Skip to main content
Top
Published in: Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery 9/2010

Open Access 01-09-2010 | Basic Science

Initial load-to-failure and failure analysis in single- and double-row repair techniques for rotator cuff repair

Authors: M. H. Baums, G. H. Buchhorn, F. Gilbert, G. Spahn, W. Schultz, H.-M. Klinger

Published in: Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery | Issue 9/2010

Login to get access

Abstract

Aim

This experimental study aimed to compare the load-to-failure rate and stiffness of single- versus double-row suture techniques for repairing rotator cuff lesions using two different suture materials. Additionally, the mode of failure of each repair was evaluated.

Method

In 32 sheep shoulders, a standardized tear of the infraspinatus tendon was created. Then, n = 8 specimen were randomized to four repair methods: (1) Double-row Anchor Ethibond® coupled with polyester sutures, USP No. 2; (2) Double-Row Anchor HiFi® with polyblend polyethylene sutures, USP No. 2; (3) Single-Row Anchor Ethibond® coupled with braided polyester sutures, USP No. 2; and (4) Single-Row Anchor HiFi® with braided polyblend polyethylene sutures, USP No. 2. Arthroscopic Mason–Allen stitches were placed (single-row) and combined with medial horizontal mattress stitches (double-row). All specimens were loaded to failure at a constant displacement rate on a material testing machine.

Results

Group 4 showed lowest load-to-failure result with 155.7 ± 31.1 N compared to group 1 (293.4 ± 16.1 N) and group 2 (397.7 ± 7.4 N) (P < 0.001). Stiffness was highest in group 2 (162 ± 7.3 N/mm) and lowest in group 4 (84.4 ± 19.9 mm) (P < 0.001). In group 4, the main cause of failure was due to the suture cutting through the tendon (n = 6), a failure case observed in only n = 1 specimen in group 2 (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

