Biomechanical comparison of 3 suture anchor configurations for repair of type II SLAP lesions
Abstract
Purpose: Our purpose was to compare 3 commonly used suture anchor configurations for repair of type II SLAP lesions.
Methods: Biomechanical testing was performed on 3 groups of 7 cadaveric shoulders by use of an optical linear strain measurement system. Standardized type II SLAP lesions were created and repaired via 3 suture anchor configurations: (1) a single simple suture anterior to the biceps; (2) two simple sutures, one anterior and one posterior to the biceps; and (3) a single mattress suture through the biceps anchor. Cyclic traction was applied to the biceps tendon, and strain failure (defined as 2 mm of permanent displacement), yield, and pullout loads were measured.
Results: The mean load to strain failure was 63 N in group 1, 70 N in group 2, and 106 N in group 3. The mean load to ultimate failure was 140 N in group 1, 194 N in group 2, and 194 N in group 3. Strain failure load was significantly higher in the mattress suture group than in either of the other two groups (P < .05). Groups 2 and 3 both had a significantly higher load to ultimate failure than group 1.
Conclusions: When type II SLAP lesions were subjected to cyclic traction, the load to strain failure was greater with a single anchor and mattress suture than with one or two anchors with simple sutures around the labrum. Fixation with two simple sutures appears to provide intermediate load to strain failure.