The use of suture-tape and suture-wire in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: A comparative biomechanics study.

Background: Rotator cuff repair surgery aims to create a secure, pressurized tendon-bone footprint to permit re-establishment of the fibrovascular interface and tendon healing. Flat-braided suture-tape is an alternative suture material to traditional suture-wire that has potential to reproduce a larger repair construct contact area. The objective of this study was to compare contact pressure, area as well as the mechanical fatigue strength between suture-wire and suture-tape Suture-bridge repair constructs in an ovine model.

Load response and gap formation in a single-row cruciate suture rotator cuff repair.

Background: Double-row rotator cuff tendon repair techniques may provide superior contact area and strength compared with single-row repairs, but are associated with higher material expenses and prolonged operating time. The purpose of this study was to evaluate gap formation, ultimate tensile strength and stiffness of a single-row cruciate suture rotator cuff repair construct, and to compare these results with those of the Mason-Allen and SutureBridge repair constructs.

Methods: Infraspinatus tendons from 24 spring lamb shoulders were harvested and allocated to cruciate suture, Mason-Allen and SutureBridge repair groups.

A cruciate suture technique for rotator cuff repair.

Purpose: Re-establishment of the native footprint during rotator cuff repair is important for maximizing healing potential and fixation strength. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the contact area, contact pressure, stiffness and tensile strength of a new single-row cruciate suture repair and to compare these results to those of the Mason-Allen, double-row and transosseous repairs.

Methods: Infraspinatus tendons from fifty-six lamb shoulders were harvested and randomly assigned to cruciate suture, Mason-Allen, double-row and transosseous repair groups.