Double-row Suture Bridge Repair Research Articles

Leukocyte-Poor Platelet-Rich Plasma as an Adjuvant to Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Reduces the Retear Rate But Does Not Improve Functional Outcomes: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Whether the use of PRP as an adjuvant of rotator cuff repairs leads to improved tendon healing and better functional outcomes remains unclear in clinical evidence. Purpose: The main purpose of this study was to assess whether the use of leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma (LP-PRP) as an adjuvant to arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) decreases the rate of retears compared with a control group. The secondary objective was to analyze whether LP-PRP improves patient-reported outcomes. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: This was a double-blind randomized controlled trial at a single center. A consecutive series of 96 patients with rotator cuff tears <3 cm were enrolled and randomly allocated to the control group (double-row suture-bridge ARCR alone [n = 48]) and the PRP group (double-row suture-bridge repair, followed by 1 LP-PRP injection during surgery [n = 48]). The visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were administered preoperatively and at 6- and 12-month follow-up. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to evaluate tendon integrity at 6-month follow-up. Both patients and assessors were blinded to the intervention received during surgery. Results: The mean patient age was 56.1 ± 2.98 years. Of the 96 patients, 90 had MRI performed at 6 months after surgery (94% radiological follow-up). The retear rate in the PRP group was 15.2% (7/46 [95% CI, 6%-28%]), which was lower than that in the control group of 34.1% (15/44 [95% CI, 20%-49%]) (P = .037). Therefore, the risk ratio of ruptures in patients exposed to LP-PRP was 0.44 (95% CI, 0.2-0.9; P = .037). Overall, the ASES, VAS, SANE, and PSQI scores showed a statistical improvement after surgery (P < .001). There were no significant differences in functional scores between the groups. Most of the patients exceeded the minimal clinically important difference for the ASES, SANE, and VAS without significant differences between the groups. Conclusion: In patients with rotator cuff tears <3 cm undergoing double-row suture-bridge repair, a 5-mL dose of LP-PRP injected at the tendon-bone interface significantly reduced the retear rate. However, the use of LP-PRP in terms of postoperative pain and patient-reported outcomes failed to show clinically meaningful effects. Registration: NCT04703998 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Injection of Leukocyte-Poor Platelet-Rich Plasma for Moderate-to-Large Rotator Cuff Tears Does Not Improve Clinical Outcomes but Reduces Retear Rates and Fatty Infiltration: A Prospective, Single-Blinded Randomized Study

To determine whether leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma (Lp-PRP) reduced retear rates, reduced fatty infiltration, and improved functional outcomes in patients with degenerative moderate-to-large rotator cuff tears. This was a randomized controlled study at a single center. A consecutive series of 104 patients with moderate-to-large rotator cuff tears was enrolled and randomly allocated to a control group (double-row suture-bridge arthroscopic rotator cuff repair alone, n= 52) and a study group (double-row suture-bridge repair followed by 3 Lp-PRP injections at the tendon repair site during surgery, at days 7 and 14 after surgery, n= 52). All patients were followed up for 27.2 months (range 24-36 months), with University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder rating scale, the Constant score, and a visual analog scale (VAS) evaluated respectively. The integrity and fatty infiltration of repaired tissue were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging using the Sugaya classification and Goutallier grade classification at 24 months after surgery. Statistical analysis was performed based on the t test, χ2 test, and the Kendall tau-b correlation coefficient. Four patients refused follow-up, and 11 patients had incomplete data. Eventually, a total of 89 patients were available for 24 months follow-up. The mean UCLA score increased from 14.80 ± 2.53 to 29.37 ± 2.06 in control group and from 13.74 ± 3.30 to 30.14 ± 2.32 in study group (P= .103). The mean Constant score increased from 46.56 ± 5.90 to 86.83 ± 4.94 in control group and from 44.37 ± 7.92 to 88.80 ± 4.92 in study group (P= .063). The VAS score decreased from 3.22 ± 1.24 to 0.97 ± 1.12 in control group and in 3.49 ± 1.52 to 1.16 ± 0.99 in study group (P= .41). All differences in UCLA score, Constant score, and VAS between pre- and postoperation achieved minimal clinically important differences proposed for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Of the 89 patients, 76 had magnetic resonance imaging performed at 24 months after surgery. The retear rate was 17.6% in study group, which was lower than that in control group (38.1%, P= .049). In addition, the Goutallier grade was found to be significant difference between groups postoperatively (Kendall tau-b -0.24, P= .03) but no significant difference preoperatively (Kendall tau-b -0.18, P= .11). There were no complications in the patients. Our procedures involving repeated injections of Lp-PRP during surgery and at days 7 and 14, as described in this study, have positive effects on reducing retear rate and promoting Goutallier grade in patients following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and could also provide substantial clinical outcomes that reach the minimal clinically important difference for surgical treatment. However, given the numbers available for analysis, it did not promote better clinical results when compared with the control group. II, randomized controlled study.

