Biomechanical comparison of traditional and locked suture configurations for arthroscopic repairs of the rotator cuff.

Background: The optimal suture configuration for arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs is controversial. "Locked" suture configurations, which use a combination of simple and transverse suture loops, have demonstrated better fixation strength than have traditional simple and horizontal mattress techniques.

Purpose: To compare traditional arthroscopic suture configurations to locked arthroscopic configurations in ability to resist gap formation under cyclic loading.

Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.

Methods: Crescent-shaped defects were created at the infraspinatus tendon insertion in 32 bovine shoulders. Four arthroscopic suture configurations were tested (8 specimens in each group): simple (group 1), horizontal mattress (group 2), locked mattress (group 3), and locked inverted mattress (group 4). A metal corkscrew suture anchor doubly loaded with No. 2 Fiberwire suture was used for the repairs. A cyclic loading protocol with application of forces from 10 to 180 N for a maximum of 2,500 cycles was used. The number of cycles required to form gaps of 5 mm and 10 mm was recorded.

Results: The locked mattress configuration (group 3) outperformed all other groups in resisting 5-mm gap formation (P < .0001), requiring a mean of 628 cycles in comparison to 65, 193, and 197 cycles for groups 1, 2, and 4, respectively. Both locked configurations (groups 3 and 4) were superior to traditional simple and horizontal mattress configurations in resisting 10-mm gap formation.

Conclusion: The locked mattress suturing technique (group 3) provided the most secure tendon fixation of all arthroscopic configurations tested.

Clinical Relevance: The use of locked suture configurations for arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs may enhance tendon fixation and limit gap formation in the early postoperative period.