Transosseous method

Abstract

Instruments and methods for surgical transosseous attachment to a bone include a guide able to guide the formation of intersecting bone tunnels and a passer able to pass a member through the bone tunnels.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to transosseous guides and methods for transosseous attachments.

BACKGROUND

A variety of surgical procedures require the attachment of something relative to a surgical site. For example, in surgery relating to the skeletal system, it is often advantageous to attach soft tissue, suture, implants, and/or other items in or adjacent to a joint. For example, soft tissues such as ligaments, tendons, fascia, other capsular material, and/or muscle may be attached to an adjacent bone. Such soft tissues may be adjacent to bones at skeletal joints including but not limited to the joints of the hands and feet, ankle, wrist, knee, elbow, hip, shoulder, and spine. For example, it is often advantageous to pass a suture through a portion of a bone to form a transosseous attachment to the bone.

SUMMARY

Examples of the invention provide instruments and methods for surgical transosseous attachment to a bone.

In one example of the invention, a method for placing a member transosseously through first and second transverse, intersecting bone tunnels includes inserting a first tunnel member into a bone along a first insertion axis, the first tunnel member having a proximal end and a distal end, the first tunnel member having a first longitudinal passage at least partway through the first tunnel member; inserting a second tunnel member into the bone along a second insertion axis, the second insertion axis intersecting the first insertion axis, the second tunnel member having a proximal end and a distal end, the second tunnel member having a second longitudinal passage at least partway through the second tunnel member; inserting a passer through the first and second tunnel members, the passer simultaneously extending through the first and second axial passages and out of the proximal end of the first tunnel member and out of the proximal end of the second tunnel member.

In another example of the invention a method for placing suture transosseously through first, second, and third transverse, intersecting bone tunnels includes forming a first bone tunnel in a bone with a first tunnel member; forming a second bone tunnel transverse to and intersecting the first bone tunnel with a second tunnel member; placing a first portion of suture through the first and second bone tunnels and at least partway through the first tunnel member; forming a third bone tunnel transverse to and intersecting the first bone tunnel with the second tunnel member while the first flexible element is present in the first tunnel member; placing a second portion of suture through the first and third tunnels and at least partway through the first tunnel member while the first flexible element is present in the first tunnel member.

In another example of the invention, a method for placing a member transosseously through first and second transverse, intersecting bone tunnels includes inserting a first tunnel member into a bone along a first insertion axis, the first tunnel member having a proximal end and a distal end, the first tunnel member having a first longitudinal passage at least partway through the first tunnel member; using a guide to select a second insertion axis from a plurality of insertion axes that each intersect the first insertion axis, each of the plurality of insertion axes forming a different angle relative to the first insertion axis; inserting a second tunnel member into the bone along the selected second insertion axis, the second tunnel member having a proximal end and a distal end, the second tunnel member having a second longitudinal passage at least partway through the second tunnel member; inserting a passer through the first and second tunnel members, the passer simultaneously extending through the first and second axial passages and out of the proximal end of the first tunnel member and out of the proximal end of the second tunnel member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various examples of the present invention will be discussed with reference to the appended drawings. These drawings depict only illustrative examples of the invention and are not to be considered limiting of its scope.

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of an example of the invention illustrating an instrument engaged with a bone, the bone being shown in partial section;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of an example of a passer used with the instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a detail side elevation view of the tip of the passer of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a detail front elevation view of the tip of the passer of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the instrument of FIG. 1 engaged with a bone and the passer of FIG. 2 inserted through the instrument;

FIG. 6 section view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is detail side section view of the instrument of FIG. 1 showing the passer engaged with the instrument in a first position;

FIG. 8 is detail side section view of the instrument of FIG. 1 showing the passer engaged with the instrument in a second position;

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of an example of the invention illustrating an alternative arrangement of the instrument of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the instrument of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a section view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of an example of the invention illustrating an alternative arrangement of the passer of FIG. 2 in a first position;

FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of the example of FIG. 12 in a second position;

FIG. 14 is a partial sectional view of the bone of FIG. 1 after a suture has been passed and the passing instruments have been removed;

FIG. 15 is a partial sectional view illustrating the suture of FIG. 14 in use to secure a soft tissue to the bone;

FIG. 16 is a rear elevation view of the guide of FIG. 1 illustrating how it can be rotated while engaged with a bone;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the guide of FIG. 1 illustrating how it can be rotated while engaged with a bone; and

FIGS. 18-28 are perspective views of methods according to examples of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES

The following illustrative examples depict instruments and methods to form a tunnel through a bone and pass a member through the bone tunnel. The illustrative examples depict passing a round suture through a bone tunnel to attach soft tissue to the bone. However, the instruments and methods of the invention may be used to pass other elements through a bone tunnel including, suture passers, suture tapes, cables, soft tissues, grafts, and other elements. Examples of instruments and methods of the invention may be used to pass any member through any bone, at surgical sites anywhere in a patient's body, and for any purpose. The terms “suture” and “suture strand” are used herein to mean any strand or flexible member, natural or synthetic, able to be passed through a bone tunnel and useful in a surgical procedure. The term “transverse” is used herein to mean to cross at an angle; i.e. not parallel. The term includes, but is not limited to right angles.

