A suture anchor installation system includes a body portion having a distal end and a proximal end, an elongated shaft extending distally from the distal end of the body portion, the shaft having a distal end with an annular region disposed at the distal end of the shaft. A suture anchor is attachable within the annular region and comprising a setting portion and an engagement portion, the suture anchor having at least one suture associated therewith. A suture retaining member is positioned on the body portion, the suture retaining member including tabs to grip the at least one suture extending from the suture anchor to maintain the setting portion within the engagement portion. A loading unit for use with a suturing apparatus is mountable on the body portion including a mounting member positioned on the body portion and configured to releasably hold at least one suture needle, the at least one suture needle being associated with the at least one suture extending from the suture anchor. The loading unit further includes a receiving structure formed in the body portion for receiving a distal end portion of the suturing apparatus in operative alignment with mounting member to facilitate mounting of the at least one surgical needle in the suturing apparatus. A method for applying a suture anchor comprises the steps of providing a suture anchor installation system, implanting the suture anchor into a bone, securing the suture anchor within the bone, mounting the suture apparatus into the receiving structure of the loading unit, loading the at least one suture needle into the suturing apparatus, and suturing the suture anchor to soft tissue with the at least one suture needle.