Five Year Follow up of Retrospective Cohort Comparing Structural and Functional Outcome of Arthroscopic Single-row ersus Double-row Suture Bridge Repair of Large Posterosuperior Rotator Cuff Tear in Patients Less than or Equal to 70 Years.

High re-tear rates after repairing large-sized posterosuperior rotator cuff tears remain a significant concern which may affect the clinical outcome. The most optimal type of repair (single versus double-row suture bridge) suited for large size tear remains debatable. In a retrospective cohort study with a minimum of five years follow up, the structural and functional outcome of 103 patients with large size cuff tear repaired with single row (SR) or double row suture bridge (DRSB) were evaluated. The structural outcome was assessed with ultrasonography whereas functional outcome was evaluated with Constant Murley (CM) and American shoulder elbow score (ASES). There were 55 patients in the SR group and 48 patients in the DRSB group with a mean follow-up of 74.2 months (range, 60-96 months). While comparing the structural integrity in two groups, we found significantly lower re-tear rates in the DRSB group as compared to the SR group (10.4% vs. 32.7%; P=0.006). Also, there were more focal defects in the SR group (25.4%) than the DRSB group (8.3%). Overall, there was no significant difference in CM and ASES scores when the SR group was compared to DRSB. However, subgroup analysis between those with intact and retorn tendon revealed significant difference (P=0.0001) in the clinical scores. At a minimum of five years follow-up, the DRSB repair of large posterosuperior cuff tear resulted in superior structural healing over SR repair. Nevertheless, overall there was no significant functional difference between both the techniques. However, the functional outcome of the healed tendon subgroup was superior to retear tendon subgroup.

Optimizing the Double-Row Construct: An Untied Medial Row Demonstrates Equivalent Mean Contact Pressures in a Rotator Cuff Model.

Background:The merits of a double-row rotator cuff repair (RCR) construct are well-established for restoration of the footprint and lateral-row security. The theoretical benefit of leaving the medial row untied is to prevent damage to the rotator cuff by tissue strangulation, and the benefit of suture tape is a more even distribution of force across the repair site. These benefits, to our knowledge, have not been evaluated in the laboratory.Hypothesis:Leaving the medial row untied and using a suture bridge technique with suture tape will offer more even pressure distribution across the repair site without compromising total contact force.Study Design:Controlled laboratory study.Methods:A laboratory model of RCR was created using biomechanical research-grade composite humeri and human dermal allografts. The pressure distribution in a double-row suture bridge repair construct was analyzed using the following testing matrix: double-loaded suture anchors with the medial row tied (n = 15) versus untied (n = 15) compared with double-loaded suture tape and anchors with the medial row tied (n = 15) versus untied (n = 15). A digital pressure sensor was used to measure pressure over time after tensioning of the repair site. A multivariate analysis of variance was used for statistical analysis with post hoc testing.Results:The total contact force did not significantly differ between constructs. The contact force between double-loaded suture anchors and double-loaded suture tape and anchors was similar when tied (P = .15) and untied (P = .44). An untied medial row resulted in similar contact forces in both the double-loaded suture anchor (P = .16) and double-loaded suture tape and anchor (P = .25) constructs. Qualitative increases in focal contact pressure were seen when the medial row was tied.Conclusion:An untied medial row did not significantly affect the total contact force with double-loaded suture anchors and with double-loaded suture tape and anchors. Tying the medial row qualitatively increased crimping at the construct’s periphery, which may contribute to tissue strangulation and hinder clinical healing. Qualitative improvements in force distribution were seen with double-loaded suture tape and anchors.Clinical Relevance:Both tied and untied medial rows demonstrated similar pressures across the repair construct.