FIGS. 1-8 depict examples of a guide and a passer for forming intersecting bone tunnels in a bone 198 and passing a flexible element through the tunnels. The exemplary guide 100 includes a guide body 102 defining a first insertion or guide axis 104 and a second insertion or guide axis 106 intersecting at a location 108 spaced from the guide body.

A first tunnel member 110 is engageable with the guide body 102 coaxial with the first guide axis 104 and includes a proximal end 112, a distal end 114, and a first longitudinal passage 116 (FIG. 7) at least partway through the first tunnel member 110.

A second tunnel member 120 is engageable with the guide body 102 coaxial with the second guide axis 106 and includes a proximal end 122, a distal end 124, and a second longitudinal passage 126 (FIG. 7) at least partway through the second tunnel member 120.

A passer 136 (FIG. 2) is operable to extend from the proximal end 122 of the second tunnel member 120, through the distal end 124 of the second tunnel member 120, through the distal end 114 of the first tunnel member 110, and to the proximal end 112 of the first tunnel member 110 in one continuous path. The passer 136 may then be used to pull a flexible element such as, for example, a passing suture or a repair suture through the tunnel members 110, 120 to pass the flexible element through, for example, a bone.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 1-8, the guide body 102 is made up of first and second arc members 130, 132. The first and second arc members 130, 132 are joined in sliding relationship along an arc shaped path 134 of constant radius such that the guide 100 is adjustable between a first position (shown in solid lines in FIG. 1) in which the first guide axis and the second guide axis define a first angle between them and a second position (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 1) in which the first guide axis and the second guide axis define a second, larger angle between them. Preferably, the guide is continuously adjustable over a range of included angles between the first and second guide axes 104, 106 of from 20 to 110 degrees. More preferably, the range is 60 to 90 degrees. In the illustrative example of FIGS. 1-8, the first guide axis 104 is defined by a passage in the first arc member 130 and the second guide axis 106 is defined by a passage in the second arc member 132.

The first tunnel member may include a drill guide, a punch guide, a punch, or other suitable member for forming a bone tunnel and/or for inserting into a bone tunnel. In the illustrative example of FIGS. 1-8, the first tunnel member 110 is a bone punch fixed to the guide body such as by pinning, threading, welding, or other suitable fixation method. For example, the first tunnel member 110 may be impacted into the bone 198 to form a bone tunnel in the bone. In the illustrative example of FIGS. 1-8, the first tunnel member 110 includes a cylindrical body having a first, larger diameter 140 near its proximal end 112 and a second, smaller diameter 142 near its distal end with a tapered transition region 144 between the two diameters. The cylindrical body defines a first outer side wall and a first recess or side opening 146 (FIG. 7) in the first side wall nearer the distal end 114 than the proximal end 112. The second guide axis 106 passes through the first side opening 146 for every angle in the range of adjustment of the first and second arc members 130, 132. The first longitudinal passage 116 extends from the proximal end 112 of the first tunnel member 110 toward the distal end 114 and communicates with the first side opening 146. A relief opening 148 in the side wall is positioned opposite the first side opening 146 and communicates with the first longitudinal passage 116 and the first side opening 146. The first tunnel member 110 includes indicia 150 (FIG. 1) on the outer surface readable relative to the bone surface to indicate a depth of penetration of the first tunnel member 110 into the bone. In the illustrative example of FIGS. 1-8, the indicia 150 include two separate marks to indicate the appropriate depth for two different sizes of anchor. In the illustrative example of FIGS. 1-8, the first tunnel member 110 tapers to a solid, sharp point 152 distal to the first side opening 146 and the relief opening to facilitate driving the first tunnel member 110 into bone.

