Repair of quadriceps tendon ruptures using suture anchors

The repair of ruptured quadriceps tendon is commonly performed by weaving sutures through the ruptured tendon and then attaching the tendon to the bone by passing these sutures through tunnels in the superior patella. This technical note is the first report we are aware of in the English language literature of a technique that uses suture anchors to attach the tendon to bone.Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 18, No 5 (May-June), 2002: pp 556–559     

Suture anchor repair of quadriceps tendon rupture after total knee arthroplasty

Disruption of the extensor mechanism after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a devastating complication, usually requiring surgical repair. Although suture anchor fixation is well described for repair of the ruptured native knee quadriceps tendon, no study has discussed the use of suture anchors in quadriceps repair after TKA. We present an illustrative case of successful suture anchor fixation of the quadriceps mechanism after TKA. The procedure has been performed in a total of 3 patients. A surgical technique and brief review of the literature follows. Suture anchor fixation of the quadriceps tendon is a viable option in the setting of rupture after TKA.     

Arthroskopische Rotatorenmanschettenrekonstruktion

Although most subacromial decompressions are performed arthroscopically, rotator cuff repair is still performed using an open or mini-open procedure. Arthroscopic techniques have improved in the last decade, however, so that rotator cuff repair can also be performed arthroscopically. The potential complications of open repair are thus reduced and the superior functional results of cuff repair in comparison to débridement alone are maintained. The proposed advantages of the arthroscopic method are that it provides access to the glenohumeral joint for inspection and treatment of intra-articular lesions. The skin incisions are smaller, detachment of the deltoid muscle is not necessary, and there is less soft tissue dissection. By inspecting the bursal and articular side of the ruptured cuff, it is possible to measure the size of the tear and assess the quality of the tendon and whether it can be repaired. We present our arthroscopic technique of rotator cuff repair using bioabsorbable suture anchors and demonstrate our 1- to 6-years results with various suture anchors.     

Pectoralis major transosseous equivalent repair with knotless anchors: Technical note and literature review

Introduction:Rupture of the pectoralis major (PM) tendon was initially described almost 2 centuries ago, but most of the reported injuries have occurred within the last 30 years. Options for repair have varied widely. The most common methods for repair depend on either transosseous sutures or suture anchors for fixation. Transosseous suture repair allows for docking the tendon into a trough at its anatomic insertion, but risks cortical breakage during suture passing. Our experience has confirmed the value and potential advantages of anchors for a secure fixation.Aims:To describe a variation of repair using knotless suture anchors and a burred trough to dock the tendon into its anatomic insertion.Conclusion:We describe a technique of a transosseous equivalent PM repair technique. To our knowledge, this is the first paper describing such a repair technique for PM rupture.     

Comparison of pullout button versus suture anchor for zone I flexor tendon repair

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcome after repair of zone I flexor tendon injuries using either the pullout button technique or suture anchors placed in the distal phalanx. METHODS: Between 1998 and 2002 we treated 26 consecutive zone I flexor tendon injuries. Thirteen patients had repairs from 1998 to 2000 using a modified pullout button technique (group A) and 13 patients had repair using suture anchors placed in the distal phalanx (group B). Patient characteristics were similar for both groups. The same postoperative flexor tendon rehabilitation protocol and follow-up schedule were used for both groups. Evaluation included range of motion, sensibility and grip strength, failure, complications, and return to work. The Student t test was used to determine significant differences. RESULTS: All patients completed 1 year of follow-up evaluation. There were 2 infections in group A that resolved with oral antibiotics and no infections in group B. There were no tendon repair failures and no repeat surgeries in either group. At final follow-up evaluation there were no statistically significant differences for the following end points: sensibility (Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing and 2-point discrimination), active range of motion (at the proximal interphalangeal joint, distal interphalangeal joint, or their combined motion), flexion contracture (at the proximal interphalangeal joint, distal interphalangeal joint, or their combined contracture), and grip strength (injured tendon as a percent of the contralateral uninjured tendon). The suture anchor group had a statistically significant improvement for time to return to work. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in the clinical outcome after flexor tendon repair using either suture anchors or the pullout button technique. A significant improvement was found for time to return to work for repairs using the suture anchor technique. Flexor tendon repair can be achieved using suture anchors placed in the distal phalanx, thereby avoiding the potential morbidity associated with the pullout button technique. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level III.     