Biomechanical comparison of knotless wide suture double-row SutureBridge rotator cuff repair to double-row standard suture repair

A comparison of self-reinforcement and footprint compression between standard- and wide-diameter suture material in double-row SutureBridge repair techniques has not been performed. The aim of this study was to compare the self-reinforcement and footprint contact pressure generated under progressive tensile loads between 2 double-row SutureBridge rotator cuff repair techniques: 1 performed with FiberWire and 1 performed with FiberTape in a knotless technique. Rotator cuff repairs were performed in 10 pairs of ovine shoulders. One group underwent a double-row SutureBridge repair using FiberWire. The other group underwent an identical repair with FiberTape. Footprint contact pressure was measured from 0° to 60° of abduction under loads of 0-60 N. Pull-to-failure tests were then performed. In both repair constructs at 0° of abduction, each 10-N increase in rotator cuff tensile load led to a significant increase in footprint contact pressure (P < .05). The rate of increase in footprint contact pressure was greater in the FiberTape construct (ratio, 1.68; P = .00035). In both repair constructs, the highest values for footprint contact pressure were seen at 0° of abduction. No difference in pull to failure, peak load, or total energy was found between the groups. Self-reinforcement was seen in both double-row SutureBridge repairs with standard- and wide-diameter suture material but was greater in the repair with the wide-diameter suture material construct. Footprint compression is greater in a knotless double-row SutureBridge repair with wide-diameter suture material than in a knotted double-row SutureBridge repair with standard-diameter suture material at 20° of abduction.

Biological Augmentation With Subacromial Bursa in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

Rotator cuff tears can be associated with significant shoulder dysfunction and pain. Despite improved surgical techniques and new materials for rotator cuff reconstruction, there is no significant reduction in the re-rupture rate. Innovative approaches for enhanced tendon healing are required. The potential of biologically optimized tendon integration has probably been insufficiently explored so far. The existing practice of debridement might eliminate repair tissue and a major source of cells and blood vessels necessary for tendon healing. Biological augmentation may be an option to improve the healing process. The subacromial bursa is a highly proliferative tissue with mesenchymal stem cells capable of differentiating into various cell lines and is easily accessible during rotator cuff repair. We describe the technique of bursal augmentation in arthroscopic double-row SutureBridge repair of a posterosuperior rotator cuff tear with the aim of improving tendon-to-bone healing.

Arthroscopic Repair of the Isolated Subscapularis Full-Thickness Tear: Single- Versus Double-Row Suture-Bridge Technique

Background: No clinical comparative study has addressed isolated subscapularis tears after arthroscopic repair with either single-row or double-row suture-bridge technique. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study is to compare clinical outcomes and structural integrity after arthroscopic repair of an isolated subscapularis full-thickness tear with either the single-row technique or the double-row suture-bridge technique. The authors hypothesized that there would be no significant differences in clinical outcomes and structural integrity between approaches. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This study included 56 patients who underwent arthroscopic repair of an isolated subscapularis full-thickness tear with grade II or less fatty infiltration in the subscapularis muscle with either a single-row technique (n = 31) or a double-row suture-bridge technique (n = 25). Functional outcomes were assessed with the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder score, and active range of motion. Magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) or computed tomographic arthrography (CTA) was performed 6 months after surgery to assess the structural integrity of the repaired tendon. Results: At the 2-year follow-up, all scoring parameters applied (VAS, SSV, ASES, and UCLA), subscapularis strength, and active range of motion improved significantly in both groups as compared with preoperative values (P < .001). However, there were no significant differences between groups in any of these clinical outcome measurements (VAS, 1.2 vs 1.1; SSV, 91.3 vs 91.8; ASES, 91.0 vs 91.4; UCLA, 31.9 vs 32.1). On follow-up MRA or CTA, the overall retear rate did not differ significantly between the single-row group (13%, 4 of 31) and the double-row group (12%, 3 of 25). Conclusion: Arthroscopic single-row repair and double-row suture-bridge repair of isolated full-thickness subscapularis tears both yielded satisfactory clinical outcomes and structural integrity with no significant differences among patients with good muscle quality.

