Cortical Button Fixation Research Articles

Functional evaluation after cortical button fixation for distal biceps ruptures - Is there any difference between manual or non-manual workers?

Background: This study aims to compare clinical and functional results after distal biceps tendon repair in manual workers vs. non-manual workers.Methods: This is a retrospective comparative study which refers to 57 cases with distal biceps tendon rupture, divided in manual workers (24 elbows) and non-manual workers (33), that were treated by a single incision with cortical button and interference screw fixation. Included cases have a minimum of 3 months follow-up, post-operative x-ray and signed informed consent for the investigation.Results: Supination and flexion strength was higher in manual workers vs. non-manual workers (p-value 0,192 and 0,878, respectively). Nine patients showed loss of range of motion, concerning supination and pronation, and this was correlated to worse functional scores. Functional scores tend to be superior in non-manual workers. Ten patients had heterotopic ossification and 20 patients reported lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve neuropraxia; one had both. Most of them had a full recovery.Conclusion: According to clinical evaluation and postoperative scores, the performed surgical procedure provides good to excellent mid-term functional results. Nevertheless, there were not any differences between manual or non-manual workers.

High Rate of Return to Sport in Contact and Collision Athletes After Arthroscopic Latarjet With Cortical Button Fixation

Background: Contact and collision athletes face a higher risk of recurrent anterior shoulder instability after surgical stabilization. The Latarjet procedure is often preferred given the high incidence of bony lesions. However, this stabilizing procedure, performed either open or arthroscopically, is met with concerns regarding complications and revision surgery rates. Purpose: To evaluate the return to sport (RTS) and assess complication and instability recurrence rates in contact/collision athletes undergoing the arthroscopic Latarjet procedure using a guided technique with suture buttons for coracoid fixations. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on contact/collision athletes who underwent the arthroscopic Latarjet procedure for recurrent anterior shoulder instability between January 2011 and March 2018. All patients were operated on arthroscopically using glenoid and coracoid guides and suture button fixation of the transferred coracoid. RTS was defined as the patient being able to participate in his or her activity without any restriction postoperatively. Two independent observers assessed patients using postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans to evaluate coracoid positioning and healing. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify predictive factors associated with persistent apprehension. A group comparison was performed to assess RTS failure risk factors. Results: In 136 contact/collision athletes (mean age, 25 ± 7 years), 93% were satisfied, and 98% achieved shoulder stability at a mean follow-up of 60 months (range, 24-117 months). No suture button–related complications or neurovascular issues were reported. Overall, 82% (112/136) returned to contact/collision sports. The mean time to RTS was 5.3 ± 1.2 months (range, 3-7.3 months). In a CT study performed 2 weeks after surgery, 87% (118/136) of bone grafts were positioned below the equator and 93% (126/136) were flush to the glenoid surface. At the 6-month postoperative CT examination, complete bone block healing was achieved in 84% (114/136). On clinical examination at the latest follow-up, 36 patients (26%) reported some anterior apprehension on testing. On multivariate analysis, patients with severe humeral bone defects (medium to large Hill-Sachs lesions, Calandra grade 2 or 3) had a higher risk of postoperative persistent apprehension. On group comparison, a visual analog scale score >3 and persistent anterior apprehension were found to be associated with failure of RTS. Conclusion: The arthroscopic Latarjet procedure with suture button fixation allowed 82% of athletes with recurrent anterior shoulder instability to return to contact or collision sports. Patients with severe humeral bone defects have a higher risk of persistent anterior apprehension and decreased RTS. The arthroscopic-guided procedure with suture button fixation is safe; accurate, with a high rate of anatomic graft positioning and healing; and reliable, with a low recurrence rate.

Long-term patient-reported outcomes of open subpectoral biceps tenodesis with cortical button fixation.