TwinFix带线锚钉辅助改良Kessler法修补陈旧性跟腱断裂

目的 探讨TwinFix带线锚钉辅助改良Kessler法修补陈旧性跟腱断裂的临床疗效.方法 采用TwinFix带线锚钉辅助改良Kessler法修补陈旧性跟腱断裂患者11例,术中用改良Kessler法对位缝合跟腱断端,再用2枚TwinFix带线锚钉辅助固定断裂跟腱.术后予患侧下肢屈膝90°、踝跖屈30°位长腿石膏托固定,3周后改踝跖屈石膏托固定.结果 11例均获随访,时间3～18个月.患者均未发生切口延期愈合、感染、皮肤坏死和跟腱再断裂等并发症.采用Arner-Lindholm评分标准评价疗效:优7例,良3例,差1例.结论 TwinFix带线锚钉辅助改良Kessler法手术操作简便,是修补陈旧性跟腱断裂的有效方法.     

Mode of failure for rotator cuff repair with suture anchors identified at revision surgery

Rotator cuff tears are a common cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction. After surgical repair, there is a significant re-tear rate (25%-90%). The aim of this study was to determine the primary mode of mechanical failure for rotator cuffs repaired with suture anchors at the time of revision rotator cuff repair. We prospectively followed 342 consecutive torn rotator cuffs, repaired by a single surgeon using suture anchors and a mattress-suturing configuration. Of those shoulders, 21 (6%) subsequently underwent a revision rotator cuff repair by the original surgeon, and 1 underwent a second revision repair. Intraoperative findings, including the mode of failure, were systematically recorded at revision surgery and compared with the findings at the primary repair. In addition, 81 primary rotator cuff repairs had a radiographic and fluoroscopic evaluation at a mean of 37 weeks after repair to assess for any loosening or migration of the anchors. At revision rotator cuff repair, the predominant mode of failure was tendon pulling through sutures (19/22 shoulders) (P <.001). Two recurrent tears occurred in a new location adjacent to the previous repair, and one anchor was found loose in the supraspinatus tendon. The mean size of the rotator cuff tear was larger at the revision surgery (P =.043), the tendon quality ranked poorer (P =.013), and the tendon mobility decreased (P =.002), as compared with the index procedure. The radiographs and fluoroscopic examination showed that all 335 anchors in 81 patients were in bone. Rotator cuff repairs with suture anchors that underwent revision surgery failed mechanically by three mechanisms, the most common of which was tendon pulling through sutures. This suggests that the weak link in rotator cuff repairs with suture anchors and horizontal mattress sutures, as determined at revision surgery, is the tendon-suture interface.     

A biodegradable button to augment suture attachment in rotator cuff repair

Recent experimental studies suggest that the use of suture anchors for rotator cuff tear (RCT) repair transfers the "weak link" to the suture-tendon interface where failure occurs as the sutures cut through the tendon. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of using a suture augmentation button on the fixation strength of rotator cuff tendon repair. A 1.5 cm by 2 cm defect was created in the supraspinatus tendon of seven cadaveric shoulder pairs and two suture anchors inserted in each humerus for suture attachment. For one of each pair, the defect was repaired with sutures placed in a horizontal mattress configuration. The other side was repaired with the sutures being passed through low profile, bioabsorbable buttons placed on the bursal tendon surface prior to knot tying. The supraspinatus tendon was cyclically loaded at a physiologic rate and load (33 mm/sec and 180 N, respectively). The number of loading cycles was recorded when the specimens developed 0.75 cm and 1.5 cm gaps at the repair site. The specimens were then tested to failure. Specimens in the unaugmented group developed 0.75 cm and 1.5 cm gaps at an average of 135 cycles and 362 cycles, respectively. The button augmented group developed these gaps at average of 420 cycles and 708 cycles, respectively. These differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The gaps progressively increased in all specimens, which eventually failed by suture cutting through tendon in all specimens. This study demonstrates that in vitro, suture augmentation with a low profile, bioabsorbable button provides significantly enhanced fixation when using suture anchors to repair torn rotator cuff tendon. This device may be a useful adjunct to current methods of rotator cuff repair.     