A new knotless transosseous suture bridge equivalent suture configuration for mini-open large-to-massive rotator cuff tear repair

Introduction: Repair by arthroscopic double-row suture bridge technique is widely accepted modality of treatment for repairable large-to-massive rotator cuff tears. Repair by mini-open approach has also shown comparable results in such cases. Double-row repair either by mini-open or by arthroscopic approach imposes substantial financial burden on patients belonging to economically deprived & uninsured group. Surgical Technique: We propose a new suture configuration for cuff repair by mini-open approach in which variant of modified Mason-Allen suture technique is used in transosseous manner to provide suture configuration similar to that of suture bridge double-row repair. The knotless nature of the configuration reduces incidence of re-tear that is seen at medial row of the double-row suture bridge repair and the “X” configuration provides large area of contact between the cuff and the footprint which is the advantage of traditional double-row suture bridge repair. Apart from above advantages, this technique is very economical.

Clinical Outcomes of Modified Mason-Allen Single-Row Repair for Bursal-Sided Partial-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears

Background: Various repair techniques have been reported for the operative treatment of bursal-sided partial-thickness rotator cuff tears. Recently, arthroscopic single-row repair using a modified Mason-Allen technique has been introduced. Hypothesis: The arthroscopic, modified Mason-Allen single-row technique with preservation of the articular-sided tendon provides satisfactory clinical outcomes and similar results to the double-row suture-bridge technique after conversion of a partial-thickness tear to a full-thickness tear. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 84 consecutive patients with symptomatic, bursal-sided partial-thickness rotator cuff tears involving more than 50% thickness of the tendon. A total of 47 patients were treated by the modified Mason-Allen single-row repair technique, preserving the articular-sided tendon, and 37 patients were treated by the double-row suture-bridge repair technique after conversion to a full-thickness tear. The clinical and functional outcomes were evaluated using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and Constant scores and a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and satisfaction of patients. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to analyze the integrity of tendons at 6-month follow-up. Patients were followed up for a mean of 32.5 months. Results: In the 47 patients treated with the modified Mason-Allen suture technique, the VAS score decreased from a preoperative mean of 5.3 ± 0.3 to 0.9 ± 0.5 at the time of final follow-up. There was a statistically significant increase in the mean ASES score (from 45.4 ± 2.9 to 88.6 ± 4.5) and mean Constant score (from 66.9 ± 2.6 to 88.1 ± 2.4) (P < .001). Four of 47 patients (8.5%) demonstrated retears at 6-month postoperative MRI. There was no statistical difference in terms of functional outcomes and the retear rate compared with those of patients with the suture-bridge repair technique (3 patients, 8.1%). However, the mean number of suture anchors used in the patients with modified Mason-Allen suture repair (1.2 ± 0.4) was significantly fewer than that in the patients with suture-bridge repair (3.2 ± 0.4) (P < .01). Conclusion: The modified Mason-Allen single-row repair technique that preserved the articular-sided tendon provided satisfactory clinical outcomes in patients with symptomatic, bursal-sided partial-thickness rotator cuff tears. Despite a fewer number of suture anchors, the shoulder functional outcomes and retear rate in patients after modified Mason-Allen repair were comparable with those of patients who underwent double-row suture-bridge repair. Therefore, the modified Mason-Allen single-row repair technique using a triple-loaded suture anchor can be considered as an effective treatment in patients with bursal-sided partial-thickness rotator cuff tears.