A double-row technique combined with arthroscopic Mason-Allen/horizontal mattress stitches provides high initial failure strength and may minimize the risk of the polyethylene sutures cutting through the tendon in rotator cuff repair when a single load force is used.
Literature
1.
go back to reference Baleani M, Ohmann C, Guandalini L, Rotini R, Giavaresi G, Traina F, Viceconti M (2006) Comparative study of different tendon grasping techniques for arthroscopic repair of the rotator cuff. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 21:799–803CrossRef Baleani M, Ohmann C, Guandalini L, Rotini R, Giavaresi G, Traina F, Viceconti M (2006) Comparative study of different tendon grasping techniques for arthroscopic repair of the rotator cuff. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 21:799–803CrossRef
2.
go back to reference Baums MH, Spahn G, Steckel H, Fischer A, Schultz W, Klinger H-M (2009) Comparative evaluation of the tendon–bone interface contact pressure in different single- versus double-row suture anchor repair techniques. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. doi:10.1007/s00167-009-0771-7 Baums MH, Spahn G, Steckel H, Fischer A, Schultz W, Klinger H-M (2009) Comparative evaluation of the tendon–bone interface contact pressure in different single- versus double-row suture anchor repair techniques. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. doi:10.​1007/​s00167-009-0771-7
3.
go back to reference Burkhart SS (1995) The deadman theory of suture anchors: observations along a south Texas fence line. Arthroscopy 11:119–123CrossRefPubMed Burkhart SS (1995) The deadman theory of suture anchors: observations along a south Texas fence line. Arthroscopy 11:119–123CrossRefPubMed
4.
go back to reference Burkhart SS, Johnson TC, Wirth MA, Athanasiou KA (1997) Cyclic loading of transosseous rotator cuff repairs: tension overload as a possible cause of failure. Arthroscopy 13:172–176CrossRefPubMed Burkhart SS, Johnson TC, Wirth MA, Athanasiou KA (1997) Cyclic loading of transosseous rotator cuff repairs: tension overload as a possible cause of failure. Arthroscopy 13:172–176CrossRefPubMed
5.
go back to reference Burkhead WZ, Skedros JG, O’Rourke PJ, Pierce WA, Pitts TC (2007) A novel double- row rotator cuff repair exceeds strengths of conventional repairs. Clin Orthop Relat Res 461:106–113PubMed Burkhead WZ, Skedros JG, O’Rourke PJ, Pierce WA, Pitts TC (2007) A novel double- row rotator cuff repair exceeds strengths of conventional repairs. Clin Orthop Relat Res 461:106–113PubMed
6.
go back to reference Charousset C, Grimberg J, Duranthon LD, Bellaiche L, Petrover D (2007) Can a double-row anchorage technique improve tendon healing in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair? Am J Sports Med 35:1247–1253CrossRefPubMed Charousset C, Grimberg J, Duranthon LD, Bellaiche L, Petrover D (2007) Can a double-row anchorage technique improve tendon healing in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair? Am J Sports Med 35:1247–1253CrossRefPubMed
7.
go back to reference DeCarli A, Vadala A, Monaco E, Labianca L, Zanzotto E, Ferretti A (2005) Effect of cyclic loading on new polyblend suture coupled with different anchors. Am J Sports Med 33:214–219CrossRef DeCarli A, Vadala A, Monaco E, Labianca L, Zanzotto E, Ferretti A (2005) Effect of cyclic loading on new polyblend suture coupled with different anchors. Am J Sports Med 33:214–219CrossRef
8.
go back to reference Demirhan M, Atalar AC, Kilicoglu O (2003) Primary fixation strength of rotator cuff repair techniques: a comparative study. Arthroscopy 19:572–576CrossRefPubMed Demirhan M, Atalar AC, Kilicoglu O (2003) Primary fixation strength of rotator cuff repair techniques: a comparative study. Arthroscopy 19:572–576CrossRefPubMed
9.
go back to reference Domb BG, Glousman RE, Brooks A, Hansen M, Lee TQ, ElAttrache NS (2008) High-tension double-row footprint repair compared with reduced-tension single-row repair for massive rotator cuff tears. J Bone Joint Surg Am 90A(Suppl 4):35–39CrossRef Domb BG, Glousman RE, Brooks A, Hansen M, Lee TQ, ElAttrache NS (2008) High-tension double-row footprint repair compared with reduced-tension single-row repair for massive rotator cuff tears. J Bone Joint Surg Am 90A(Suppl 4):35–39CrossRef
10.
go back to reference Franceschi F, Ruzzini L, Longo UG, Martina FM, Zobel BB (2007) Equivalent clinical results of arthroscopic single-row and double-row suture anchor repair for rotator cuff tears. Am J Sports Med 35:1254–1260CrossRefPubMed Franceschi F, Ruzzini L, Longo UG, Martina FM, Zobel BB (2007) Equivalent clinical results of arthroscopic single-row and double-row suture anchor repair for rotator cuff tears. Am J Sports Med 35:1254–1260CrossRefPubMed
11.