The second tunnel member may include a drill guide, a punch guide, a punch, or other suitable member for forming a bone tunnel and/or inserting into a bone tunnel. In the illustrative example of FIGS. 1-8, the second tunnel member 120 is a punch engageable with the guide 100 in axial sliding relationship along the second guide axis 106. For example, the second tunnel member 120 may be impacted into the bone 198 to form a bone tunnel in the bone. In the illustrative example of FIGS. 1-8, the second tunnel member 120 includes a body having a “D”-shaped proximal portion 160 and a smaller cylindrical distal portion 162 with a tapered transition region 164 between the two portions. The body defines a second outer side wall and a second side opening 166 (FIG. 7) in the first side wall nearer the distal end 124 than the proximal end 122. In the illustrative example of FIGS. 1-8, the second longitudinal passage 126 extends from the proximal end 122 of the second tunnel member 120 toward the distal end 124 of the second tunnel member 120 and communicates with the second side opening 166. The second tunnel member 120 tapers to a solid, sharp point 168 distal to the second side opening 166 to facilitate driving the second tunnel member 120 into bone. The second tunnel member 120 includes an indicator to indicate when it is engaged with the first tunnel member 110. In one example, the second tunnel member 120 includes an index mark 170 on the outer surface readable relative to the guide 100 to indicate a depth of penetration of the second tunnel member 120 into the bone. In the illustrative example of FIGS. 1-8, the distal portion 162 of the second tunnel member 120 is engageable within the first side opening 146 of the first tunnel member with the first side opening 146 and second side opening 166 in communication with one another. The index mark 170 on the second tunnel member 120 indicates when the distal end of the second tunnel member 120 is seated in the first side opening 146. In another example, the second tunnel member 120 has an elongated marker such as for example a contrasting surface 171 that is exposed to indicate when the second tunnel member is not properly seated. The surface 171 extends proximally-distally the distance of the engagement of the second tunnel member 120 with the guide body 102. When the second tunnel member 120 is properly seated, the surface 171 is covered by the guide body 102. If the second tunnel member 120 is not fully seated, the surface 171 is visible above the guide body. If the second tunnel member is inserted to far, for example if is deflects upon insertion such that it misses the first tunnel member and is driven past the first tunnel member, the surface 171 is visible below the guide body. In one example, the surface 171 includes a colored stripe, for example a red colored stripe, such that if red is visible after inserting the second tunnel member it indicates that the second tunnel member is not properly seated. For example, in FIGS. 1 and 21 the surface 171 is visible above the guide body 102 and in FIGS. 5 and 22 the surface 171 is concealed by the guide body 100.

The relief opening 148 in the first tunnel member allows bone chips or other debris to exit the first tunnel member 110 when the second tunnel member 120 engages it. In the illustrative example of FIGS. 1-8, an angled surface 172 is formed at the distal end of the second longitudinal passage 126 facing the second side opening 166. The angled surface 172 deflects the passer 136 through the second side opening 166 and into the first longitudinal passage 116 when the passer is inserted. The “D”-shape of the proximal portion 160 of the second tunnel member 120 engages the guide 100 to prevent rotation of the second tunnel member 120 as it axially translates so that the first and second side openings 146, 166 are aligned when the first and second tunnel members 110, 120 are engaged.

The length of the first and second tunnel members 110, 120 that extends from the guide body to their intersection location may be any desired length. However, it has been found by the inventors that for rotator cuff repair surgery on a human shoulder, a length of each member in the range of 2-8 inches is useful. More preferably the length is in the range of 4-6 inches. The length for each member may be the same or different. In the example of FIGS. 1-8, the length of the first tunnel member extending from the guide body is approximately 5.5 inches and the length of the second tunnel member extending from the guide body is approximately 4.5 inches.

The passer 136 includes a first, or proximal, end 180 and a second, or distal, end 182 defining a loop 188. In the illustrative example of FIGS. 1-8, the passer 136 includes a relatively rigid shaft 184 extending away from the first end and a relatively flexible wire 186 attached to the shaft 184 and extending away from the shaft 186. In one example, the shaft 184 is a tubular member and the wire 186 is crimped, bonded, soldered, welded or otherwise attached to the shaft. In the illustrative example of FIGS. 1-8, the wire 186 is formed into a loop 188 in a first plane and bent to form a curved profile 190 in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane. The curved profile 190 of the wire and the angled surface 172 at the distal end of the second longitudinal passage 126 cooperate to facilitate advancing the distal end 182 of the passer from the second longitudinal passage 126 into the first longitudinal passage 116. The passer 136 includes a handle 192 at the proximal end 180. Preferably, the passer, or at least the wire 186, is formed of a super elastic material. Preferably the combined length of the shaft 184 and wire 186 is greater than the combined length of the first and second longitudinal passages 116, 126 such that the passer 136 is insertable through the first and second tunnel members 110, 120 to extend through the first and second axial passages and out of the proximal end 112 of the first tunnel member 110 and out of the proximal end 122 of the second tunnel member 120. For example, as the distal end 182 of the passer reaches the distal end of the second longitudinal passage 126, it abuts the angled surface 172 and is deflected out through the second side opening 166, through the first side opening 146 and into the first longitudinal passage 116 (FIG. 7). The curved profile 190 of the wire and angled surface 172 facilitate the transition of the wire 186 from the second tunnel member 120 to the first tunnel member 110 and promote passage even when the first and second tunnel members 110, 120 are engaged at an acute angle. The passer is further advanced to move the distal end 182 of the passer through the second longitudinal passage and out the proximal end 112 of the first tunnel member 110 (FIG. 5). A member 191, e.g. a suture, may be placed in the loop 188 at the distal end 182 of the passer and the passer 136 may be retrieved to pull the member 191 through the first longitudinal passage 116, through the first side opening 146, through the second side opening 166, through the second longitudinal passage 126 and out the proximal end of the second longitudinal passage 126. The passer handle includes an indicator, for example a flat surface 197, to indicate to a user the orientation of the bent loop so that the user can orient it to engage the angled surface 172. Alternatively, or in addition, the passer may be keyed to the second tunnel member to permit only one orientation.

