A surgical needle which is particularly suited for use in limited space applications and a method for its use are disclosed. The surgical needle generally includes an arcuate portion having a first end and a second end. A pointed tip is disposed near the first end. There is a relatively short, straight shank near the second end of the arcuate portion which extends from the arcuate portion at a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle is defined by the intersection of the arcuate portion and the shank. This predetermined angle is within a range of about 23° to about 29°. In a particularly useful embodiment, the predetermined angle is approximately 26°. Further, an extrapolation of a longitudinal axis of the shank intersects the arcuate portion of the surgical needle.
