Abstract
Few complications regarding the use of bioabsorbable suture anchors in the shoulder have been reported. What motivated this case report was the unusual location of the anchor, found in the acromioclavicular joint which, to our knowledge, has never been reported so far. A 53-year old male with previous rotator cuff (RC) repair using bioabsorbable suture anchors presented with pain and weakness after 2 years of surgery. A suspicion of retear of the RC led to request of a magnetic resonance image, in which the implant was found located in the acromioclavicular joint. The complications reported with the use of metallic implants around the shoulder led to the development of bioabsorbable anchors. Advantages are their absorption over time, minimizing the risk of migration or interference with revision surgery, less artifacts with magnetic resonance imaging, and tendon-to-bone repair strength similar to metallic anchors. Since the use of bioabsorbable suture anchors is increasing, it is important to know the possible complications associated with these devices.
Highlights
The innovations and improvement in arthroscopic technology enabled new approaches to the treatment of orthopedic conditions, especially the shoulder
Advantages of the bioabsorbable anchors include their ability of being absorbed over time, with reduction of complications related to migration, and the possibility of performing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) without the artifact produced by the metal [4]
The surgeon grasped the small device with a grasper and, to assist in removing it from the joint, a 14G needle was inserted through the acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) using an outside-in technique
Summary
The innovations and improvement in arthroscopic technology enabled new approaches to the treatment of orthopedic conditions, especially the shoulder. Most reports in the literature are case reports and case series of complications such as synovitis, glenoid osteolysis, cartilage injury, and anchor breakage [5,6,7,8]. What motivated this case report was the unusual location of the anchor, found in the acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) which, to our knowledge, has never been reported so far. This should raise our attention to the possibility that these small materials such as suture anchors can migrate and lodge in distant areas
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