FIGS. 9-11 illustrate another example of a guide instrument 300 similar to that of FIG. 1 but showing a different arrangement of the second guide axis. The guide body 302 includes a first tunnel member 304 like the first tunnel member in the example of FIG. 1 that defines a first guide axis 306 as with the example of FIG. 1. However, the guide body is a unitary body having a plurality of receivers 308, 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 320 operable to receive the second tunnel member 120. Each receiver includes a passage defining a guide axis. Any number of receivers may be included at any desired spacing to provide a desired selection of guide angles relative to the first guide axis. In the example of FIGS. 9-11, seven receivers are provided defining a second guide axis 328, a third guide axis 330, a fourth guide axis 332, a fifth guide axis 334, a sixth guide axis 336, a seventh guide axis 338, and an eighth guide axis 340. Each of the second through eighth guide axes intersects the first guide axis 304 at the same location spaced from the guide body and each can selectively receive the second tunnel member. In the example of FIGS. 9-11, each of the second through eighth guide axes intersects a side opening 346 in the first tunnel member like the side opening 146 in the example of FIG. 1. A surface 333 formed at the distal end of each receiver engages the flat side of the “D”-shaped second tunnel member 120 to prevent rotation of the second tunnel member 120 within the receiver so that the first and second side openings 146, 346 are properly aligned when the first and second tunnel members are engaged.

In the example of FIGS. 9-11, the second through eighth guide axes are equally spaced and define angles of 45 degrees to 75 degrees relative to the first guide axis 306. Indicia 350 on the first tunnel member 304 indicates an insertion depth range suitable for a fastener, for example a knotless fastener. Indicia 351 on each receiver indicates the angle corresponding to each receiver. The spacing can be any desired spacing and can be uniform or non-uniform to provide a range of angles useful to the user. The inventors have found the spacing and range shown in the example to be suitable for typical rotator cuff procedures of the human shoulder.

For other applications such as for example for attaching soft tissue to a bone adjacent a knee joint, ankle or other location different spacing and angular range may be desirable. Similarly, the length of the first and second tunnel member may be varied. For example, for repairing a torn Achilles tendon, a guide having an angular range of 50 to 80 degrees has been found suitable with either a sliding adjustable guide like that of FIG. 1 or a unibody guide like that of FIG. 9. In a unibody guide, four receivers defining axes at 50, 60, 70 and 80 degrees relative to the first guide axis have been found to be suitable. Any length of first and second tunnel members may be used. However, for repairing a torn Achilles tendon, shorter lengths may advantageously be used. For example, first and second tunnel members each extending from the guide body a distance in the range of two to three inches has been found suitable.

FIGS. 12-13 illustrate another arrangement for a passer 400 similar to that of FIG. 2. The passer 400 includes an outer tube 402 engaged coaxially with the shaft 484 in axial sliding relationship and moveable relative to the shaft from a first position in which the outer tube encloses a portion of the wire length (FIG. 13) and a second position in which the outer tube encloses less of the wire length (FIG. 12). The outer tube is relatively rigid relative to the wire 486. The outer tube aids in inserting the passer 400 into the second tunnel member by holding the wire 486 in a straight and rigid configuration when the tube is in the first position. The outer tube may enclose any portion of the wire length in the first position to aid in inserting the passer. Preferably, in the first position, the outer tube encloses more than one-half of the wire length; more preferably 60 to 100 percent of the wire length; more preferably 80 to 100 percent of the wire length; more preferably the entire wire length including all of the loop 488. In the second position, enough of the wire is exposed to allow it to extend through the side openings in the first and second tunnel members and through the first tunnel member. Preferably in the second position, the outer tube encloses less than one-half of the wire length; more preferably less than 20 percent of the wire length. The tube may be inserted into the second tunnel member while in the first position and then shaft 484 advanced to extend the wire 486 out of the outer tube and through the second and first tunnel members. For example, a handle 492 on the shaft may be pressed toward a handle 493 on the outer tube to advance the wire. The loop 488 in the example of FIGS. 12 and 13 includes a first bend 487 angled away from the main portion of the wire 486 and a second bend 489 at the distal end forming a small radius. The bends 487, 489 facilitate the transition of the loop through the side openings of the tunnel members.