Evaluation of a New Knotless Suture Anchor Repair in Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures: A Biomechanical Comparison of Three Techniques

Acute ruptures of the Achilles tendon are a common injury, and debate has continued in published studies on how best to treat these injuries. Specifically, controversy exists regarding the surgical approaches for Achilles tendon repair when one considers percutaneous versus open repair. The present study investigated the biomechanical strength of 3 different techniques for Achilles tendon repair in a cadaveric model. A total of 36 specimens were divided into 3 groups, each of which received a different construct. The first group received a traditional Krackow suture repair, the second group was repaired using a jig-assisted percutaneous suture, and the third group received a repair using a jig-assisted percutaneous repair modified with suture anchors placed into the calcaneus. The specimens were tested with cyclical loading and to ultimate failure. Cyclical loading showed a trend toward a stronger repair with the use of suture anchors after 10 cycles (p = .295), 500 cycles (p = .120), and 1000 cycles (p = .040). The ultimate load to failure was greatest in the group repaired with the modified knotless technique using the suture anchors (p = .098). The results of the present study show a clear trend toward a stronger construct in Achilles repair using a knotless suture anchor technique, which might translate to a faster return to activity and be more resistant to an early and aggressive rehabilitation protocol. Further clinical studies are warranted to evaluate this technique in a patient population.     

Recurrent and Chronic Complete Ruptures of the Proximal Origin of the Hamstring Muscles Repaired With Fascia Lata Autograft Augmentation

Hamstring injuries are common, especially among athletes. A complete rupture of the proximal hamstring muscles requires surgical intervention. In this report we describe a reconstruction method for a complete proximal hamstring rupture using fascia lata autograft augmentation in addition to suture anchors. This method can be advocated in cases in which the primary repair has failed or in chronic injuries where a large defect between the distally retracted tendons and the ischial tuberosity prevents anatomic reinsertion. In our technique, a muscle-tendon flap is first created from the retracted tendon stump, turned proximally, and fixed to the ischial tuberosity by suture anchors. The fascia lata graft is then fixed from the midpart to the ischial tuberosity via the same sutures. The other sleeve of the graft is folded on the ventral side of the ruptured tendon stump and fixed by use of absorbable sutures. Then the other sleeve is folded on the dorsal side and fixed in the same manner. Finally, the fixation can still be reinforced with additional absorbable sutures passing through both sleeves of the graft, as well as the muscle-tendon bridge and the tendon stump.     

In situ transtendon repair outperforms tear completion and repair for partial articular-sided supraspinatus tendon tears

This biomechanical study compared 2 repair techniques for high-grade, partial, articular-sided supraspinatus tendon tears of the rotator cuff: transtendon in situ repair and tear completion with repair. Standardized, 50% partial, articular-sided supraspinatus lesions were created in 10 pairs of matched fresh, frozen cadaveric shoulders: 10 underwent partial lesion repair with an in situ transtendon technique using 2 suture anchors. In the contralateral 10 shoulders, the partial lesion was converted to a full-thickness tear and repaired with a double-row technique, using 4 suture anchors. Cyclic loading to failure of the supraspinatus tendon was performed using a material testing machine. Gap formation was measured for each rotational position and each incremental load. The in situ transtendon repair had statistically significant less gapping (P = .0001) and higher mean ultimate failure strength (P = .0011) than the double-row repair. In situ transtendon repair was biomechanically superior to tear completion for partial, articular-sided supraspinatus tears.     

Über die Primärfestigkeit konventioneller und alternativer Nahttechniken der RotatorenmanschetteEine biomechanische Untersuchung

The aim of this biomechanical study was to evaluate rotator cuff repair strength using different suture anchor techniques compared to conventional repair, taking into consideration the native strength of the supraspinatus tendon. Therefore, a defined defect of the supraspinatus was created in 50 freshly frozen cadaver specimen (group size n = 10; median age at death: 56 years). Five methods were employed for cuff repair: standard transosseous suture, modified transosseous suture with patch augmentation and three suture anchors (Acufex Wedge TAG, Acufex Rod TAG und Mitek GII). The maximum tensile load of the five techniques was: standard transosseous suture, 410 N; modified transosseous suture, 552 N; Wedge TAG, 207 N; Rod TAG, 217 N; Mitek GII, 186 N. The difference between the suture anchor and standard techniques were highly significant (P < 0.001). In this series, the Mitek Gll anchor showed the lowest anchor dislocation rate at 3% (n = 1). The Wedge TAG system had a dislocation rate of 27% (n = 8) and the Rod TAG system 43% (n = 13). Suture anchor techniques revealed about 20%, the standard technique 34% and its modification 60% of the hypothetically calculated native tendon strength. Compared to conventional transosseous suture techniques, the use of the suture anchors tested in this series does not significantly increase the primary fixation strength of rotator cuff repair. The metallic implant with two barbs (Mitek GII) seems to be superior to the polyacetal anchors when inserted into the spongiform bone of the greater tubercle. The considerably weaker repair strength needs to be taken into consideration in postoperative patient rehabilitation, especially after the use of suture anchors.     