Open subpectoral biceps tenodesis (OSBT) with cortical button fixation has been shown to deliver acceptable results in the short and intermediate term for long head of the biceps (LHB) pathology with the benefit of smaller bone tunnel diameter and a reduced risk of postoperative humeral shaft fracture. The primary purpose of this study was to determine whether OSBT with cortical button fixation results in significant improvements in patient reported outcomes (PROs) from pre-operative to long-term final follow-up. A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent OSBT with cortical button fixation at a single institution between the years of 2012 and 2014 was conducted and PROs were collected in the intermediate (> 2years follow-up) and long term (> 9years follow-up). PROs were measured pre-operatively, at intermediate follow-up, and at long-term follow-up using three validated questionnaires: American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, and Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS). Patients were additionally asked at final follow-up if they would undergo the same procedure again if they needed it. Twenty-nine (29) patients with a mean age of 51.16 ± 9.06years at the time of surgery were included in the study at final follow-up. Mean final follow-up time was 10.2 ± 0.5years (range: 9.2-11.1years). All PROs (ASES, OSS, and DASH) demonstrated statistically significant improvements from pre-operative to final follow-up with p < 0.01 for each. The proportions of patients exceeding established values for minimum clinically important difference (MCID) were 96.55%, 93.10%, and 75.86% for ASES, OSS, and DASH respectively. Only one patient had required re-operation as of final follow-up. None experienced humeral fractures post-operatively. A significant majority (89.66%; p < 0.01) of patients reported that they would undergo the same procedure again if they needed it. Fifty-three (53) patients were included in the study at intermediate follow-up with a mean follow-up time of 3.5 ± 1.4years (range: 2-5.3years). There were no statistically significant differences in any of the PRO measures from intermediate to long-term follow-up. This study reported a minimum 9-year follow-up of patients undergoing OSBT with cortical button fixation for the management of LHBT pathology in the setting of concomitant shoulder procedures. All patients had significantly improved functional outcomes assessed with ASES, OSS, and DASH and no obvious differences in median group scores were found between patients assessed at intermediate (mean 3.5years) and final (mean 10.2years) follow-up. No infections, fractures, or fixation failures were reported.

Acute Distal Biceps Tendon Repair With Cortical Button Offers Good Functional Outcomes: A Retrospective Study Focusing on Range of Motion, Muscle Strength and Pain.

Background Distal biceps tendon (DBT) rupture is not one of the most common upper limb injuries. Surgical intervention is recommended for these injuries to restore muscular strength and functionality. Multiple different techniques are documented in the literature, however there is no definitive consensus on the most effective surgical treatment. The objective of this study was to assess the functional results of patients who underwent repair of DBT utilizing cortical button fixation procedures. Methods This study is a retrospective single-unit case series consisting of 54 patients who underwent DBT repair at Heartlands Hospital in Birmingham, United Kingdom. The patients' functional outcomes was assessed by the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS). Results The mean age was 51±11.01 years. Patients were operated on 4.72±7.083 days after the injury. The mean pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) 6 months after the surgery was 0.54±0.50. At 6 months follow-up, the average extension deficit was 2.69° (0-10), flexion 132° (120-140), supination76° (50- 85), and 77° for pronation (78-95). Patients were followed up routinely for 6 months. Mayo Elbow Performance (MEP) Score was utilized to assess the functional outcome and the mean MEP score was 91.43±8.26 which showed excellent functional outcomes for the cohort. Conclusion DBT repair with cortical button fixation yielded favorable functional outcomes at 6 months, notably restoring supination strength. This approach offers anatomical reinsertion while minimizing nerve damage risk.

Comparison of the Clinical Outcomes between All-inside and Standard Technique in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with 6-strand Hamstring Tendon Autograft.

