configured to expand diametrically to achieve interference fixation of a graft tendon inside of a bone tunnel. Fixation sleeve expansion is urged by a two-step engagement of the expansion pin. The tendon graft is assembled to the expanding bolt and situated within a bone tunnel. Passing suture is used to pull a joint-line end of the expansion pin into the tunnel to partially expand the fixation sleeve at the joint-line end. Pulling a graft end of the expansion pin toward the joint line expands the fixation sleeve to place the expanding plug in the fully deployed configuration.