Purpose
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the time zero cyclic and failure loading
properties of a linked single-row rotator cuff repair compared with a standard simple
suture single-row repair using triple-loaded suture anchors.
Methods
Eighteen human cadaveric shoulders from 9 matched pairs were dissected, and full-thickness
supraspinatus tears were created. The tendon cross-sectional area was recorded. In
each pair, one side was repaired with a linked single-row construct and the other
with a simple suture single-row construct, both using 2 triple-loaded suture anchors.
After preloading, specimens were cycled to 1 MPa of effective stress at 1 Hz for 500
cycles, and gap formation was recorded with a digital video system. Samples were then
loaded to failure, and modes of failure were recorded.
Results
There was no statistical difference in peak gap formation between the control and
linked constructs (3.6 ± 0.9 mm and 3.6 ± 1.2 mm, respectively; P = .697). Both constructs averaged below a 5-mm cyclic failure threshold. There was
no statistical difference in ultimate load to failure between the control and linked
repair (511.1 ± 139.0 N and 561.2 ± 131.8 N, respectively; P = .164), and both groups reached failure at loads similar to previous studies. Constructs
failed predominantly via tissue tearing parallel to the medial suture line.
Conclusions
The linked repair performed similarly to the simple single-row repair. Both constructs
demonstrated high ultimate load to failure and good resistance to gap formation with
cyclic loading, validating the time zero strength of both constructs in a human cadaveric
model.
Clinical Relevance
The linked repair provided equivalent resistance to gap formation and failure loads
compared with simple suture single-row repairs with triple-loaded suture anchors.
This suggests that the linked repair is a simplified rip-stop configuration using
the existing suture that may perform similarly to current rotator cuff repair techniques.
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 14, 2017
Accepted:
October 12,
2016
Received:
April 13,
2016
Footnotes
See commentary on page 945
The authors report the following potential conflict of interest or source of funding: A.F.M. receives support from Mitek-Depuy Synthes. H.B.H. receives support from Mitek-Depuy Synthes. F.A.B. receives support from Depuy-Mitek, Linvatec, FACS Research Fund, and Arthrex. M.H.G. receives support from SCORE, the Arthroscopy Association of North America, Depuy Synthes Mitek Sports Medicine, and Wother Klower. Experimental supplies (suture anchors) were donated by Mitek-Depuy Synthes (Raynham, MA).
Identification
Copyright
© 2016 by the Arthroscopy Association of North America
