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.     

Biomechanical comparison of suture anchor versus margin convergence plus suture anchor for rotator cuff repair

Objective: To evaluate results of margin convergence versus suture anchors in rotator cuff repair, and to determine which method is mechanically superior. Methods: Eighteen kangaroo shoulders were randomly divided into three groups (n = 6). A full thickness tendon defect 1.0 cm × 1.5 cm in size was created in the supraspinatus tendon at humeral insertion, simulating a massive rotator cuff tear. Three different techniques were employed for rotator cuff repair: (i) Mitek GII suture anchor alone (Group 1); (ii) margin convergence alone (Group 2); and (iii) margin convergence plus Mitek GII suture anchor (Group 3). Combined loads were applied to each specimen. After completion of cyclic loading, the construct was loaded to failure. ANOVA and LSD (Least Significant Difference) multiple comparisons of the means were applied to results. Results: Cyclic load testing showed progressive gap formation in each repaired specimen with increasing cycles. Group 1 reached 50% failure at an average of 34 cycles, Group 2 at 75 cycles and Group 3 at 73 cycles. There were significant difference between Groups 1 and 2, and Groups 1 and 3 (P ≤ 0.001). After 100 loading cycles, the average gap size was 6.8 mm, 6.1 mm and 4.7 mm in Groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. There was a significant difference between Groups 1 and 3 (P ≤ 0.015). All specimens eventually reached failure. Conclusion: Rotator cuff repairs with margin convergence +/? suture anchor were far stronger than suture anchor alone, both in gap formation and ultimate failure load. However, progressive gap formation with cyclic loading seems inevitable after cuff repair, which may facilitate clinical understanding of the phenomena of re‐tear or residual defect.     

Cyclic loading of anchor-based rotator cuff repairs: Confirmation of the tension overload phenomenon and comparison of suture anchor fixation with transosseous fixation

Previous experimental studies of failure of rotator cuff repair have involved single pull to ultimate load. Such an experimental design does not represent the cyclic loading conditions experienced in vivo. We created 1 ×2 cm rotator cuff defects in 16 cadaver shoulders, repaired each defect with three MitekRC suture anchors (Mitek Surgical Products, Inc, Westwood, MA) using simple sutures of No. 2 Ethibond, and cyclically loaded the repairs by a servohydraulic materials test system actuator at physiological rates and loads (rate of 33 mm/s, load 180 N). A progressive gap was noted in each specimen, for a 100% rate of failure of the repairs. The central suture always failed first and by the largest magnitude, confirming tension overload centrally. One specimen exhibited combined bone and tendon failure, but the other 15 specimens failed through the tendon. Overall, the repairs failed to 5 mm and 10 mm at an average of 61 cycles and 285 cycles, respectively. Half the specimens were less than 45 years of age and had a 5-mm and 10-mm failure at an average of 107 and 478 cycles, respectively. The other half were over 45 years of age and failed to 5 mm and 10 mm at an average of 17 and 91 cycles, respectively, indicating more rapid failure of the rotator cuff tendons in the older group, and this was statistically significant (P ≤ .02). Comparison of suture anchor fixation in this study with transosseous bone tunnel fixation in a previous cyclic loading study at this institution indicates that bone fixation by suture anchors is significantly less prone to failure than bone fixation through bone tunnels (P = .0008). Changing the bone fixation from bone tunnels to suture anchors effectively transferred the weak link from bone to tendon.     

Mattress suture-bridge technique for bursal-side partial-thickness rotator cuff tears

The standard procedure used to repair partial-thickness tears involves initial progression of the lesion to a full-thickness tear prior to tendon repair. However, the option for a bursal-side partial-thickness rotator cuff tear includes the preservation of as much of the remaining intact fibers as possible. Instead of inserting suture anchors in the medial row, as in the conventional suture-bridge technique, two mattress sutures are inserted into the rotator cuff. Full-thickness access is achieved using a percutaneous spinal needle and medial mattress sutures to preserve the articular bone attachment of the remnant fibers and to compress the repaired tendon on the footprint. Our method can help preserve the remnant rotator cuff tendon without tissue damage and can restore the normal rotator cuff footprint.     