The exemplary guides and methods of the invention make it possible to form intersecting bone tunnels in a bone and extend, in one motion, a passer through the guide and bone tunnels from a first position external to the bone to a second position external to the bone. A first end of a member, such as a suture, may then be engaged with the passer outside of the bone tunnels. By having the engaging step outside of the bone tunnels, it may be done with simple manual manipulation of the passer loop and the first end of the member with easy access and visibility and without specialized arthroscopic instrument or procedures. The first end of the member may then be passed, in one motion, through the guide and bone tunnels from the second position external to the bone to a first position external to the bone to thread the member through the intersecting bone tunnels. The member may be used in any desirable manner. For example, a member in the form of a suture 194 may be so passed and then used to secure soft tissue 196 to the bone 198 as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, a guide according to examples of the invention, for example guide 100 as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, may be used to create three or more intersecting tunnels and pass flexible elements through the tunnels. For example, after passing a first flexible element through first and second intersecting tunnels in a bone 198, the second tunnel member 120 may be withdrawn from the bone. The guide 100 may be rotated about the first guide axis 104, as shown at reference numeral 193, and/or the angle between the guide axes 104 may be adjusted as shown at reference numeral 195 in FIG. 17. In a unitary guide such as the example of FIG. 9, the angle between the guide axes may be adjusted by inserting the second tunnel member in a different receiver. The second tunnel member 120 may then be inserted into the bone 198 in a new location and advanced to form a third bone tunnel intersecting the first bone tunnel. The second tunnel member 120 may be engaged with the first tunnel member 110 and the passer 136 used to pass a second flexible element through the first and third tunnels. This may be repeated as many times as desired to provide a one-to-many relationship between the first bone tunnel and the plurality of additional bone tunnels intersecting the first bone tunnel. The third and subsequent bone tunnels may be formed and the second and subsequent flexible elements may be passed while the first tunnel member 110 remains in the bone and while the first flexible element remains in the first tunnel member.

FIGS. 18-27 illustrate an example of a surgical method according to the invention. In the illustrative example of FIGS. 18-27, instruments and methods of the previous examples are shown in use to place transosseous sutures to repair a rotator cuff 202 of a shoulder joint. It will be understood that any of the examples of instruments and methods of the invention may be used in any combination to pass a member through a shoulder bone or other bones at a shoulder or other surgical sites and for rotator cuff repair or other surgical purposes.

Referring to FIG. 18 the guide 100 is positioned with the point 152 of the first tunnel member 110 on the lateral surface of the greater tuberosity 200 of the humerus approximately 30 mm inferior to the superior border of the tuberosity. The guide 100 is oriented such that it is perpendicular to the long axis of the humerus and perpendicular to the acromion (not shown).

Referring to FIG. 19, the first tunnel member 110 is impacted into the bone to form a first, or lateral, bone tunnel 210.

Referring to FIG. 20, the location for a second, or medial, tunnel is visualized using a targeting wire 204 in a targeting sleeve 206 to constrain the wire 204 to translation along the second guide axis 106. The position of the targeting wire may be adjusted in two degrees of freedom. First, the guide 100 may be rotated about the first guide axis 104 by twisting the first tunnel member 110 in the lateral bone tunnel 210. Second, the guide may be repositioned by adjusting the first and second arc members 130, 132 to change the angle between the guide axes 104, 106 (or repositioning the targeting sleeve and targeting wire in a different receiver in a unitary guide such as that of FIG. 9). As these adjustments are made, the targeting wire 204 may be inserted through the skin and other soft tissues near the targeted site so that the position may be visualized on the bone. The small punctures in the skin and other soft tissues created by the targeting wire 204 cause minimal trauma to the tissues and facilitate multiple targeting attempts if needed. The targeting wire 204 is then used to mark the bone surface with the desired medial tunnel location.

Referring to FIG. 21, the targeting sleeve and wire are removed and the second tunnel member 120 is impacted to form a second, or medial, tunnel 212.

Referring to FIG. 22, the second tunnel member 120 is engaged with the first tunnel member 110 and the passer 400 inserted into the second tunnel member 120.

Referring to FIG. 23, the wire is advanced through the first and second tunnel members 110, 120 until it extends from the proximal end of the first tunnel member 110. The end 216 of a first shuttle suture 214 is passed through the loop 488 of the passer 400.

Referring to FIG. 24, the end 216 of the shuttle suture 214 is retrieved by pulling the passer 136 out the distal end of the second tunnel member 120.

Referring to FIG. 25, the second tunnel member 120 is removed leaving the first shuttle suture 214 in place in the first tunnel member 110 and extending out of the second, medial bone tunnel 212.