go back to reference Gerber C, Schneeberger AG, Beck M, Schlegel U (1994) Mechanical strength of repairs of the rotator cuff. J Bone Joint Surg Br 76B:371–380 Gerber C, Schneeberger AG, Beck M, Schlegel U (1994) Mechanical strength of repairs of the rotator cuff. J Bone Joint Surg Br 76B:371–380
12.
go back to reference Grasso A, Milano G, Salvatore M, Falcone G, Deriu L, Fabbriciani C (2009) Single-row versus double-row arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a prospective randomized clinical study. Arthroscopy 25:4–12CrossRefPubMed Grasso A, Milano G, Salvatore M, Falcone G, Deriu L, Fabbriciani C (2009) Single-row versus double-row arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a prospective randomized clinical study. Arthroscopy 25:4–12CrossRefPubMed
13.
go back to reference Klinger HM, Steckel H, Spahn G, Buchhorn GH, Baums MH (2007) Biomechanical comparison of double-loaded suture anchors using arthroscopic Mason-Allen stitches versus traditional transosseous suture technique and modified Mason-Allen stitches for rotator cuff repair. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 22:106–111CrossRef Klinger HM, Steckel H, Spahn G, Buchhorn GH, Baums MH (2007) Biomechanical comparison of double-loaded suture anchors using arthroscopic Mason-Allen stitches versus traditional transosseous suture technique and modified Mason-Allen stitches for rotator cuff repair. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 22:106–111CrossRef
14.
go back to reference Klinger HM, Buchhorn GH, Heidrich G, Kahl E, Baums MH (2008) Biomechanical evaluation of rotator cuff repairs in a sheep model: Suture anchors using arthroscopic Mason-Allen stitches compared with transosseous sutures using traditional modified Mason-Allen stitches. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 23:291–298CrossRef Klinger HM, Buchhorn GH, Heidrich G, Kahl E, Baums MH (2008) Biomechanical evaluation of rotator cuff repairs in a sheep model: Suture anchors using arthroscopic Mason-Allen stitches compared with transosseous sutures using traditional modified Mason-Allen stitches. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 23:291–298CrossRef
15.
go back to reference Kowalsky MS, Dellenbaugh SG, Erlichman DB, Gardner TR, Levine WN, Ahmad CS (2008) Evaluation of suture abrasion against rotator cuff tendon and proximal humerus bone. Arthroscopy 24:329–334CrossRefPubMed Kowalsky MS, Dellenbaugh SG, Erlichman DB, Gardner TR, Levine WN, Ahmad CS (2008) Evaluation of suture abrasion against rotator cuff tendon and proximal humerus bone. Arthroscopy 24:329–334CrossRefPubMed
16.
go back to reference Kessler MA, Lichtenberg S, Habermeyer P (2003) Reconstruction of big rotator cuff ruptures. a new technique of tendon refixation with the corkscrew suture anchor system. Unfallchirurg 106:826–833 [German]CrossRefPubMed Kessler MA, Lichtenberg S, Habermeyer P (2003) Reconstruction of big rotator cuff ruptures. a new technique of tendon refixation with the corkscrew suture anchor system. Unfallchirurg 106:826–833 [German]CrossRefPubMed
17.
go back to reference Lewis CW, Schlegel TF, Hawkins RJ, James SP, Turner AS (2001) The effect of immobilization on rotator cuff healing using modified Mason-Allen stitches: a biomechanical study in sheep. Biomed Sci Instrum 37:263–268PubMed Lewis CW, Schlegel TF, Hawkins RJ, James SP, Turner AS (2001) The effect of immobilization on rotator cuff healing using modified Mason-Allen stitches: a biomechanical study in sheep. Biomed Sci Instrum 37:263–268PubMed
18.
go back to reference Lo IK, Burkart SS (2003) Double-row arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: re-establishing the footprint of the rotator cuff. Arthroscopy 19:1035–1042CrossRefPubMed Lo IK, Burkart SS (2003) Double-row arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: re-establishing the footprint of the rotator cuff. Arthroscopy 19:1035–1042CrossRefPubMed
19.
go back to reference Ma CM, Comerford L, Wilson J, Puttlitz CM (2006) Biomechanical evaluation of arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs: double-row compared with single-row fixation. J Bone Joint Surg Am 88A:403–410CrossRef Ma CM, Comerford L, Wilson J, Puttlitz CM (2006) Biomechanical evaluation of arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs: double-row compared with single-row fixation. J Bone Joint Surg Am 88A:403–410CrossRef
20.
go back to reference Mahar A, Tamborlane J, Oka R, Esch J, Pedowitz RA (2007) Single-row suture anchor repair of the rotator cuff is biomechanically equivalent to double-row repair in a bovine model. Arthroscopy 23:1265–1270CrossRefPubMed Mahar A, Tamborlane J, Oka R, Esch J, Pedowitz RA (2007) Single-row suture anchor repair of the rotator cuff is biomechanically equivalent to double-row repair in a bovine model. Arthroscopy 23:1265–1270CrossRefPubMed
