Suture Tape Augmentation for Scapholunate Ligament Repair: A Biomechanical Study

Abstract

Scapholunate (SL) ligament tears in the acute setting can be treated by primary repair through various techniques. The purpose of this study was to compare repair of the SL ligament with suture anchors alone versus repair of the SL ligament augmented with suture tape. Twelve fresh-frozen cadavers (6 matched pairs) underwent a dorsal approach to the wrist and the SL ligament was sharply dissected off of its scaphoid attachment. Six cadavers underwent direct repair of the SL ligament using 2 suture anchors. The other 6 underwent repair of the SL ligament, which was then augmented with suture tape. All specimens then underwent load to failure testing using tensile distraction forces applied by a universal testing system. Maximum load to failure and mode of failure were recorded. Maximum load to failure (135 N; SD, 44.94 N) for specimens that were repaired and augmented with the internal brace was higher than that for specimens in the repair-only group (68 N; SD, 14.69 N). Biomechanical testing demonstrated a higher maximum load to failure in SL ligament repairs augmented with suture tape compared with a repair-only technique in this cadaveric model. Acute SL ligament injuries may benefit from suture tape augmentation by increasing the stability of the primary repair. This may prove to be beneficial in higher-demand patients.