Referring to FIGS. 26 and 27, the preceding steps are repeated to create a third, additional medial, tunnel 218 and place a second shuttle suture 219 while the first tunnel member 110 remains in the bone and while the first shuttle suture 214 remains in the first tunnel member 110. Two limbs 220, 222 of a first repair suture are passed through the loop of the first shuttle suture 214 and two limbs 224, 226 of a second repair suture are passed through the loop of the second shuttle suture 219. The shuttle sutures 214, 219 are pulled to pass the limbs of the repair sutures through the bone. The repair sutures are passed through the rotator cuff 202 and used to secure it to the humerus 200.

Referring to FIG. 28 the instruments and methods may also be used for other repairs such as, for example, an Achilles tendon repair in which the first and second tunnel members are inserted into the heel bone 500 and one or more sutures are passed and used to secure the Achilles tendon 502 to the bone 500.

While the illustrative examples have shown bone tunnels being formed by punching instruments into the bone, it is also within the scope of the invention to form bone tunnels by drilling, reaming, broaching, and/or any suitable tunnel forming process. It is contemplated, and within the scope of the invention, that the various features of the illustrative examples may be interchanged among the illustrative examples.

The following are further examples of the invention

• 1. A method for placing a member transosseously through first and second transverse, intersecting bone tunnels, the method comprising:
  • inserting a first tunnel member into a bone along a first insertion axis, the first tunnel member having a proximal end and a distal end, the first tunnel member having a first longitudinal passage at least partway through the first tunnel member;
  • inserting a second tunnel member into the bone along a second insertion axis, the second insertion axis intersecting the first insertion axis, the second tunnel member having a proximal end and a distal end, the second tunnel member having a second longitudinal passage at least partway through the second tunnel member; and
  • inserting a passer through the first and second tunnel members, the passer simultaneously extending through the first and second axial passages and out of the proximal end of the first tunnel member and out of the proximal end of the second tunnel member.
• 2. The method of example 1 comprising drilling a first bone tunnel to receive the first tunnel member and drilling a second bone tunnel to receive the second tunnel member.
• 3. The method of example 1 wherein inserting a first tunnel member into a bone comprises punching the first tunnel member into the bone to form a first bone tunnel and wherein inserting a second tunnel member into a bone comprises punching the second tunnel member into the bone to form a second bone tunnel.
• 4. The method of example 1 wherein engaging the passer with the first and second tunnel members comprises inserting the passer so that it extends between the proximal end of the first longitudinal passage, the distal end of the first longitudinal passage, the distal end of the second longitudinal passage, and the proximal end of the second longitudinal passage.
• 5. The method of example 1 wherein engaging the passer with the first and second tunnel members comprises inserting the passer so that it extends between an outer end of the first tunnel member spaced from the bone, an inner end of the first tunnel member buried in the bone, an inner end of the second tunnel member buried in the bone, and an outer end of the second tunnel member spaced from the bone.
• 6. The method of example 1 wherein engaging the passer with the first and second tunnel members comprises advancing the passer into a proximal end of the second tunnel member, along the second longitudinal passage, through a second side opening in the second tunnel member, through a first side opening in the first tunnel member, along the first longitudinal passage, and out a proximal end of the first tunnel member.
• 7. The method of example 6 wherein the distal end of the second tunnel member is inserted into the first side opening of the first tunnel member.
• 8. The method of example 6 wherein an angled surface is formed adjacent the second side opening in the second tunnel member and the angled surface deflects a tip of the passer out of the second side opening and into the first side opening.
• 9. The method of example 8 wherein the passer comprises a wire forming a loop in a first plane, the loop being bent so that a portion of the loop forms a curved profile in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane, the method further comprising passing the bent loop from the second side opening to the first side opening.
• 10. The method of example 1 wherein the passer comprises a wire and an outer tube moveable relative to the wire between a first position in which the outer tube encloses a portion of the length of the wire and a second position in which the outer tube encloses less than of the length of the wire, the method further comprising:
  • inserting the wire into the second tunnel member while the outer tube is positioned in the first position; and
  • subsequently moving the tube to the second position.
• 11. The method of example 1 further comprising:
  • engaging a first element with the passer; and
  • withdrawing the passer to pass the first element through the first and second tunnel members.
• 12. The method of example 11 further comprising, after withdrawing the passer to pass the element:
  • withdrawing the second tunnel member from the bone;
