“V”ictory Transosseous Equivalent Suture Configuration for Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Tear Repairs of Iatrogenically Completed PASTA Lesions and Full-Thickness “U”-shaped Tears

Abstract

The cost of numerous anchors in rotator cuff surgery is high from both an economic standpoint as well as a physiologic one. More anchors means increased cost and increased surgical time; additionally, the greater number of anchors placed, the greater the expense on the native bone that they inevitably replace. It is therefore in the surgeon's and patient's best interest to use the appropriate number of anchors, no more and no less, with the appropriate number being that which allows for strong, stable fixation with minimal gap formation and maximal healing potential and recovery. The transosseous equivalent repair technique described herein uses a single double-loaded bioabsorbable suture anchor placed along the medial border of the rotator cuff foot print and the humeral head articular cartilage margin followed by 1 pushlock (Arthrex, Naples, Florida) anchor placed laterally on the vertical aspect of the greater tuberosity. It is designed for small to medium "U"-shaped tears and for iatrogenically completed partial articular supraspinatus tendon avulsions of moderate to large size, the so-called PASTA lesion. The use of selective knot placement allows for the conversion of a linear construct into a "V" configuration, optimizing repair strength and allowing for earlier rehabilitation while maximizing the healing biology seen with increased footprint contact dimensions and less repair gap formation.