Rotator cuff repair with bioabsorbable screws: An in vivo and ex vivo investigation

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vivo the clinical outcomes of rotator cuff repairs with bioabsorbable screws compared with metal suture anchors, and to compare the ex vivo initial load to failure of rotator cuff repairs using 3 different bioabsorbable screws, suture anchors, and transosseous sutures. Type of Study: In vivo clinical outcomes investigation, and ex vivo biomechanical study. Methods: Three cohorts of patients with rotator cuff tears that measured less than 4 cm², were sequentially repaired with Mitek Rotator Cuff QuickAnchors (Mitek Surgical Products, Norwood, MA) (n = 9), Arthrex Headed Bio-Corkscrews (n = 9) (Arthrex, Naples, FL), and Mitek Rotator Cuff QuickAnchors (n = 9). Patients were systematically assessed with a specific shoulder questionnaire and 23 shoulder tests performed preoperatively and at 1 and 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively. A correlative ex vivo biomechanical study was performed on 53 ovine shoulders to evaluate the initial failure load properties of bioabsorbable screws compared with fixation with suture anchors and transosseous sutures. Results: In the in vivo portion of the study, the cohort treated with the Headed Bio-Corkscrew demonstrated no improvement on any measured parameter until 1-year after rotator cuff repair. In contrast, shoulders repaired with Mitek Rotator Cuff QuickAnchors demonstrated improved overall shoulder function as early as 6 weeks postoperatively (P =.002), had a better constant score at 1-year after repair (88 ± 9 v 73 ± 17; P =.016), and a lower rate of revision rotator cuff repair (P =.029). In the ex vivo portion of the study, the bioabsorbable headed screws, Headed Bio-Corkscrew (100 ± 30 N) and BioTwist (76 ± 35 N), had inferior initial failure load properties compared with suture anchors (140 ± 36 N) and transosseous sutures (147 ± 68 N). In contrast, the BioCuff (190 ± 56 N), a bioabsorbable implant that used a screw and serrated washer design, had equivalent initial failure load properties as the suture repairs. Conclusions: This investigation had poorer early outcomes, a lower shoulder functional score 1-year after repair, and a higher rate of repeat surgery in patients who had their rotator cuff repaired with a bioabsorbable screw than in patients who had their shoulders repaired with a standard metal suture anchor. Furthermore, the biomechanical testing demonstrated a lower tensile load to failure in the tendons repaired with a simple screw design compared to suture anchors with a mattress stitch. Of note, the implant that used a screw and washer design demonstrated a greater ability to resist initial tensile load.Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 19, No 3 (March), 2003: pp 239–248     

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.     

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.     

Cyclic loading of rotator cuff repairs: A comparison of bioabsorbable tacks with metal suture anchors and transosseous sutures

Purpose: The purposes of the study were (1) to compare rotator cuff repair strengths after cyclic loading of 2 bioabsorbable nonsuture-based tack-type anchors, transosseous sutures, and a metal suture-based anchor, and (2) to correlate bone mineral density with mode of failure and cycles to failure. We hypothesized that specimens with a lower bone density would fail through bone at a lower number of cycles independent of the method of cuff fixation. Type of Study: Ex vivo biomechanical study. Methods: Standardized full-thickness rotator cuff defects were created in 30 fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders that were randomized to 1 of 4 repair groups: transosseous sutures; Mitek Super suture anchors (Mitek Surgical Products, Westwood, MA); smooth bioabsorbable 8-mm Suretacs (Acufex, Smith & Nephew Endoscopy, Mansfield, MA); or spiked bioabsorbable 8-mm Suretacs (Acufex). All repairs were cyclically loaded from 10 to 180 N; the numbers of cycles to 50% (gap, 5 mm) and 100% (gap, 10 mm) failure were recorded. Results: In comparing the repair groups, we found only 1 significant difference: the number of cycles to 100% failure was significantly higher (P <.05) for the smooth bioabsorbable tack than for the transosseous suture group. There were no statistically significant (P ≤.05) differences in bone mineral densities with regard to each specimen’s mode of failure. Conclusions: Our results suggested that immediate postoperative fixation provided by bioabsorbable tacks was similar to that provided by Mitek anchors and more stable than that provided by transosseous sutures. Therefore, the immediate postoperative biomechanical strength of bioabsorbable tacks seems comparatively adequate for fixation of selected small rotator cuff tears. However, additional evaluation in an animal model to examine degradation characteristics and sustained strength of repair is recommended before clinical use.Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 17, No 4 (April), 2001: pp 360–364     

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.     

