| abstract |
A suture assembly is provided having a first, generally U-shaped suture including a first arm, a second arm, and a bridge connecting the first arm to the second arm, and a second suture including a first arm, a second arm, and a bridge connecting the first arm to the second arm. The first arm of the second suture is wrapped around the first arm of the first suture in a first direction. The second arm of the second suture is wrapped around the second arm of the first suture in a second, opposite direction. The suture assembly is capable of assuming a longitudinally-extended, radially-contracted first configuration, and a longitudinally-contracted, radially-expanded second configuration. Also provided is an apparatus and method for attaching the suture assembly to an anatomical structure such as bone. |