Functional and structural comparisons of the arthroscopic knotless double-row suture bridge and single-row repair for anterosuperior rotator cuff tears

We compared the outcomes of knotless double-row suture bridge and single-row repairs in patients undergoing arthroscopic repair for anterosuperior rotator cuff tears. We included 61 full-thickness anterosuperior rotator cuff tears treated by arthroscopic repair, namely, single-row repair (group 1: 25 shoulders; mean patient age, 64years) and the knotless double-row suture bridge repair (group 2: 36 shoulders; mean patient age, 62years). Preoperative and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging was performed for all shoulders. Clinical outcomes were evaluated for mean follow-up periods of 81months (range, 72-96months) in group 1 and 34months (range, 24-42months) in group 2, using the University of California, Los Angeles and Japanese Orthopaedic Association assessments. At the final follow-up, both groups showed improvement in the average University of California, Los Angeles and Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores and range of motion, although no intergroup differences were observed. Both groups showed improved abduction strength, and the average score was higher in group 2 (P=.0112). The lift-off and belly-press test results were improved in both groups. Postoperatively, the incidence of positive lift-off tests tended to be lower (P=.075) and that of positive belly-press tests was lower in group 2, P=.049). The repair failure rate tended to be lower in group 2(14% [5 of 36]) than in group 1 (32% [8 of 25]; P=.0839). Arthroscopic knotless double-row suture bridge repair of anterosuperior rotator cuff tears yielded functional outcomes equivalent to those of single-row repair and may be useful for improving subscapularis function, abduction strength, and tendon healing.

Ultrasound evaluation of arthroscopic full-thickness supraspinatus rotator cuff repair: single-row versus double-row suture bridge (transosseous equivalent) fixation. Results of a prospective, randomized study

The purpose of this study was to compare the structural outcomes of a single-row rotator cuff repair and double-row suture bridge fixation after arthroscopic repair of a full-thickness supraspinatus rotator cuff tear. We evaluated with diagnostic ultrasound a consecutive series of ninety shoulders in ninety patients with full-thickness supraspinatus tears at an average of 10 months (range, 6-12) after operation. A single surgeon at a single hospital performed the repairs. Inclusion criteria were full-thickness supraspinatus tears less than 25 mm in their anterior to posterior dimension. Exclusion criteria were prior operations on the shoulder, partial thickness tears, subscapularis tears, infraspinatus tears, combined supraspinatus and infraspinatus repairs and irreparable supraspinatus tears. Forty-three shoulders were repaired with single-row technique and 47 shoulders with double-row suture bridge technique. Postoperative rehabilitation was identical for both groups. Ultrasound criteria for healed repair included visualization of a tendon with normal thickness and length, and a negative compression test. Eighty-three patients were available for ultrasound examination (40 single-row and 43 suture-bridge). Thirty of 40 patients (75%) with single-row repair demonstrated a healed rotator cuff repair compared to 40/43 (93%) patients with suture-bridge repair (P = .024). Arthroscopic double-row suture bridge repair (transosseous equivalent) of an isolated supraspinatus rotator cuff tear resulted in a significantly higher tendon healing rate (as determined by ultrasound examination) when compared to arthroscopic single-row repair.

Treatment Outcomes of Single- Versus Double-Row Repair for Larger Than Medium-Sized Rotator Cuff Tears

