A method for determining a shape of a lumen in an anatomical structure comprises reading information from a plurality of strain sensors disposed substantially along a length of a flexible medical device when the flexible medical device is positioned in the lumen. When the flexible medical device is positioned in the lumen, the flexible medical device conforms to the shape of the lumen. The method further comprises computationally determining, by a processing system, the shape of the lumen based on the information from the plurality of strain sensors.

An implant assembly for use in tissue repair having an adjustable length and comprising: a fixation device comprising a bone facing surface, an outer surface, a first and at least one further aperture extending through the fixation device from the outer surface to the bone facing surface; and a flexible elongate element secured to the fixation device and having first and second free ends.

Embodiments of a knot pusher and methods of use thereof are disclosed, that are usable for pushing a knot formed from a suture, two limbs of the suture extending from the knot. The knot pusher comprises a distal head defining top and bottom walls terminating in a distal knot pushing surface. The distal head includes at least two side grooves defined between the top and bottom walls that extend proximally from the knot pushing surface. Each of these side grooves is operable to receive one of the limbs of suture. The distal head additionally comprises at least one suture guide coupled to the top and bottom walls for guiding the one of the limbs of suture into one of the side grooves.

An anchor assembly can include at least one anchor member, such as a pair of anchor members that are configured to be implanted in a target anatomical location in a first configuration, and can subsequently be actuated to an expanded configuration that secures the anchor members in the target anatomy. The anchor assembly can further include a connector member configured as a stitch lock that attaches the pair of anchor members together across a gap so as to approximate the anatomical defect.

Surgical constructs and methods are provided for securing soft tissue to bone. One exemplary embodiment of a construct is formed from a suture filament and includes two terminal ends of filament and an intermediate portion disposed along at least a portion of a length extending between the terminal ends. The construct can have a first terminal end that is the first terminal end of the filament, and a second terminal end that includes a loop. The loop can be formed by disposing the second terminal end of the filament within a volume of a portion of the intermediate portion of the filament. In some disclosed methods, both terminal ends of the filament can be passed through tissue when performing soft tissue repairs. Various other embodiments of constructs and methods are provided, including constructs having two or more filaments associated with an anchor and methods of using such constructs.

An arthroscopic meniscal tear repair device includes a catch needle and a transfer needle, which are pierced into a torn meniscus and advanced past the tear. Suture is transferred by a suture needle from the transfer needle through the meniscus and into the catch needle. The catch needle has an internal mechanism that retains the suture. The suture needle is then retracted back to its home position inside the transfer needle, leaving the free end of the suture across the meniscus and in the catch needle. The device is then retracted out of the meniscus, leaving behind a stitch across the meniscal tear inside the meniscus. A pre-tied knot of suture is then slid down the device and cinched up using a knot pusher having a dilation tip, thus completing the repair.

Apparatus for forming a knot, the apparatus having a first pathway for receiving a first element, and a second pathway for receiving a second element, the first pathway having a configuration which corresponds to the path to be followed by the first element and the second pathway having a configuration which corresponds to the path to be followed by the second element, respectively, in order to form a knot; a shuttle for moving the second element; and a mechanism for moving the shuttle through the second pathway, whereby, when the first element is received in the first pathway and the second element is connected to the shuttle, movement of the shuttle through the second pathway causes the second element to be moved through the second pathway so as to form a knot around the first element.

A knotless self-cinching suture construct device includes a continuous loop and a self-cinching suture member. The suture is configured for insertion into a passage hole in injured soft tissue, such as a torn or damaged meniscus in the knee. The suture and continuous loop are passed entirely through the passage hole in the tissue, and the self-cinching suture member is inserted through the continuous loop to form a hitch using the continuous loop around the tissue. The self-cinching suture member is then pulled tight, allowing a first strand to slide through both the hitched continuous loop and a self-cinching sleeve on the suture member. When tension is applied, the sleeve tightens around the strand much like a finger trap, preventing inadvertent release of the applied suture tension. The suture construct is configured for use through a transosseous tunnel with a detent structure in some embodiments.

Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed for relocating a meniscus horn in a knee. The invention may be deployed during an arthroscopic procedure to apply external forces to a meniscus horn to pull the meniscus into a load bearing area of the knee, which may reduce contact stresses on articular cartilage in the knee and thereby ameliorate pain associated with an osteoarthritic joint. In one embodiment, the system includes a guide needle, suture thread, plug, elongate member, and bone anchor.

A method for providing a fractured bone with a bone cerclage according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, wrapping a folded piece of suture around a bone at least once, and securing the suture to the bone.