Rotator cuff repair with a novel mesh suture: An ex vivo assessment of mechanical properties

Surgical repair is a common treatment for rotator cuff tear; however, the retear rate is high. A high degree of suture repair strength is important to ensure rotator cuff integrity for healing. The purpose of this study was to compare the mechanical performance of rotator cuffs repaired with a mesh suture versus traditional polydioxanone suture II and FiberWire sutures in a canine in vitro model. Seventy‐two canine shoulders were harvested. An infraspinatus tendon tear was created in each shoulder. Two suture techniques—simple interrupted sutures and two‐row suture bridge—were used to reconnect the infraspinatus tendon to the greater tuberosity, using three different suture types: Mesh suture, polydioxanone suture II, or FiberWire. Shoulders were loaded to failure under displacement control at a rate of 20 mm/min. Failure load was compared between suture types and techniques. Ultimate failure load was significantly higher in the specimens repaired with mesh suture than with polydioxanone suture II or FiberWire, regardless of suture technique. There was no significant difference in stiffness among the six groups, with the exception that FiberWire repairs were stiffer than polydioxanone suture II repairs with the simple interrupted technique. All specimens failed by suture pull‐out from the tendon. Based on our biomechanical findings, rotator cuff repair with the mesh suture might provide superior initial strength against failure compared with the traditional polydioxanone suture II or FiberWire sutures. Use of the mesh suture may provide increased initial fixation strength and decrease gap formation, which could result in improved healing and lower re‐tear rates following rotator cuff repair. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:987–992, 2018.

     

The low-profile Roman bridge technique for knotless double-row repair of the rotator cuff

With advances in arthroscopic surgery, many techniques have been developed to increase the tendon–bone contact area, reconstituting a more anatomic configuration of the rotator cuff footprint and providing a better environment for tendon healing. We present a low-profile arthroscopic rotator cuff repair technique which uses suture bridges to optimize rotator cuff tendon–footprint contact area and mean pressure. A 5.5 mm Bio-Corkscrew suture anchor (Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA), double-loaded with No. 2 FiberWire sutures (Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA), is placed in the anteromedial aspect of the footprint. Two suture limbs from a single suture are both passed through a single anterior point in the rotator cuff. One suture limb is retrieved from the cannula. The second suture limb is passed through a single posterior point in the rotator cuff producing two points of fixation in the tendon, with a tendon bridge between them. The same suture limb is retrieved through the lateral portal, and then inserted into the bone by means of a Pushlock (Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA), placed approximately 1.5–2 cm posterior to the first anchor. This second suture is passed again in the posterior aspect of the cuff. The limbs of the first suture are pulled to compress the tendon in the medial aspect of the footprint. The two free suture limbs are used to produce suture bridges over the tendon by means of a Pushlock (Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA), placed 1 cm distal to the lateral edge of the footprint relative to the medially placed suture anchors anterior to posterior. This technique allows us to perform a low-profile (single pulley–suture bridges) repair for knotless double-row repair of the rotator cuff.     

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.     

A Modified Suture-Bridge Technique for a Marginal Dog-Ear Deformity Caused During Rotator Cuff Repair

Recently, the suture-bridge technique was found to maximize the utility of a single-row construct by using the suture limbs from the medial mattress sutures to bridge and compress the repaired tendon. However, the formation of marginal dog-ear deformities at a repaired rotator cuff is not uncommon with the suture-bridge technique. If a dog-ear deformity is observed at the margin after completion of the rotator cuff repair, the detached marginal cuff is pierced via a suture hook. One strand of the uncut suture in the lateral row is transported through the deformed cuff. A nonsliding knot is seated on top of the detached cuff and presses this area of soft tissue firmly onto the bone. If necessary, these steps are repeated for the other side of the detached rotator cuff. After completion of the rotator cuff repair, a “zigzag” pattern of compression of the cuff against the bone footprint without detachment of the rotator cuff is observed. After repair of the rotator cuff tear via the suture-bridge technique, the benefit of our simple technique for treating a marginal detached cuff is that the footprint contact area of the rotator cuff is restored completely, without the need for additional suture anchors.     

