Biomechanical Comparison of Coracoclavicular Fixation Using Metallic Versus All-Suture Anchors
Journal
Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine
Journal Volume
12
Journal Issue
1
ISSN
2325-9671
2325-9671
Date Issued
2024-01
Author(s)
Abstract
Background: A coracoclavicular (CC) fixation technique using an all-suture anchor with the assistance of fluoroscopy can prevent iatrogenic anterior deltoid detachment from the clavicle; however, soft anchor pullout has been reported as a complication.
Purpose: To compare the biomechanical properties of conventional metallic and all-suture anchors for CC suture fixation.
Study design: Controlled laboratory study.
Methods: A total of 24 fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens were divided into 2 groups: metal anchor group (group M) and all-suture anchor group (group A). In group M, 5.0-mm metallic suture anchors were used for CC fixation, whereas 2.8-mm all-suture anchors were used in group A. The prepared specimens were mounted on a materials testing machine. After preconditioning at 0 to 20 N for 10 cycles, the specimens were subjected to cyclic loading from 20 to 70 N for 1000 cycles. Finally, all the specimens were loaded to failure. Cyclic elongation, linear stiffness, ultimate load, and failure modes were recorded, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare nonparametric parameters between the 2 groups.
Results: All of the specimens completed the cyclic loading test. The elongation after cyclic loading in group M (1.6 ± 0.6 mm) was significantly smaller compared with that in group A (2.5 ± 1.2 mm) (P = .02). No between-group differences were found in linear stiffness (42 ± 17 N/mm in group M and 41 ± 17 N/mm in group A). The ultimate failure load in group M (263 ± 66 N) was significantly greater than that in group A (177 ± 76 N) (P = .02). All specimens failed because of suture anchor pullout.
Conclusion: The use of all-suture anchors in CC fixation resulted in significantly greater cyclic displacement and smaller ultimate failure load than that of metallic anchors.
Clinical relevance: Understanding the most biomechanically sound suture anchor may assist in lowering the risk of clinical failure in CC fixation and repair.
Subjects
all-suture anchor
biomechanics
coracoclavicular
metallic anchor
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Type
journal article