Suture anchor installation system and method

An apparatus (100) for placement of a suture anchor (200) having a suture (300) connected thereto includes a handle (102) dimensioned for engagement by the user and an elongated member (104) connected to the handle and extending therefrom. The elongated member has an anchor mount (170) for mounting a suture anchor. The handle includes a frame (106) having a suture retainer (112) adapted for retaining a suture, at least one cover (108) releasably mounted to the frame to at least partially enclose the suture retainer and a release button (156) mounted to the frame and movable to release the at least one cover from the frame to expose the suture portion.