Knee ligament injuries: biomechanics comparative study of two suturetechnique in tendon – analysis “in vitro” tendon of bovine

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate and compare the biomechanical behavior of two different suture configurations:“X”and“Loop”in the preparation of tendons for knee ligament reconstruction. MethodsWe used common digital extensor tendons of bovine that can replace the human flexor tendons in experimental studies of traction. In the first group, point “X” suture with Ethibond ® No. 5 began in the distal graft points transfixing, with spacing of 7.5mm points to reach 03cm distal to the beginning of the suture, returning suture in the same manner, transfixing the tendon in open spaces across the suture configuration “X”. The second group, the point “Loop” was prepared with the same type Ethibond ® No. 5 of the needle wire was removed for use only of the wire was mounted in a twofold manner in a single piece forming a needle loop. Started the suture 3cm from the end of the graft through loops and transfixing points throughout the tendon substance, with spacing between dots of 7.5mm. ResultThe Maximum Force of Rupture suture in “Loop” was 444.45N and the suture in “X” was 407.59N with statistical significance (p = 0.030). The average Tension obtained at the suture in “Loop” was 27.67MPa and at the suture in “X” was 25.73MPa with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.036). The stiffness showed no statistical differences (p = 0.350) at 11.804N / mm at the point where “Loop” and 11.570N / mm at the suture “X”. ConclusionThe suture in “Loop” had a higher biomechanical behavior to the suture “X”, considering the Maximum Force and Tension.