All-inside and standard techniques with 4-strand hamstrings graft have been widely used in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. However, the graft diameter of less than 8 mm will significantly increase the rate of surgical failure, and the 6-strand graft can solve this problem. The purpose of this study is to compare all-inside ACL reconstruction using suspensory cortical button fixation on both tibia and femur with standard ACL reconstruction using suspensory femoral fixation and a bioabsorbable tibial interference screw with a 6-strand hamstring tendon autograft in postoperative clinical outcomes. From January 2020 to December 2020, 48 patients performed ACL reconstruction were divided into the all-side group and the standard group according to the different surgical techniques. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and subjective function scores was used to assess clinical outcomes at least 24 months following ACL reconstruction. MRI was used to measure the value of bone tunnel widening in articular and middle portions. Subjective function scores included the Lysholm knee score, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, the Knee Society Score (KSS) for pain and function, and KT-1000. The t-test was used assuming the distribution of the patients which follows the normal distribution and we used non-parametric tests if these two conditions were not satisfied. At the final follow-up, there were 22 patients in the all-inside group and 24 patients in the standard group. No significant differences were found with respect to femoral tunnel widening and subjective function scores. However, a significant increase in tibial tunnel widening was found in the middle portion of the standard group (2.25 ± 0.74) compared to the all-inside group (0.76 ± 0.24) (p < 0.01) and also in the articular portion of the standard group (2.07 ± 0.77) compared to the all-inside group (1.52 ± 0.54) (p = 0.02). In addition, the value of the KT-1000 was 1.81 ± 0.45 for the all-inside group and 2.12 ± 0.44 in the standard group (p = 0.016). The objective stability of the knee was relatively better in the all-inside group than in the standard group. And tunnel widening after ACL reconstruction was significantly greater in the standard technique when compared to the all-inside technique on the tibia side.

The arthroscopic Latarjet procedure with a posterior guided system and suture-button fixation enables more precise bone block positioning in the axial plane versus anterior screws fixation.

Adequate position of the bone block during arthroscopic Latarjet procedure is critical for an optimal functional outcome. However, this procedure is complex with a long learning curve. Our aim was to compare the bone block position between a dedicated glenoid posterior instrumentation and suture button fixation versus an anterior screw fixation, on a postoperative computed tomography (CT) scan. Seventy-nine consecutive patients operated on for an anterior shoulder instability were included in this retrospective study. The same surgeon performed arthroscopically the Latarjet procedure either with an anterior drilling and screw fixation (Group A), or with a specific posterior glenoid guide pin, a posterior drilling, and a suture cortical button fixation (Group B). Evaluations were made by two independent observers. The position was evaluated by CT scan in the axial and sagittal planes. Learning curves with operative time, complications and clinical outcomes were assessed at a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. Thirty-five patients were included in Group A and 44 in Group B. In Group A, 27 bone blocks were flush (87.1%) and 38 in Group B (92.7%) (p < 0.01). In Group A, 72% of the bone block height was below the equator and 76%, in Group B (ns). The mean operating time was 123 ± 32.5 min in Group A and 95 ± 34.1 min in Group B (p < 0.0001). At the final follow-up, the mean aggregate Rowe score was respectively 94.6 ± 10.4 and 93.1 ± 9.8 points in Groups A and B. The mean aggregate Walch-Duplay score was respectively 94.2 ± 11.6 and 93.4 ± 10.6 points in Groups A and B. There were 11 complications (31.4%) in Group A and five complications (11.3%) in Group B (ns). The arthroscopic Latarjet procedure with a posterior drilling guided system and suture-button fixation allows more precise positioning in the axial plane than with anterior drilling and screw fixation. This posterior-guided procedure could reduce intraoperative and short-term complications. Level IV.

Arthroscopic Distal Clavicle Bone Block Combined With Hill-Sachs Remplissage for Primary Anterior Shoulder Instability Treatment

Arthroscopic distal clavicle transfer is an effective option to treat anterior shoulder instability with glenoid bone loss. The use of this free bone graft in an all-inside procedure, with a cortical button fixation makes the construct simpler to perform and allows to be combined with a Hill-Sachs Remplissage to address humeral bone defect. The morbidity of the donor site is low and provide the biologic capacity of an autograft. We report a step-by-step procedure, and the rationale are discussed.

Is the Complication Rate in the Surgical Repair of the Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture Influenced by the Timing, Type of Incision and Method of Fixation?