21.
go back to reference Mazzocca AD, Millet PJ, Guanche CA, Santangelo SA, Arciero RA (2005) Arthroscopic single-row versus double-row suture anchor rotator cuff repair. Am J Sports Med 33:1861–1868CrossRefPubMed Mazzocca AD, Millet PJ, Guanche CA, Santangelo SA, Arciero RA (2005) Arthroscopic single-row versus double-row suture anchor rotator cuff repair. Am J Sports Med 33:1861–1868CrossRefPubMed
22.
go back to reference Milano G, Grasso A, Zarelli D, Deriu L, Cillo M, Fabbriciani C (2008) Comparison between single-row and double-row rotator cuff repair: a biomechanical study. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 16:75–80CrossRefPubMed Milano G, Grasso A, Zarelli D, Deriu L, Cillo M, Fabbriciani C (2008) Comparison between single-row and double-row rotator cuff repair: a biomechanical study. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 16:75–80CrossRefPubMed
23.
go back to reference Nelson CO, Sileo MJ, Grossmann MG, Serra-Hsu F (2008) Single-row modified Mason-Allen versus double-row arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a biomechanical and surface area comparison. Arthroscopy 24:941–948CrossRefPubMed Nelson CO, Sileo MJ, Grossmann MG, Serra-Hsu F (2008) Single-row modified Mason-Allen versus double-row arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a biomechanical and surface area comparison. Arthroscopy 24:941–948CrossRefPubMed
24.
go back to reference Rickert M, Witzel U, Kölbel R, Georgousis H (2002) Primary strength of conventional and alternative suture techniques of the rotator cuff. A biomechanical study. Unfallchirurg 105:23–30 [German]CrossRefPubMed Rickert M, Witzel U, Kölbel R, Georgousis H (2002) Primary strength of conventional and alternative suture techniques of the rotator cuff. A biomechanical study. Unfallchirurg 105:23–30 [German]CrossRefPubMed
25.
go back to reference Scheibel MT, Habermeyer P (2003) A modified Mason-Allen technique for rotator cuff repair using suture anchors. Arthroscopy 19:330–333CrossRefPubMed Scheibel MT, Habermeyer P (2003) A modified Mason-Allen technique for rotator cuff repair using suture anchors. Arthroscopy 19:330–333CrossRefPubMed
26.
go back to reference Schlegel TF, Hawkins RJ, Lewis CW, Turner AS (2007) An in vivo comparison of the modified Mason-Allen suture technique versus an inclined horizontal mattress suture technique with regard to tendon-to-bone healing: a biomechanical and histological study in sheep. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 16:115–121CrossRefPubMed Schlegel TF, Hawkins RJ, Lewis CW, Turner AS (2007) An in vivo comparison of the modified Mason-Allen suture technique versus an inclined horizontal mattress suture technique with regard to tendon-to-bone healing: a biomechanical and histological study in sheep. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 16:115–121CrossRefPubMed
27.
go back to reference Trantalis JN, Boorman RS, Pletsch K, Lo IKY (2008) Medial rotator cuff failure after arthroscopic double-row rotator cuff repair. Arthroscopy 24:727–731CrossRefPubMed Trantalis JN, Boorman RS, Pletsch K, Lo IKY (2008) Medial rotator cuff failure after arthroscopic double-row rotator cuff repair. Arthroscopy 24:727–731CrossRefPubMed
28.
go back to reference Woo S, Orlando CA, Camp JF, Akeson WH (1986) Effects of post-mortem storage by freezing on ligament tensile behavior. J Biomech 19:399–404CrossRefPubMed Woo S, Orlando CA, Camp JF, Akeson WH (1986) Effects of post-mortem storage by freezing on ligament tensile behavior. J Biomech 19:399–404CrossRefPubMed
29.
go back to reference Wüst DM, Meyer DC, Favre P, Gerber C (2006) Mechanical and handling properties of braided polyblend polyethylene sutures in comparison to braided polyester and monofilament polydioxanone sutures. Arthroscopy 22:1146–1153CrossRefPubMed Wüst DM, Meyer DC, Favre P, Gerber C (2006) Mechanical and handling properties of braided polyblend polyethylene sutures in comparison to braided polyester and monofilament polydioxanone sutures. Arthroscopy 22:1146–1153CrossRefPubMed
Metadata
Title
Initial load-to-failure and failure analysis in single- and double-row repair techniques for rotator cuff repair
Authors
M. H. Baums
G. H. Buchhorn
F. Gilbert
G. Spahn
W. Schultz
H.-M. Klinger
Publication date
01-09-2010
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery / Issue 9/2010
Print ISSN: 0936-8051
Electronic ISSN: 1434-3916
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-009-1036-0

Other articles of this Issue 9/2010

Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery 9/2010 Go to the issue

Osteoporotic Fracture Management

Low-energy osteoporotic pelvic fractures