Editorial Commentary: Biology and Biomechanics Must Be Carefully Balanced for a Durable Rotator Cuff Repair

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair strategies have evolved over 3 decades, but suture anchor design, anchor configuration, and stitches have been largely driven by repair biomechanics. In recent years there has been a shift toward repair strategies that enhance the biology of tendon repair. Double-row and transosseous equivalent suture anchor repair constructs demonstrate excellent time zero mechanical properties, but the resulting increased repair tension and tendon compression may compromise tendon healing. Modern single-row repairs employing medialized triple-loaded suture anchors, simple stitches, and lateral marrow venting avoid some of the problems associated with double-row repairs and demonstrate excellent short-term healing and clinical results. The most robust repair fails if the tendon does not heal. Biology and biomechanics must be carefully balanced.     

Editorial Commentary: Quadriceps Tendon Suture Anchor Repair Provides Better Patient-Reported Outcomes Than Transosseous Tunnel Repair: Defining the New Gold Standard

Quadriceps tendon suture anchor repair provides biomechanically greater and more consistent failure loads than transosseous tunnel repair, including less cyclic displacement (gap formation). Although satisfactory clinical outcomes are found with both repair techniques, few studies provide a side-to-side comparison. However, recent research demonstrates better clinical outcomes in using suture anchors, with equal failure rates. Suture anchor repair is minimally invasive requiring smaller incisions, less patellar dissection, and eliminates patellar tunnel drilling that can breach the anterior cortex, create stress risers, result in osteolysis from nonabsorbable intraosseous sutures and longitudinal patellar fractures. Suture anchor quadriceps tendon repair should now be considered the gold standard.     

A New Technique to Improve Tissue Grip: “The Lasso-Loop Stitch”

In the chain of reattachment of the rotator cuff, links extend from the tendon to the anchor within the bone. Passage of the suture through the tendon is noted at the start of the chain, but as shown before, this is most vulnerable, depending on the quality of the tendon. We present a new technique of suture placement designed to improve tissue grip: “The lasso-loop stitch.” One side of the wire is passed through the edge of the tendon, which is ruptured by the wire in the middle—not at the end. The wire is not pulled through completely. Through this process, a loop is created at the upper side of the tendon. The end of the wire, at the same side used to make the loop, is passed through the loop with a grasp. The wire is passed through the loop, and the end of the wire is brought extra-articularly. Through this technique, the reduction force of a suture is augmented, and a constricting factor is added. We have not changed the location of the anchors. So far, we have used the technique in rotator cuff repair, biceps tenodesis, and the Bankart procedure.     

Comparison between single and double suture passing techniques in the suture bridge rotator cuff repair with a 2-mm tape: A simulation study using a three-dimensional finite element method

BackgroundSuture bridge repair has been widely used as one of the standard procedures in the arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. We compared the intratendinous stress distribution between single and double suture passing techniques in the suture bridge repair using a 2-mm tape and clarified the roles of tensioning in this procedure.MethodsA board-like model of the supraspinatus tendon and humeral head was used in order to standardize conditions and exclude the influence of anatomical variations between individuals. Reattachment of the supraspinatus tendon to the bone was simulated using both single and double suture passing techniques for the suture bridge repair using a 2-mm tape. A tensile load was applied to the medial end of the tendon, and the stress distribution pattern was observed. Elastic analysis enabled comparison of the von Mises equivalent and maximum principal stresses between the single and double suture passing techniques. The tape configuration was subsequently translated 1 mm toward the insertion points of lateral anchors to simulate the tensioning maneuver.ResultsAlthough the distribution pattern of both the equivalent and the maximum principal stresses was similar for both models, areas with a high stress concentration were smaller in the single suture passing model than those in the double suture passing model. The equivalent stress concentrated within the tendon beneath the tapes as well as in the area between the crossing tapes and the lateral end of the tendon, whereas the maximum principal stress concentrated medial to the sites of suture penetration.ConclusionsSingle suture passing technique can reduce the extent of intratendinous stress concentration compared with double suture passing technique, which might be beneficial to reduce the incidence of type 2 retear after suture bridge repair of rotator cuff tendon using a 2-mm tape.     

