Biomechanical Comparison of All-Suture Anchor Fixation and Interference Screw Technique for Subpectoral Biceps Tenodesis
Journal
Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery
Journal Volume
32
Journal Issue
7
Start Page
1247-1252
ISSN
0749-8063
Date Issued
2016-07
Author(s)
Abstract
Purpose: To compare the biomechanical characteristics of the subpectoral Y-knot all-suture anchor fixation with those of the interference screw technique.
Methods: Sixteen fresh-frozen human cadaveric shoulders with a mean age of 67.6 ± 5.8 years (range, 52 to 74 years) were studied. The specimens were randomly grouped into 2 experimental biceps tenodesis groups (n = 8): Y-knot all-suture anchor or interference screw. The specimens were cyclically tested to failure by applying tensile forces parallel to the longitudinal axis of the humerus. A preload of 5 N was applied for 2 minutes prior to cyclic loading for 500 cycles from 5 to 70 N at 1 Hz; subsequently, a load-to-failure test at 1 mm/s was performed. The ultimate failure load, stiffness, displacement at cyclic and failure loading, and mode of failure were recorded.
Results: The all-suture anchor technique displayed values of ultimate failure load and stiffness comparable to that of the interference screw technique. The displacement at cyclic and failure loading of the all-suture anchor trials were significantly greater than the interference screw (P = .0002). The all-suture anchor specimens experienced anchor pullout and tendon tear equally during the trials, whereas the interference screw group experienced tendon tear in most of the cases and screw pullout in 2 trials.
Conclusions: The Y-knot all-suture anchor fixation provides equivalent ultimate failure load and stiffness when compared with the interference screw technique in tenodesis of the proximal biceps tendon from a subpectoral approach. However, the interference screw technique demonstrates significantly less displacement in response to cyclic and failure loading.
Clinical relevance: The all-suture anchor fixation is an alternative technique for subpectoral biceps tenodesis even at greater displacement when compared with the interference screw fixation during cyclic and failure loading.
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Type
journal article