Tendon or Ligament (Soft Tissue) Attachment Device(s)

Reference #:

2008-268

Inventors/Contributors

David G. Lewallen, M.D.

Description

Methods and devices are disclosed for the attachment of a soft tissue structure (e.g., tendon or ligament) to bone or a prosthetic implant. In one form, the device includes a clamp comprising a porous metallic material. The clamp includes a convex tissue engaging surface. The device also includes a fastener for compressing the soft tissue between the tissue engaging surface and the bone or the prosthetic implant. The porous metallic material allows the ingrowth of soft tissue into the clamp. In another form, the device includes a second clamp comprising a porous metallic material. The second clamp including a first surface, a concave tissue engaging surface opposite the first surface, and a throughhole extending from the first surface to the concave tissue engaging surface. The second clamp is placed adjacent the bone, the soft tissue is placed adjacent the second clamp, and the first clamp is placed adjacent the soft tissue. A fastener is inserted through the throughhole of the first clamp, through the soft tissue, through the throughhole of the second clamp and into the bone such that the soft tissue is compressed between the convex tissue engaging surface of the first clamp and the concave tissue engaging surface of the second clamp.

Patent Status

Pending