Repair of distal biceps tendon rupture with suture anchors and a single anterior incision: a review of six cases

We present a retrospective review of six cases of distal biceps tendon repair with a mean follow-up of 1 year. All patients were men aged between 34 and 62 years. In all patients, the injury was sustained with application of an unanticipated large load to the flexed arm. All but one patient was operated within a week of the injury. All six cases were operated through a single anterior incision and the torn tendon ends fixed to the radial tuberosity with implantable suture anchors. All patients were reviewed subjectively and objectively. All but one returned to preinjury activity within 6 months. One patient developed superficial radial nerve neurapraxia, which recovered, and one developed a superficial wound infection, which required treatment with oral antibiotics and surgical excision of the sinus. We believe that operative repair of distal biceps tendon rupture using a single anterior incision and suture anchors is a safe and effective method of treating theses injuries.     

Device for zone-II flexor tendon repair. A multicenter, randomized, blinded, clinical trial

BACKGROUND: The stainless-steel Teno Fix tendon-repair device has improved biomechanical characteristics compared with those of suture repair, and it was well tolerated in a canine model. The purpose of this study was to compare the Teno Fix with suture repair in a clinical setting. METHODS: Sixty-seven patients with isolated zone-II flexor tendon injury were randomized to be treated with a Teno Fix or a four-stranded cruciate suture repair. There were eighty-five injured digits: thirty-four were treated with the Teno Fix, and fifty-one served as controls. A modified Kleinert rehabilitation technique was employed, with active flexion starting at four weeks postoperatively. Patients were followed for six months by blinded observers who determined the range of motion, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, pinch and grip strength, and pain score on a verbal scale and assessed swelling and neurologic recovery. Adverse outcomes, including device migration and rupture, were monitored at frequent intervals. RESULTS: Nine of the fifty-one suture repairs ruptured, whereas none of the Teno Fix repairs ruptured (p < 0.01). Five of the nine ruptures were caused by resistive motion against medical advice. There were no differences between the two groups in terms of range of motion, DASH score, pinch and grip strength, pain, swelling, or neurologic recovery. The Teno Fix group had slightly slower resolution of pain and swelling compared with the control group. Of the patients who were available for follow-up at six months, sixteen of the twenty-four treated with a Teno Fix repair and nineteen of the twenty-seven treated with a control repair had a good or excellent result. One Teno Fix device migrated and extruded secondary to a wound infection. Of all eighty-five digits that were operated on, four were thought to have tendons of inadequate size to accommodate the device and nine were deemed to have inadequate exposure to allow placement of the anchors. CONCLUSIONS: The Teno Fix is safe and effective for flexor tendon repair if the tendon size and exposure are sufficient. Tendon repairs with the Teno Fix have lower rupture rates and similar functional outcomes when compared with conventional repair, particularly in patients who are noncompliant with the rehabilitation protocol.     

Disintegration of an absorbable rotator cuff anchor six weeks after implantation

Rotator cuff failure by suture-bone or suture anchor pull-out, suture breakage, knot slippage, and tendon pull-out are well described. I report a case of early disintegration of a bioabsorbable suture anchor. A 77-year-old woman underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. On suspecting failure, the repair was repeated 40 days later. Arthroscopy revealed disintegration of the suture loop from the anchor. Open rotator cuff repair was then performed with transosseous suture and metallic anchors.     

Single-incision repair of acute distal biceps ruptures by use of suture anchors

The purpose of this study is to report the results of a single limited-incision technique for repair of acute distal biceps ruptures by use of suture anchors. Sixty consecutive patients underwent distal biceps repair after an acute rupture between January 1997 and January 2001 by use of a limited antecubital incision and suture anchors. Fifty-three patients could be evaluated at a mean follow-up of 38.1 months. A limited transverse incision was made in the antecubital fossa. The retracted biceps tendon end was identified, retrieved, and lightly debrided. Two suture anchors were placed in the radial tuberosity, and the tendon was reapproximated. Final follow-up consisted of physical examination, radiographs, and Andrews-Carson elbow score tabulations. According to the Andrews-Carson scores, there were 46 excellent and 7 good results. In 2 patients, heterotopic ossification developed that resulted in a mild loss of forearm rotation and mild pain. In 1 patient, a temporary radial nerve palsy developed, which resolved completely within 8 weeks. Repair of acute distal biceps tears via a limited antecubital incision and suture anchors is a safe, effective technique.