Association of osteopenia of the humeral head with full-thickness rotator cuff tears

Rotator cuff tendon repair may fail for various reasons. Although the role of repair techniques and of the musculotendinous unit has been studied, there is little information on the quality of the bone to which the tendon is to be repaired. Therefore, 14 cadaveric humeral heads, 7 specimens without and 7 with a full-thickness rotator cuff tendon tear, were quantitatively assessed by use of high-resolution micro-computed tomography. Bone density is higher below the articular surface than in the greater tuberosity (40% vs 10%-20%), and tendon tears are associated with a reduction in cancellous bone density of greater than 50%, leading to a virtually hollow greater tuberosity, with intact cortical bone. The results found suggest that in long-standing rotator cuff tears, creating a deep trough should be avoided to achieve reliable tendon-to-bone contact. For optimal suture fixation to bone, sutures or anchors should be positioned subcortically or medially under the articular surface.     

The failure mode of two reabsorbable fixation systems: Swivelock with Fibertape versus Bio-Corkscrew with Fiberwire in bovine rotator cuff

BackgroundDespite technical advances in rotator cuff surgery, recurrent or persistent defects in the repaired tendon continue to occur. The improved strength of sutures and suture anchors has shown that the most common site of failure is the suture–tendon interface. The purpose of this study was to compare two different types of repair under both cyclic and load-to-failure conditions. The hypothesis is that the use of a fixation system with knotless anchor and taped suture results in better biomechanical performance, under both cyclic and load-to-failure conditions.MethodsThirty bovine shoulder specimens were randomly assigned to two group tests: the Swivelock 5-mm anchor with Fibertape (Group A) and the Bio-Corkscrew 5 mm with Fiberwire (Group B). We simulated the reconstruction of a rotator cuff tear with a single-row technique, performing a tenodesis with types A and B fixation. Each specimen underwent cyclic testing from 5 to 30 N for 30 cycles, followed by load-to-failure testing, in order to calculate the ultimate failure load (UFL).ResultsLoad-to-failure tests revealed a significantly higher UFL in Group A than in Group B. Wire fixing failed at the anchor loop whereas tape fixing failed at the sutures, suture–tendon interface, and anchors. Cyclic testing revealed no significantly greater slippage between the two groups. Stiffness values were not statistically significantly different. In all cases, tendons remained intact until the end of the cyclic testing.ConclusionsThe tape structure is biomechanically stronger than the wire structure.     

Part I: Footprint contact characteristics for a transosseous-equivalent rotator cuff repair technique compared with a double-row repair technique

Rotator cuff repair via transosseous tunnels can improve footprint contact area and pressure when compared with suture anchor techniques. A double-row technique has been used clinically to improve footprint coverage by a repaired tendon. We hypothesized that a transosseous-equivalent rotator cuff repair via tendon suture bridges would demonstrate improved pressurized contact between the tendon and tuberosity when compared with a double-row technique. In 6 fresh-frozen human shoulders, a transosseous-equivalent rotator cuff repair was performed: a suture limb from each of 2 medial anchors was bridged over the tendon and fixed laterally with an interference screw (4 suture bridges). In 6 of the contralateral specimens, two types of repair were performed randomly in each specimen: (1) a double-row repair and (2) a transosseous-equivalent repair with a single screw (2 suture bridges). For all repairs, pressure-sensitive film was placed at the tendon-footprint interface, and software was used to obtain measurements. The mean pressurized contact area between the tendon and insertion was significantly greater for the 4-suture bridge technique (124.2 +/- 16.3 mm2, 77.6% footprint) compared with both the double-row (63.3 +/- 28.5 mm2, 39.6% footprint) and 2-suture bridge (99.7 +/- 22.0 mm2, 62.3% footprint) techniques (P < .05). The mean interface pressure exerted over the footprint by the tendon was greater for the 4-suture bridge technique (0.27 +/- 0.04 MPa) than for the double-row technique (0.19 +/- 0.01 MPa) (P = .002). The transosseous-equivalent rotator cuff repair technique can improve pressurized contact area and mean pressure between the tendon and footprint when compared with a double-row technique. A transosseous-equivalent technique, using suture bridges, may help optimize the healing biology at a repaired rotator cuff insertion.     

