Abstract
Purpose: The use of biodegradable implants for arthroscopic repair of meniscal lesions is
becoming increasingly popular. The aim of this study was to test the biomechanical
stability and the mode of failure of these implants. Type of Study: Biomechanical testing study. Methods: Biomechanical investigations were performed on human menisci using 6 commonly used
biodegradable implants for meniscal repair to compare them with horizontal mattress
suture using 2/0 Ethibond (Ethicon, Norderstedt, Germany). Included in this study
were the Meniscus Arrow (Bionx, Tampere, Finland), Dart (Arthrex, Naples, FL), Stinger
(Linvatec, Largo, FL), Meniscal Screw (Innovasive, Marlborough, MA), T-Fix (Acufex,
Mansfield, MA), and the Fastener (Mitek, Westwood, MA). The tests were carried out
using a material testing machine at a loading rate of 10 N/second. The ultimate tension
load (UTL), elongation, and stiffness were evaluated for each implant technique. Results: The highest UTL was shown by Ethibond (62 ± 7.91 N) and the T-Fix (51.35 ± 16.31
N), followed by the Fastener (32.67 ± 2.97 N). All other implants had a significantly
lower UTL (P =.001). Less elongation under a load of 5 N was noted for Ethibond (0.64 ± 0.25 mm)
and for T-Fix (0.43 ± 0.32 mm) compared with the other implants. The greatest elongation
was found for the Fastener (2.239 ± 0.581 mm). The stiffness of the fixation was similar
in all implants, except for the Dart and Fastener, which were significantly inferior
(P <.05). Conclusions: All of the biodegradable implants had lower UTL than the suture techniques. Therefore,
when using the implants, they should be inserted close together to provide sufficient
stability. In cases of an extended lesion, there might even be an option to combine
the implant and suturing techniques.
Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 17, No 5 (May-June),
2001: pp 439–444
Keywords
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Article info
Footnotes
*Address correspondence and reprint requests to Roland Becker, M.D., Orthopädische Universitätsklinik, Otto von Guericke Universität Magdeburg, Leipziger Strasse 45, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany. E-mail: [email protected]
Identification
Copyright
© 2001 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