Distal biceps tears are uncommon injuries, typically leading to significant loss of elbow flexion and supination strength; surgical repairs restore muscular strength and endurance. The aim of this study was to compare the complication rate of early (< 21 days) vs delayed (> 21 days) repair and the effect of types of incision and fixation methods used in the repair. A total of 86 cases were retrospectively reviewed, and 66 cases were included in the study after exclusion. Different preoperative and intraoperative variables and postoperative outcome measures were recorded. We analysed the effects of early and delayed repair, types of incision and fixation methods on the complications. 31 had an early, and 35 had delayed distal biceps repair. The mean follow-up was 14.92 weeks. 13.6% had major, and 40.9% had minor complications. No significant difference was noted in complications between the two groups (54.8% vs 54.3%). Higher complications were observed when surgery was done using a single anterior incision compared to 2 anterior incisions (68.8% vs 16.7%, p=0.0002). Overall, higher (76.3% vs 25.9%, p=0.0001) complications were noted in patients where fixation was done using a cortical button & interference screw in comparison to the cortical button alone. No significant difference in complication was noted between early and delayed repair. However, more complications were noted in the single anterior incision compared to the two anterior incision technique. Higher complications were also observed with the cortical button and interference screw fixation method compared to the cortical button alone.

PEEK Interference Screws Show Significant Tunnel Enlargement After ACL Reconstruction and is Comparable to Adjustable-Length Loop Cortical Button Fixation

BackgroundIt is unclear whether the use of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) interference screws for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction leads to postoperative tunnel enlargement. Femoral tunnel enlargement was further compared with adjustable-length loop cortical fixation.MethodsEighteen patients with ACL reconstruction using hamstring grafts were retrospectively divided into two groups. Eleven patients were treated with the ACL reconstruction technique using a PEEK interference screw for femoral graft fixation. Seven patients received adjustable-length loop cortical buttons for femoral fixation. Tibial ACL graft fixation was performed using PEEK interference screws. Tunnel volume changes were assessed using computed tomography (CT) scans performed after surgery (100%) and after 1 year. The maximal tunnel diameter was measured.ResultsThe group with femoral screw fixation showed a mean tunnel volume change of 108.15 ± 13.7% on the tibial side and 124.07 ± 25.38% on the femoral side. The group with femoral button fixation showed a tunnel volume change of 111.12 ± 12.72% on the tibial side and 130.96 ± 21.71% on the femoral side. The differences in femoral tunnel volume changes were not significant (P = 0.562). Femoral tunnels with PEEK screw fixation showed significantly larger diameter after 12 months in comparison with button fixation (13.02 ± 1.43 mm vs. 10.46 ± 1.29 mm, P < 0.001).ConclusionsPEEK interference screws were associated with significant tibial and femoral tunnel enlargement. Femoral tunnel enlargement was comparable between PEEK interference screws and button fixation. Final femoral tunnel diameter was significantly larger with PEEK screw fixation in comparison to button fixation.

Stability of novel cow-hitch suture button coracoid bone graft fixation in Latarjet procedures: a biomechanical study

The Latarjet procedure is widely used to address anterior shoulder instability, especially in case of glenoid bone loss. Recently, cortical suture button fixation for coracoid transfer has been used to mitigate complications seen with screw placement. The aim of this biomechanical study was to evaluate the stability of a novel and cost-effective cow-hitch suture button technique, designed to be performed through a standard open deltopectoral approach, and compare this to a well-established double suture button technique. We randomly assigned 12 fresh frozen cadaveric shoulders to undergo the Latarjet procedure with either 4 suture button (S&N EndoButton) fixations (SB group; n=6, age 72±9.8 years) or cow-hitch suture button technique using a 1.7-mm FiberTape looped sequentially in 2 suture buttons (Arthrex Pectoralis Button) placed from anterior on the posterior glenoid (CH-SB group; n=6, age 73±9.3 years). After fixation, all shoulders underwent biomechanical testing with direct loading on the graft via a material testing system. Cyclic loading was performed for 100 cycles (10-100 N) to determine axial displacement with time; each graft was then monotonically loaded to failure. The maximum cyclic displacement was 4.3±1.6 mm for the cow-hitch suture button technique and 5.0±1.7 mm for the standard double suture button technique (P=.46). Ultimate load to failure and stiffness were, respectively, 190±82 N and 221±124 N/mm for the CH-SB technique and 172±48 N and 173±34 N/mm for the standard double SB technique (P=.66 and .43). The most common failure mode was suture cut-through at the anteroinferior aspect of the glenoid for both fixation groups. The cow-hitch suture button technique resulted in a similar elongation, stiffness, and failure load compared to an established double suture button technique. Therefore, this cost-effective fixation may be an alternative, eligible for open approaches, to the established double suture button techniques.

