Modified Mason-Allen Technique Research Articles

The Effect of Pulling Angle on Rotator Cuff Mechanical Properties in a Canine In Vitro Model.

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of pulling angle on time-zero mechanical properties of intact infraspinatus tendon or infraspinatus tendon repaired with the modified Mason-Allen technique in a canine model in vitro. Thirty-six canine shoulder samples were used. Twenty intact samples were randomly allocated into functional pull (135°) and anatomic pull (70°) groups (n = 10 per group). The remaining sixteen infraspinatus tendons were transected from the insertion and repaired using the modified Mason-Allen technique before being randomly allocated into functional pull or anatomic pull groups (n = 8 per group). Load to failure testing was performed on all specimens. The ultimate failure load and ultimate stress of the functional pulled intact tendons were significantly lower compared with anatomic pulled tendons (1310.2 ± 167.6 N vs. 1687.4 ± 228.2 N, p = 0.0005: 55.6 ± 8.4 MPa vs. 67.1 ± 13.3 MPa, p = 0.0334). For the tendons repaired with the modified Mason-Allen technique, no significant differences were observed in ultimate failure load, ultimate stress or stiffness between functional pull and anatomic pull groups. The variance of pulling angle had a significant influence on the biomechanical properties of the rotator cuff tendon in a canine shoulder model in vitro. Load to failure of the intact infraspinatus tendon was lower at the functional pulling position compared to the anatomic pulling position. This result indicates that uneven load distribution across tendon fibers under functional pull may predispose the tendon to tear. However, this mechanical character is not presented after rotator cuff repair using the modified Mason-Allen technique.

Haglund Excision and Suture Bridge Repair

Background: Haglund deformity and insertional Achilles tendinopathy involve a degenerative process demonstrating disorganized collagen and mucoid degenerative material causing pain and swelling. Indications: Operative management through a distally based midline incision should be explored if symptoms are refractory to nonoperative management (activity and shoewear modifications, heel lifts, physical therapy, and heel sleeves). Direct lateral approach with small longitudinal split and removal of lateral prominence “pump bump” is performed when a patient has pain isolated solely to the prominence. We feel that endoscopic removal does not allow for appropriate evaluative of degenerative tissue. Techniques: Through a distally based incision, we dissect to the level of the paratenon and make one smooth cut through paratenon and tendon. We then excise the mucoid, degenerative tissue. Removal of Haglund deformity and exostosis is carefully accomplished with a saw. We then utilize a rongeur to smooth Haglund deformity and any remaining medial/lateral calcaneal prominences. We then complete a dual-row speed bridge with 4 suture anchors (horizontal mattress) and a modified Mason-Allen technique. A Thompson test is then repeated and the longitudinal split is repaired. Postoperatively, we have patients weight bear as tolerated in a boot for with suture removal and transition to shoewear at the 2-week mark. We begin range of motion and activity once the wound has healed. We expect return to sport beginning at 3 months with full return by 6 months. Results: The current body of literature shows significant patient satisfaction and minimal risk of complication. Some authors have shown significant improvement in American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) scores, with only 1 patient requiring a flexor hallucis longus (FHL) transfer and no complications. Further studies identify early weight-bearing in Achilles suture bridge technique to have some promise with improvement in visual analog scale (VAS)/AOFAS scores, though there is risk of wound breakdown. Discussion/Conclusion: An Achilles suture bridge technique with early weight-bearing is a viable option for patients with Haglund deformity, and insertional Achilles tendinopathy who have failed conservative management. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

A modified Mason-Allen technique for mini open transosseous rotator cuff repair

Objectives: The modified Mason-Allen suture technique has a strong tissue holding property as it creates a rip stop which prevents tendon pull-out. As our most of patients come from lower socio economic strata, we use Ethibond suture with modified Mason Allen technique to repair medium size rotator cuff tear. The objective of our study is to evaluate clinical outcomes of modified Mason-Allen technique for mini open rotator cuff repair using Ethibond nonabsorbable suture. Methods: This is case series in which we prospectively studied 23 patients of rotator cuff tear who treated with modified Mason-Allen suture technique using Ethibond suture and mini open approach in between June 2015 to August 2017. All patients were evaluated using Constant score at 6,12 months. Results: The preoperative mean Constant score was 54. The mean Constant score at six months was 78. Two patients were lost to follow-up after 8 months. After 12 months, mean Constant score improved to 90.We experienced re-tear in one patient and post operative superficial infection in one patient. Conclusions: A modified Mason-Allen technique with nonabsorbable suture is good alternate treatment method for medium size rotator cuff tear and it's also very cost effective.

Comparison of Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of Vertical Simple Stitch Versus Modified Mason-Allen Stitch in Arthroscopic Bankart Repairs: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study

Background: In spite of the probable advantages of Bankart repair with modified Mason-Allen technique, there has been no study to evaluate the clinical outcomes of the modified Mason-Allen technique for Bankart repair. Purpose: To prospectively compare the anatomic and clinical outcomes between the vertical simple stitch and the modified Mason-Allen stitch with respect to the labral height, retear rate, redislocation/apprehension, and various functional outcome scores. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Patients who underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair with double-loaded suture anchors were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 groups: the vertical simple stitch method (SS; n = 45) or the Bankart repair using modified Mason-Allen technique (BRUMA; n = 41). All patients underwent computed tomography arthrography at 6 months postoperatively and various functional outcome measurements at least 2 years postoperatively. The labral height and width at the 3-, 4-, and 5-o’clock positions were measured preoperatively and at 6 months after surgery on axial computed tomography arthrography; the redislocation/apprehension rate, the retear rate, and various functional outcome scores were evaluated at each follow-up visit. Results: Postoperative labral height and width were significantly increased at all locations (all P < .001) in both groups, but they were not statistically different between groups (all P > .05). Two patients in the SS group (4.4%) and 2 in the BRUMA group (4.9%) experienced redislocation after surgery, and 4 patients in the SS group (8.9%) and 2 in the BRUMA group (4.9%) group showed apprehension after surgery. Additionally, 5 patients in the SS group (11.1%) and 2 in the BRUMA group (4.9%) showed retear at 6 months (P = .239). There were no differences in any functional outcome scores (all P > .05). Conclusion: There was no difference in the radiologic outcomes at 6 months and the clinical outcomes assessed at least 2 years after surgery between the groups.