Background: In rotator cuff repair, no practical guidelines exist for deciding which technique is the most beneficial to outcomes. Purpose: To determine which of 2 repair techniques, the single-row (SR) and double-row suture bridge (DR-SB) methods, leads to better therapeutic outcomes in terms of remnant tendon length in patients with larger than medium-sized cuff tears. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Remnant tendon length, muscle atrophy, and fatty degeneration were measured on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 78 patients with larger than medium-sized rotator cuff tears who were available for follow-up MRI. There were 30 patients with remnant tendons <10 mm in length (group 1) and 48 with remnant tendons ≥10 mm in length (group 2). In group 1, the SR technique was performed on 17 patients and the DR-SB technique on 13 patients. In group 2, the SR technique was performed on 16 patients and the DR-SB technique on 32 patients. The mean follow-up period for all patients was 26.6 months (range, 24-42 months). Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Constant, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores. Results: In group 1, there was 1 retear (6%) with the SR repair and 6 (46%) with the DR-SB repair. In group 2, there were 3 retears (19%) with the SR repair and 2 (6%) with the DR-SB repair. The retear rate was significantly higher in patients with the DR-SB repair in group 1 (P = .025), while there was no significant difference between the 2 techniques in group 2 (P = .316). The UCLA and Constant scores were significantly higher in patients with the SR repair in group 1 (P = .02 and P = .029, respectively), and the UCLA and ASES scores were significantly higher in patients with the DR-SB repair in group 2 (P < .001 and P = .001, respectively). Conclusion: Remnant tendon length should be considered to improve repair integrity. The SR technique may provide superior rotator cuff integrity when remnant tendons are <10 mm in length.

Three-Dimensional Evaluation of Cyclic Displacement in Single-Row and Double-Row Rotator Cuff Reconstructions Under Static External Rotation

Background: The double-row suture bridge repair was recently introduced and has demonstrated superior biomechanical results and higher yield load compared with the traditional double-row technique. It therefore seemed reasonable to compare this second generation of double-row constructs to the modified single-row double mattress reconstruction. Hypothesis: The repair technique, initial tear size, and tendon subregion will have a significant effect on 3-dimensional (3D) cyclic displacement under additional static external rotation of a modified single-row compared with a double-row rotator cuff repair. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Rotator cuff tears (small to medium: 25 mm; medium to large: 35 mm) were created in 24 human cadaveric shoulders. Rotator cuff repairs were performed as modified single-row or double-row repairs, and cyclic loading (10-60 N, 10-100 N) was applied under 20° of external rotation. Radiostereometric analysis was used to calculate cyclic displacement in the anteroposterior (x), craniocaudal (y), and mediolateral (z) planes with a focus on the repair constructs and the initial tear size. Moreover, differences in cyclic displacement of the anterior compared with the posterior tendon subregions were calculated. Results: Significantly lower cyclic displacement was seen in small to medium tears for the single-row compared with double-row repair at 60 and 100 N in the x plane (P = .001) and y plane (P = .001). The results were similar in medium to large tears at 100 N in the x plane (P = .004). Comparison of 25-mm versus 35-mm tears did not show any statistically significant differences for the single-row repairs. In the double-row repairs, lower gap formation was found for the 35-mm tears (P ≤ .05). Comparison of the anterior versus posterior tendon subregions revealed a trend toward higher anterior gap formation, although this was statistically not significant. Conclusion: The tested single-row reconstruction achieved superior results in 3D cyclic displacement to the tested double-row repair. Extension of the initial rupture size did not have a negative effect on the biomechanical results of the tested constructs. Clinical Relevance: Single-row repairs with modified suture configurations provide comparable biomechanical strength to double-row repairs. Furthermore, as increased gap formation in the early postoperative period might lead to failure of the construct, a strong anterior fixation and restricted external rotation protocol might be considered in rotator cuff repairs to avoid this problem.

Influence of the initial rupture size and tendon subregion on three-dimensional biomechanical properties of single-row and double-row rotator cuff reconstructions