Research progress of tibial-graft fixation methods on anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

To review the studies about the tibial-graft fixation methods on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, in order to provide clinical reference. The literature about the tibial-graft fixation methods on ACL reconstruction at home and abroad was extensively reviewed, and the factors that affect the selection of fixation methods were summarized. The knee flexion angle, graft tension, and graft fixation device are mainly considered when the tibial-graft was fixed on ACL reconstruction. At present, the graft is mainly fixed at 0°/30° of knee flexion. The study shows that the knee joint is more stable after fixed at 30°, while the incidence of knee extension limitation decrease after fixed at 0°. In terms of graft tension, a good effectiveness can be obtained when the tension level is close to 90 N or the knee flexion is 30° to recover the affected knee over-restrained 2 mm relative to the healthy knee. In terms of the graft device, the interference screw is still the most commonly used method of tibial-graft fixation, with the development of all-inside ACL reconstruction in recent years, the cortical button fixation may become the mainstream. Arthroscopic reconstruction is the main treatment of ACL rupture at present. However, there is no optimal fixation method for the tibial-graft, the advantages and disadvantages of each fixation methods need to be further studied.

Arthroscopic Posterior Bone Block Procedure With Two Cortical Buttons Fixation and Specific Glenoid Guide for Posterior Shoulder Instability

Arthroscopic posterior bone block procedure using cortical screws has been reported since 2012 for management of recurrent posterior instability associated with bone defects. To avoid screw complications, we describe a full arthroscopic technique based on cortical button fixation. With 4 portals (posterior, poster lateral, anterior, and anterolateral), we use a specific glenoid guiding system (to perform 2 tunnels) and 2 cortical buttons fixation. With a specific glenoid guide, the iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) is secured to the posterior glenoid rim by fixation with 2 cortical buttons. The ICBG is positioned protruding outside the joint through the space, and the posterior capsule is repaired while maintaining an extra-articular bone graft. The protruding bone graft increases the concavity of the glenoid with a progressive bony remodeling to improve the posterior stability of the shoulder in our clinical experience.

Latarjet in women for anterior shoulder instability: a case series analysis.

The Latarjet procedure is traditionally used to treat chronic anterior shoulder instability associated with glenoid bone loss. However, few series have analyzed outcomes in a female-only population. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of a Latarjet bone block in this specific population. This single-center retrospective study included 15 women (mean age 35 ± 11.3; 19-60) reviewed with a minimum follow-up of 2years. The procedure was performed using the open bone block screw technique (n = 7) or by arthroscopy with cortical button (n = 8). Clinical evaluation was based on active range of motion measurements, Rowe and Walch-Duplay scores, and subjective shoulder value (SSV). Radiographic analysis explored bone block healing at the last follow-up. At a mean follow-up of 48months (32-86), no recurrence was reported. The mean Rowe score was 91 points (70-100), Walch-Duplay 90 points (60-100), and SSV 87% (70-100). The active mobilities reached 169° (± 9°) in elevation, 57° (± 15°) in external rotation at side, and 89° (± 6°) in abduction. The return-to-sport rate was 91%. Five patients experienced persistent anterior pain, with screws requiring hardware removal in 2 (p = 0.02). Radiological assessment detected one case of nonunion (7%). Women treated with the Latarjet procedure experienced satisfactory midterm clinical outcomes. The arthroscopic technique using cortical button fixation seems to avoid residual anterior pain requiring hardware removal.

Complications after operative treatment of high-grade acromioclavicular injuries.