  • inserting the second tunnel member into the bone along a third insertion axis, the third insertion axis intersecting the first insertion axis;
  • inserting a passer through the first and second tunnel members, the passer simultaneously extending through the first and second axial passages and out of the proximal end of the first tunnel member and out of the proximal end of the second tunnel member;
  • engaging a second element with the passer; and
  • withdrawing the passer to pass the second element through the first and second tunnel members.
• 13. The method of example 11 further comprising:
  • passing the first element through soft tissue adjacent to the bone; and
  • securing the soft tissue to the bone.
• 14. The method of example 13 wherein the step of inserting the first tunnel member into the bone results in the first member being positioned in a first bone tunnel, and wherein the step of securing the soft tissue to the bone comprises inserting a knotless anchor into the first bone tunnel and securing the member with the knotless anchor.
• 15. The method of example 1 wherein the bone is a human humeral bone adjacent to a shoulder joint; wherein inserting a first tunnel member into a bone comprises inserting the first tunnel member into the humeral bone; wherein inserting the second tunnel member into the bone comprises inserting the second tunnel member into the humeral bone; wherein the member is a suture; and wherein the method further comprises:
  • engaging the suture with the passer outside of the tunnel members;
  • withdrawing the passer to pass the suture through both of the tunnel members in one continuous motion;
  • engaging the suture with soft tissue of the rotator cuff of the shoulder; and
  • securing the soft tissue by securing the suture with a knotless anchor that is inserted into the humeral bone.
• 16. The method of example 1 wherein the bone is a heel bone of a human foot; wherein inserting a first tunnel member into a bone comprises inserting the first tunnel member into the heel bone; wherein inserting the second tunnel member into the bone comprises inserting the second tunnel member into the heel bone; wherein the member is a suture; and wherein the method further comprises:
  • engaging the suture with the passer outside of the tunnel members;
  • withdrawing the passer to pass the suture through both of the tunnel members in one continuous motion;
  • engaging the suture with an Achilles tendon; and
  • securing the Achilles tendon by securing the suture with a knotless anchor that is inserted into the heel bone.
• 17. A method for placing suture transosseously through first, second, and third transverse, intersecting bone tunnels, the method comprising:
  • forming a first bone tunnel in a bone with a first tunnel member;
  • forming a second bone tunnel transverse to and intersecting the first bone tunnel with a second tunnel member;
  • placing a first portion of suture through the first and second bone tunnels and at least partway through the first tunnel member;
  • forming a third bone tunnel transverse to and intersecting the first bone tunnel with the second tunnel member while the first portion of suture is present in the first tunnel member; and
  • placing a second portion of suture through the first and third tunnels and at least partway through the first tunnel member while the first portion of suture is present in the first tunnel member.
• 18. The method of example 16 wherein the first tunnel member defines a first insertion axis and wherein forming the third bone tunnel comprises:
  • withdrawing the second tunnel member from the second bone tunnel;
  • rotating a guide engaged with the first and second tunnel members about the first insertion axis; and
  • guiding the second tunnel member or another tunnel member with the guide to form the third bone tunnel.
• 19. A method for placing a member transosseously through first and second transverse, intersecting bone tunnels, the method comprising:
  • inserting a first tunnel member into a bone along a first insertion axis, the first tunnel member having a proximal end and a distal end, the first tunnel member having a first longitudinal passage at least partway through the first tunnel member;
  • using a guide to select a second insertion axis from a plurality of insertion axes that each intersect the first insertion axis, each of the plurality of insertion axes forming a different angle relative to the first insertion axis;
  • inserting a second tunnel member into the bone along the selected second insertion axis, the second tunnel member having a proximal end and a distal end, the second tunnel member having a second longitudinal passage at least partway through the second tunnel member; and
  • inserting a passer through the first and second tunnel members, the passer simultaneously extending through the first and second axial passages and out of the proximal end of the first tunnel member and out of the proximal end of the second tunnel member.
• 20. The method of example 18 wherein selecting a second insertion axis comprises moving one portion of the guide relative to another portion of the guide to change the angle between the first and second insertion axes.
• 21. The method of example 18 wherein selecting a second insertion axis comprises selecting from a plurality of receivers on the guide, each of the plurality of receivers defining an insertion axis that intersects the first insertion axis at an angle different from the other of the plurality of receivers, each of the plurality of receivers being operable to receive the second tunnel member and guide it along an insertion axis.

