| abstract |
A surgical tool and method for fixation of ligaments employs a wedging element for holding the ligament in contact with supportive tissue (such as bone) of the patient. The wedging element includes an expandable portion that is expanded by operation of an expander element acting upon the wedging element. An internally threaded through opening formed in the wedging element is configured to receive the externally threaded expander element. When the external threading of the expander element is engaged with the internal threading of the wedging element, the expander element is turned relative to the wedging element to drive the expander element into the through opening and thereby expand the expandable portion of the wedging element. In an exemplary use, the wedging element is positioned adjacent a reconstructed ligament and nearby supportive tissue and then expanded to wedge the ligament between the wedging element and supportive tissue, thereby immobilizing the ligament and holding it in contact with the supportive tissue as the ligament heals. |