Treatment of Rockwood type III-V acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries remains controversial. Numerous reconstruction techniques have been proposed. The purpose of this study was to describe the complication profile in a large cohort of patients who underwent surgical management of AC joint separations using a variety of reconstruction strategies. All patients who underwent surgery for AC joint injuries from 2013 to 2019 at a single institution were identified. Chart review was performed to capture patient demographics, radiographic measurements, operative techniques, postoperative complications, and revision surgery. Structural failure was defined as a radiographic loss of reduction of greater than 50% when comparing immediate and final postoperative imaging. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for complications and revision surgery. Of the 279 patients included in the study, 66 (24%) had type III separations, 20 (7%) type IV, and 193 (69%) type V. Fifty-three percent underwent surgery acutely (<6 weeks of injury), and 40% were chronic (>3 months). A total of 252 of the 279 surgeries (90%) were performed open and 27 (10%) were arthroscopically assisted. Allograft was used in 164 of 279 (59%) cases. Specific operative techniques (with or without allograft) included hook plating (1%), modified Weaver Dunn (16%), cortical button fixation (18%), and suture fixation (65%). At mean 28-week follow-up, 108 complications were identified in 97 patients (35%). Complications were identified at mean 20±21 weeks. Sixty-nine structural failures (25%) were identified. Persistent AC joint pain requiring injection, clavicle fracture, adhesive capsulitis, and hardware complications were the other most common complications. Twenty-one patients (8%) underwent unplanned revision surgery at mean 38±28 weeks after the index procedure, with the most common indication for structural failure, hardware complications, or fracture of the clavicle or coracoid. Patients who had surgery after 6 weeks from injury had a significantly greater risk of having a complication (odds ratio [OR] 3.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34-7.77, P=.009) and a significantly greater risk of having structural failure (OR 2.65, 95% CI 1.38-5.28, P=.004). Patients who had an arthroscopic technique had a greater risk of structural failure (P=.002). Complications, structural failure, and revision surgery were not significantly correlated with use of allograft or specific operative techniques. Surgical management of AC joint injuries is associated with a relatively high complication profile. Loss of reduction in the postoperative period is common. However, the revision surgery rate is low. These findings are important for patient preoperative counseling.

Tunnel-free acromioclavicular joint reconstruction is associated with improved initial reduction and higher patient satisfaction

Many surgical techniques have been described for acromioclavicular (AC) joint reconstruction. Creation of bone tunnels through the clavicle or coracoid has been shown to be a risk factor for fracture. Use of an AC reconstruction technique that does not create bone tunnels may obviate this risk. This study aims to evaluate clinical outcomes of AC joint reconstruction using a tunnel-free technique compared to reconstruction using a cortical button and clavicular drill holes. Consecutive patients who underwent AC joint reconstruction by a single surgeon in a subspecialty referral practice were included. One group of patients received cortical button fixation (button group), in which sutures were passed around the coracoid, brought up through a drill hole in the clavicle, and tied over a cortical button. The other group of patients received tunnel-free fixation, in which a self-locking tape suture was passed in a cerclage fashion around the base of the coracoid and the clavicle and tensioned with a tensioning device (cerclage group). Both groups underwent reconstruction of the coracoclavicular (CC) ligament and AC joint capsule using tibialis anterior allograft. Patient-reported outcome scores and satisfaction were collected and compared between groups. Radiographs were reviewed to evaluate CC ligament distance and loss of reduction. Twenty-two patients were included in the study (button n= 10, cerclage n= 12). Preoperative demographics and injury characteristics were not different between groups. Average radiographic follow-up was not different between groups (button: 231 days, cerclage: 105 days). Postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, visual analog scale, and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation scores were similar between groups. Two postoperative clavicle fractures were sustained in the button group. These occurred through clavicular drill holes and were preceded by tunnel widening. No fractures occurred in the cerclage group. CC distance at initial follow-up was significantly less in the cerclage group (button: 11.2 ± 4.5 mm, cerclage: 7.0 ± 2.9 mm, P=.023). Loss of reduction was similar throughout the postoperative period (button: 4.3 ± 2.6 mm, cerclage: 4.8 ± 4.1 mm, P >.05. Forty percent of patients were unsatisfied with their clavicle after button fixation (n= 4/10), compared with zero after cerclage fixation (n= 0/12, P=.03). Reasons for dissatisfaction were fracture (n= 2) and persistent cosmetic deformity (n= 2). Tunnel-free AC joint reconstruction is associated with improved initial radiographic appearance and patient satisfaction compared to single cortical button fixation. Postoperative clavicle fracture and persistent cosmetic deformity drive patient dissatisfaction, which may be minimized by avoiding clavicular drill holes and using a tensioned self-locking cerclage suture to improve initial reduction.