Claims

1. A method for placing an element transosseously through first and second transverse, intersecting bone tunnels, the method comprising: inserting a first tunnel member into a bone along a first insertion axis, the first tunnel member having a proximal end and a distal end, the first tunnel member having a first longitudinal passage at least partway through the first tunnel member;inserting a second tunnel member into the bone along a second insertion axis, the second insertion axis intersecting the first insertion axis, the second tunnel member having a proximal end and a distal end, the second tunnel member having a second longitudinal passage at least partway through the second tunnel member;continuously inserting a passer from a second bone tunnel to a first bone tunnel until the passer extends from the proximal end of the second bone tunnel, through the second bone tunnel, through the first bone tunnel, and out of the proximal end of the first bone tunnel in one continuous path; andpassing an element from the first bone tunnel to the second bone tunnel by withdrawing the passer back through the first bone tunnel and back through the second bone tunnel.

2. The method of claim 1 comprising drilling the first bone tunnel to receive the first tunnel member and drilling the second bone tunnel to receive the second tunnel member.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein inserting a first tunnel member into a bone comprises punching the first tunnel member into the bone to form a first bone tunnel and wherein inserting a second tunnel member into a bone comprises punching the second tunnel member into the bone to form a second bone tunnel.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein continuously inserting the passer comprises inserting the passer from the proximal end of the second tunnel member, through the second longitudinal passage, through the first longitudinal passage, and out of the proximal end of the first longitudinal passage in one continuous path, such that the passer extends between the proximal end of the first longitudinal passage, the distal end of the first longitudinal passage, the distal end of the second longitudinal passage, and the proximal end of the second longitudinal passage.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein continuously inserting the passer comprises inserting the passer so that it extends between an outer end of the first tunnel member spaced from the bone, an inner end of the first tunnel member buried in the bone, an inner end of the second tunnel member buried in the bone, and an outer end of the second tunnel member spaced from the bone.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein continuously inserting the passer comprises advancing the passer into a proximal end of the second tunnel member, along the second longitudinal passage, through a second side opening in the second tunnel member, through a first side opening in the first tunnel member, along the first longitudinal passage, and out a proximal end of the first tunnel member.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein the distal end of the second tunnel member is inserted into the first side opening of the first tunnel member.

8. The method of claim 6 wherein an angled surface is formed adjacent the second side opening in the second tunnel member and the angled surface deflects a tip of the passer out of the second side opening and into the first side opening.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the passer comprises a wire forming a loop in a first plane, the loop being bent so that a portion of the loop forms a curved profile in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane, the method further comprising passing the bent loop from the second side opening to the first side opening.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein the passer comprises a wire and an outer tube moveable relative to the wire between a first position in which the outer tube encloses a portion of the length of the wire and a second position in which the outer tube encloses less of the length of the wire, the method further comprising: inserting the wire into the second tunnel member while the outer tube is positioned in the first position; andsubsequently moving the tube to the second position.

11. The method of claim 1 further comprising: engaging a first element with the passer; andwithdrawing the passer to pass the first element through the first and second tunnel members.

12. The method of claim 11 further comprising, after withdrawing the passer to pass the element: withdrawing the second tunnel member from the bone;inserting the second tunnel member into the bone along a third insertion axis, the third insertion axis intersecting the first insertion axis;inserting a passer through the first and second tunnel members, the passer simultaneously extending through the first and second longitudinal passages and out of the proximal end of the first tunnel member and out of the proximal end of the second tunnel member;engaging a second element with the passer; andwithdrawing the passer to pass the second element through the first and second tunnel members.

13. The method of claim 11 further comprising: passing the first element through soft tissue adjacent to the bone; andsecuring the soft tissue to the bone.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the step of inserting the first tunnel member into the bone results in the first tunnel member being positioned in a first bone tunnel, and wherein the step of securing the soft tissue to the bone comprises inserting a knotless anchor into the first bone tunnel and securing the first element with the knotless anchor.

15. The method of claim 1 wherein the bone is a human humeral bone adjacent to a shoulder joint; wherein inserting a first tunnel member into a bone comprises inserting the first tunnel member into the humeral bone; wherein inserting the second tunnel member into the bone comprises inserting the second tunnel member into the humeral bone; wherein the element is a suture; and wherein the method further comprises: engaging the suture with the passer outside of the tunnel members;withdrawing the passer to pass the suture through both of the tunnel members in one continuous motion;engaging the suture with soft tissue of the rotator cuff of the shoulder; andsecuring the soft tissue by securing the suture with a knotless anchor that is inserted into the humeral bone.

16. The method of claim 1 wherein the bone is a heel bone of a human foot; wherein inserting a first tunnel member into a bone comprises inserting the first tunnel member into the heel bone; wherein inserting the second tunnel member into the bone comprises inserting the second tunnel member into the heel bone; wherein the element is a suture; and wherein the method further comprises: engaging the suture with the passer outside of the tunnel members;withdrawing the passer to pass the suture through both of the tunnel members in one continuous motion;engaging the suture with an Achilles tendon; andsecuring the Achilles tendon by securing the suture with a knotless anchor that is inserted into the heel bone.

17. A method for placing suture transosseously through first, second, and third transverse, intersecting bone tunnels, the method comprising: forming a first bone tunnel in a bone with a first tunnel member;forming a second bone tunnel transverse to and intersecting the first bone tunnel with a second tunnel member;placing a first portion of suture through the first and second bone tunnels and at least partway through the first tunnel member;forming a third bone tunnel transverse to and intersecting the first bone tunnel with the second tunnel member while the first portion of suture is present in the first tunnel member; andplacing a second portion of suture through the first and third tunnels and at least partway through the first tunnel member while the first portion of suture is present in the first tunnel member.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the first tunnel member defines a first insertion axis and wherein forming the third bone tunnel comprises: withdrawing the second tunnel member from the second bone tunnel;rotating a guide engaged with the first and second tunnel members about the first insertion axis; andguiding the second tunnel member or another tunnel member with the guide to form the third bone tunnel.