Influence of the initial rotator cuff tear size and of different subregions of the SSP tendon on the cyclic loading behavior of a modified single-row reconstruction compared to a suture-bridging double-row repair. Artificial tears (25 and 35 mm) were created in the rotator cuff of 24 human cadaver shoulders. The reconstructions were performed as a single-row repair (SR) using a modified suture configuration or a suture-bridge double-row repair (DR). Radiostereometric analysis was used under cyclic loading (50 cycles, 10–180 N, 10–250 N) to calculate cyclic displacement in three different planes (anteroposterior (x), craniocaudal (y) and mediolateral (z) level). Cyclic displacement was recorded, and differences in cyclic displacement of the anterior compared to the posterior subregions of the tendon were calculated. In small-to-medium tears (25 mm) and medium-to-large tears (35 mm), significant lower cyclic displacement was seen for the SR-reconstruction compared to the DR-repair at 180 N (p ≤ 0.0001; p = 0.001) and 250 N (p = 0.001; p = 0.007) in the x-level. These results were confirmed in the y-level at 180 N (p = 0.001; p = 0.0022) and 250 N (p = 0.005; p = 0.0018). Comparison of the initial tear sizes demonstrated significant differences in cyclic displacement for the DR technique in the x-level at 180 N (p = 0.002) and 250 N (p = 0.004). Comparison of the anterior versus the posterior subregion of the tendon revealed significant lower gap formation in the posterior compared to the anterior subregions in the x-level for both tested rotator cuff repairs (p ≤ 0.05). The tested single-row repair using a modified suture configuration achieved superior results in three-dimensional measurements of cyclic displacement compared to the tested double-row suture-bridge repair. The results were dependent on the initial rupture size of the rotator cuff tear. Furthermore, significant differences were found between tendon subregions of the rotator cuff with significantly higher gap formation for the anterior compared to the posterior subregions.

Paper # 29: Arthroscopic Suture Bridge Repair for Greater Tuberosity Avulsion Fractures: A Prospective Case Series with Minimum 1 Year Follow-Up

Background and AimsFixation is the treatment of choice for displaced greater tuberosity avulsion fractures of the proximal humerus. Although open reduction has been the traditional method for internal fixation, recent case reports of arthroscopic greater tuberosity fracture fixation have described promising results. There is, however, insufficient evidence that the arthroscopic procedure consistently results in reliable fixation, radiographic healing, and satisfactory surgical outcomes. This prospective case series was designed to determine whether arthroscopic double-row suture bridge repair for displaced greater tuberosity avulsion fractures provided high fixation strength with minimal gap formation, repair integrity maintenance till ultimate radiographic healing, and satisfactory clinical outcomes.

Evaluation of glenoid capsulolabral complex insertional anatomy and restoration with single- and double-row capsulolabral repairs

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the normal glenoid insertional anatomy of the anterior-inferior capsulolabral complex and to compare the ability of a single-row repair and a double-row suture bridge repair to restore the insertional anatomy. Eight fresh frozen cadaver shoulders were dissected and the native glenoid insertion of the anterior-inferior capsulolabral complex was digitized. Bankart lesions were created, the shoulders were randomized to receive either the standard single-row suture anchor repair or a double-row suture bridge repair, and the insertion repair sites were then digitized. The single-row repair recreated 42.3% of the native footprint surface area while the double-row repair recreated 85.9%. The double-row repair was significantly larger and recreated significantly more of the native footprint compared with single-row repair (P < .01). Double-row repair of the capsulolabral complex reestablishes the native insertional footprint on the anterior inferior glenoid better than a single-row repair. Basic science study.

Rotator cuff repair fluid extravasation characteristics are influenced by repair technique

This study evaluates rotator cuff repair fluid extravasation characteristics for different rotator cuff repair techniques. Eight fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were dissected free of soft tissues, with the glenohumeral joint capsule and rotator cuff muscles being left intact. A custom fluid infusion device was used to deliver fluid at constant pressure into the glenohumeral joint. The shoulders were tested in conditions of (1) intact rotator cuff, (2) supraspinatus tear, (3) repaired supraspinatus tear with a single-row technique, and (4) repaired supraspinatus tear with a double-row suture bridge technique. The volume per minute of saline solution extravasation for single-row repair and double-row suture bridge repair was 48.53 mL/min and 11.73 mL/min, respectively, at 2 psi; 73.3 _ 24.1 mL/min and 24.5 _ 19.7 mL/min, respectively, at 3 psi; and 95.2 _ 22.6 mL/min and 39.2 _ 23.8 mL/min, respectively, at 4 psi. There was a statistically significant greater fluid extravasation for the single-row repair compared with the double-row suture bridge repair at all 3 pressures tested (P < .05). Single-row rotator cuff repair exposes the healing zone to greater extravasation of fluid compared with double-row suture bridge repair. Therefore, double-row repair potentially enhances rotator cuff healing. Controlled laboratory study.