Arthroscopic Assisted Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tibial Spine Avulsion Reduction and Cortical Button Fixation

Tibial spine avulsion fractures, or tibial eminence fractures, are intra-articular knee injuries that affect the bony attachment of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). It is commonly seen in children and adolescents aged 8 to 15 years old and can be caused by noncontact pivot shift injuries or by traumatic hyperextension knee injuries, as seen in adult ACL patients. A thorough history and physical exam is important in these patients alongside proper imaging that will confirm the diagnosis of a tibial spine avulsion. Proper imaging may also demonstrate other associated conditions or injuries to the cartilage, meniscus, or ligamentous structures. Following diagnosis, treatment can be both nonoperative versus operative, depending upon the degree of displacement and reducibility of the fragment, as well as other concomitant injuries. For nondisplaced or minimally displaced, and reducible injuries, the patient can be immobilized in full extension for several weeks. For displaced fragments that are unable to be reduced by closed methods, open reduction internal fixation or arthroscopic fixation is recommended. In this Technical Note, we describe an arthroscopy-assisted reduction and internal fixation with suture tape through 2 transtibial tunnels with a cortical suture button fixation technique.

Cortical suspensory button fixation has superior biomechanical properties to knotless anchor suture in anterior cruciate ligament repair: a biomechanical study

The purpose of our biomechanical study was to assess load-to-failure, stiffness, gap formation following cyclic loading, and the failure mechanism for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair comparing the cortical suspensory button and knotless anchor suture. Eight Thiel’s embalmed paired cadaveric knees from four cadavers were dissected. The specimens were assigned to undergo ACL repair either with cortical suspensory button or with knotless anchor suture. The Instron machine replicates cyclic loading and then determines the gap formation. Traction was applied until failure. The load-to-failure, stiffness, and modes of failure in both groups were recorded. The load-to-failure, stiffness, and gap formation were compared between the two groups using the student's t-test. The mean load-to-failure in the cortical suspensory button group was significantly higher than the knotless anchor suture group (212.96 ± 54.57 vs 44.57 ± 20.80, p value < 0.01). No statistically significant difference was found regarding gap formation following cyclic loading and stiffness between the cortical suspensory button group and the knotless anchor suture group. This biomechanical study showed a higher load-to-failure for the ACL repair with cortical suspensory button compared to ACL repair with knotless anchor suture, while no statistically significant difference was found regarding the gap formation following cyclic loading and the stiffness. The load-to-failure in both cortical suspensory button and knotless anchor suture are below regular daily activity load. Thus, an internal brace or external support is recommended during rehabilitation.

Adjustable-Loop Cortical Button Fixation Results in Good Clinical Outcomes for Acute Tibial Avulsion Fracture of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament

