초록 ▼

A suture anchor is formed of a material which absorbs body liquid when exposed to body liquid. The anchor may be at least partially formed of a material having a strong affinity for body liquids. This enables the anchor to absorb body liquid and expand upon being inserted into a patient's body. At l

A suture anchor is formed of a material which absorbs body liquid when exposed to body liquid. The anchor may be at least partially formed of a material having a strong affinity for body liquids. This enables the anchor to absorb body liquid and expand upon being inserted into a patient's body. At least one embodiment of the suture anchor has portions formed of a relatively hard material which does not absorb body liquids and is pressed against body tissue by the material which absorbs body liquid to mechanically interlock the suture anchor and the body tissue. The anchor may be at least partially formed of a cellular material. The cells expand to absorb body liquid. At least one embodiment of the anchor has a pointed leading end portion to form an opening in an imperforate surface on body tissue. The configuration of the anchor may be changed by tensioning the suture while the anchor is disposed in body tissue.

대표청구항 ▼

[ Having described the invention, the following is claimed:] [1.] A method of securing first and second portions of body tissue which are movable relative to each other, said method comprising the steps of providing a retainer device which absorbs body liquid, moving the first and second portions of

[ Having described the invention, the following is claimed:] [1.] A method of securing first and second portions of body tissue which are movable relative to each other, said method comprising the steps of providing a retainer device which absorbs body liquid, moving the first and second portions of the body tissue relative to each other, moving at least a portion of the retainer device which absorbs body liquid into the first portion of the body tissue, absorbing body liquid into the retainer device while the retainer device is at least partially disposed in the first portion of the body tissue, increasing the volume of the retainer device as body liquid is absorbed into the retainer device, and retaining the first and second portions of the body tissue against movement relative to each other by transmitting force between the retainer device and the first and second portions of the body tissue to hold the first and second portions of the body tissue against movement relative to each other after having performed said steps of absorbing body liquid into the retainer device and increasing the volume of the retainer device.