“Transosseous-Equivalent” Rotator Cuff Repair Technique

In order to optimize healing biology at a repaired rotator cuff footprint, we have developed a “transosseous-equivalent” rotator cuff repair that can be performed arthroscopically. What the arthroscopically repaired tendon experiences is “equivalent” to what is experienced with a traditional open suture-bridge technique. This repair maximizes the utility of a single-row repair technique by preserving the suture limbs of the medial single-row and bridging these sutures over the footprint insertion with distal-lateral interference screw suture fixation; the medial row uses a mattress suture configuration. The geometry of the construct compresses the tendon, optimizing tendon-to-tuberosity contact dimensions, while providing strength sufficient to withstand immediate postoperative rehabilitation.     

A Novel Transosseous Button Technique for Rotator Cuff Repair

In an attempt to maximize stability by improving the lateral footprint compression of our repair in rotator cuff tears, we have been using a rotator cuff button (Arthrex, Naples, FL) passed through a transosseous tunnel as an anchor for our transosseous sutures. Our new innovation is to pass a rotator cuff button fully loaded with 4 strands around the central post, with 2 leading strands and 2 trailing strands on either end, through our transosseous tunnel. In this way, we can use the 4 central strands through our tunnel to obtain 2 good mattress sutures as a primary repair and the peripheral 4 strands passed around the lateral humerus as over sew mattress sutures to obtain good compression of the lateral tendon and so improve the footprint area. A double row equivalent is achieved. This technique has a good primary hold in the form of a device with proven history and avoids multiple anchors in the lateral humerus. Because it uses only a single fixation device, it is also significantly more economical. Theoretical risks to the axillary nerve or with osteoporosis have not been seen in practice. Tensioning the repair with suture passage through transosseous tunnels is readily achieved.     

Comparison of two arthroscopic repair techniques for small-medium supraspinatus tendon tear: 1 triple-loaded vs 2 double-loaded metallic sutures anchors

IntroductionSurgical repair of the rotator cuff is based on the use of anchors whose ideal numbers and configurations continue to be controversial. We compared the clinical-functional results arising from the arthroscopic repair of shoulders, with small-medium lesions of the supraspinatus tendon, among patients using one anchor with three sutures, or two anchors with two sutures.MethodsIn this retrospective study patient were resolved into 2 groups. Clinical and functional results were assessed based on Constant Score and instrumental isometric examination.ResultsPatients in Group 1 experienced shoulder repair using a single anchor with three sutures (n = 21, mean age = 56 years, range = 51–65). In Group 2, patients received two anchors with two sutures each (n = 24, mean age = 59 years, range = 24–75). The mean follow-up time was 15 months. The mean values of the operated shoulders’ Constant Score were 88.05 and 88.25 respectively. Examination of isometric test results in operated shoulders, healthy shoulders and the two different rotator cuff repair techniques did not reveal any statistically significant differences.ConclusionIn the arthroscopic repair of small-medium supraspinatus tendon tears, the short to mid-term clinical and functional outcomes arising from use of 1 triple-loaded or 2 double-loaded metallic sutures anchors are comparable.     

Partial Articular Supraspinatus Tendon Avulsion Repair and Patch: A Technical Note for Augmenting the Supraspinatus Reinsertion with the Long Head of the Biceps Tendon

Background

There is no clear consensus on the treatment of partial articular-sided supraspinatus tendon avulsions. Debridement alone might not be sufficient to prevent further tendon degradation or alleviate patient complaints. Direct repair using a suture anchor without treating the concomitant conditions of the long head of the biceps tendon might come with residual anterior shoulder pain or even further loss of function in cases of failed repair. The purpose of the present study is to describe an arthroscopic technique by which the long head of the biceps tendon can be included in the partial articular-sided supraspinatus tendon avulsion repair.

Technique Presentation with video

In this technical note we describe the arthroscopic repair and augmentation with tenotomized biceps of partial supraspinatus tendon tears to address three main concepts for successful rotator cuff repairs, namely rotator cuff biologic augmentation, tendon to bone healing and postoperative pain prevention.

Conclusion

The biceps tendon is a mechanically robust, locally available autograft that can be used in borderline partial articular-sided supraspinatus tendon avulsions in order to biologically augment healing at the tendon-bone interface without any immunogenic reactions or morbidity following harvesting.