To evaluate the clinical outcomes for arthroscopic treatment of acute posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) avulsion fractures with adjustable-loop cortical button fixation device. Patients with PCL tibial avulsion fractures treated with an adjustable-loop cortical button fixation device between October 2019 and October 2020 were retrospectively identified. Patients with type 1 were treated using plaster fixation as a conservative treatment, whereas patients with type 2 and 3 with displacement were treated using an arthroscopic adjustable-loop cortical button. Operating time, incision recovery, complications, and postoperative fracture healing time were monitored. All patient follow-up was done at 12 months' postoperatively. Lysholm Knee Score and the International Knee Documentation Committee score were used to assess knee function. A total of 30 patients were included in the study (20 male/10 female; mean age 45.5 years, range 35-68 years). The mean operative time was 67.5 minutes (range: 50-90 minutes). The postoperative incision healed at stage A without complications, such as medically induced vascular nerve injury, intra-articular hematoma, or infection. All 30 patients were tracked postoperatively for 12 to 14 months, with a mean follow-up period of 12.6 months. The Lysholm knee function score was 45.93 ± 6.15 before surgery and 87.10 ± 3.71 at 12 months after surgery, and the International Knee Documentation Committee score was 19.27 ± 4.40 before surgery and 95.47 ± 1.87 at 12 months after surgery, with a statistically significant difference. The treatment of PCL avulsion fractures with arthroscopic adjustable-loop cortical button fixation is easy to perform and shows good clinical results in our study. IV, therapeutic case series.

Teres Major and Latissimus Dorsi Repair With Biceps Tenodesis Utilizing Cortical Suspensory Fixation Buttons

Teres major (TM) and latissimus dorsi (LD) ruptures are relatively rare in the general population and have primarily been observed in overhead throwing athletes. Although the gold standard of care has traditionally been nonoperative, surgical repair of TM and LD tendon ruptures has become increasingly prevalent in high-level athletes who fail to return to play. Literature is scarce regarding operative repair of these tendon ruptures. Therefore, our goal is to present a potential technique for open repair to surgeons who may be faced with this unique orthopedic injury. Our technique details an open TM and LD repair, in addition to biceps tenodesis, using cortical suspensory fixation buttons with a combined anterior and posterior approach.

Bicortical suspensory button fixation yields greater ultimate load to failure over unicortical all-suture anchor fixation in distal biceps brachii tendon repair.

Various distal biceps tendon repair techniques exist, each with their own biomechanical profile. Recently, all-suture anchor fixation has recently become an intriguing option for distal biceps fixation, compared with the proven track record of the suspensory cortical button. In addition, intramedullary techniques have been utilized as a means to avoid complications such as nerve damage seen with extramedullary fixation. The purpose of this study is to perform a comparative biomechanical analysis of 4 unique distal biceps tendon fixation methods: Unicortical/intramedullary all-suture anchor fixation (UIAS), Bicortical/extramedullary all-suture anchor fixation (BEAS), Unicortical/intramedullary suspensory button fixation (UISB), and Bicortical/extramedullary suspensory button fixation (BESB). Controlled Laboratory study. 24 fresh-frozen cadaveric elbows were randomized into 4 groups providing data from 6 specimens, with each group undergoing a different repair technique. The specimens underwent 2 studies: Cyclic loading and Ultimate Load to failure (ULTF) testing. The repaired elbows were cycled 3000 times between 0 and 90 degrees of flexion, with displacement under cyclic loading at the repair site measured using a differential variable reductance transducer. ULTF test was performed with the elbow flexed at 90 degrees. The modes of failure were recorded. The mean cyclic displacements between the 4 groups were as follows: UIAS: 1.45 ± 1.04 mm; BEAS: 2.75 ± 1.32 mm; UISB: 1.45 ± .776 mm; BESB: 2.66 ± 1.18 mm (p= 0.077). Bicortical repairs displayed greater displacement after cyclic loading when compared with unicortical repairs regardless of anchor used (p= 0.007). The mean ULTF for each group was as follows: all-suture intramedullary: 200 N; all-suture extramedullary: 330 N; cortical-button intramedullary: 256 N; cortical-button extramedullary: 342 N). All-suture unicortical/intramedullary repair had a significantly lower ULTF (200 N) compared with cortical-button Bicortical/extramedullary repair (342 N) (p=0.043). Bicortical/extramedullary suspensory button fixation demonstrated a greater ultimate load to failure when compared with unicortical/intramedullary all-suture anchor fixation. These findings suggest that bicortical/extramedullary suspensory cortical button fixation is a biomechanically superior construct as compared to unicortical/intramedullary all-suture anchor fixation. However, there was no significant difference in ULTF between extra-medullary, Bicortical button or Bicortical, all-suture anchor fixation.