Femoral-Side ACL Rupture: Arthroscopic Transosseous Refixation Technique and Early Outcomes

Background: Many different surgical techniques are nowadays performed in Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) lesions. Several studies demonstrated that native ACL contains mechanoreceptors that are fundamentals for the proprioception of the knee, which are removed during the standard arthroscopic ACL reconstruction. Material and Methods: This article shows a new arthroscopic way to reinsert an ACL, through a Vycril® #2 wire using a modified Mason-Allen technique, combined with the “healing response technique”, described by Steadman. We recommend this technique for patients with an ACL lesion, detached from his femoral insertion, as suggested by MRI and confirmed by arthroscopic view. Postoperatively the patient must have a knee brace locked at 15-degrees of flexion for the first two weeks with partial weight bearing and prophylaxis of thrombosis with low-molecular-weight heparin until the complete weight bearing; then gradually the flexion will be increased during the next month. Discussion: This new technique permits to maintain the native ACL, reinserted into his anatomical insertion and the mechanoreceptors that are fundamentals for the proprioception, associated with the healing power of the bone marrow cells and blood.

Tendon Collagen Crosslinking Offers Potential to Improve Suture Pullout in Rotator Cuff Repair: An Ex Vivo Sheep Study.

The suture-tendon interface is often the weakest link in tendon to bone repair of massive rotator cuff tears. Genipin is a low-toxicity collagen crosslinker derived from the gardenia fruit that has been shown to augment collagen tissue strength and mechanically arrest tendon-tear progression. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate whether genipin crosslinking can sufficiently augment the suture-tendon interface to improve suture pullout strength using simple single-loop sutures and the modified Mason-Allen technique. The study also aimed to assess whether time of genipin treatment is a relevant factor in efficacy. In an ex vivo (cadaveric) sheep rotator cuff tendon model, a total of 142 suture pullout tests were performed on 32 infraspinatus tendons. Each tendon was prepared with three single-loop stitches. Two groups were pretreated by incubation in genipin solution for either 4 hours or 24 hours. Two corresponding control groups were incubated in phosphate buffered saline for the same periods. The same test protocol was applied to tendons using modified Mason-Allen technique stitch patterns. Each suture was loaded to failure on a universal materials testing machine. Suture pullout force, stiffness, and work to failure were calculated from force-displacement data, and then compared among the groups. Median single-loop pullout force on tendons incubated for 24 hours in genipin yielded an approximately 30% increase in maximum pullout force for single-loop stitches with a median of 73 N (range, 56-114 N) compared with 56 N (range, 40-69 N; difference of medians = 17 N; p = 0.028), with corresponding increases in the required work to failure but not stiffness. Genipin treatment for 4 hours showed no added benefit for suture-pullout behavior (46 N, [range, 35-95 N] versus 45 N, [range, 28-63 N]; difference of medians, 1 N; p = 1). No tested genipin crosslinking conditions indicated benefit for tendons grasped using the modified Mason-Allen technique after 4 hours (162 N, [range, 143-193 N] versus 140 N, [range, 129-151 N]; difference of medians, 22 N; p = 0.114) or after 24 hours of crosslinking (172 N, [range, 42-183 N] versus 164 N [range, 151-180 N]; difference of medians, 8 N; p = 0.886). Exogenous collagen crosslinking in genipin can markedly improve resistance to pullout at the tendon-suture interface for simple stitch patterns while the modified Mason-Allen stitch showed no benefit in an ex vivo animal model. Tendon strength augmentation by genipin pretreatment offers the potential to improve suture retention properties. Future studies are warranted for the development of clinically viable intraoperative delivery strategies and in vivo testing for safety and efficacy.

Arthroscopic modified Mason-Allen technique for large U- or L-shaped rotator cuff tears.

While a conventional single- or double-row repair technique could be applied for repair of C-shaped tears, a different surgical strategy should be considered for repair of U- or L-shaped tears because they typically have complex patterns with anterior, posterior, or both mobile leaves. This study was performed to examine the outcomes of the modified Mason-Allen technique for footprint restoration in the treatment of large U- or L-shaped rotator cuff tears. Thirty-two patients who underwent an arthroscopic modified Mason-Allen technique for large U- or L-shaped rotator cuff tears between January 2012 and December 2013 were included in this study. Margin convergence was first performed to reduce the tear gap and tension, and then, an arthroscopic Mason-Allen technique was performed to restore the rotator cuff footprint in a side-to-end repair fashion. All patients were evaluated preoperatively and for a minimum of 2years of follow-up with a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Constant score, and ultrasonography. There was significant improvement in all VAS and Constant scores compared with the preoperative values (P<0.001). Functional results by Constant scores included 9 cases that were classified as excellent, 11 cases as good, 8 cases as fair, and 2 cases as poor. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that heavy work, pseudoparalysis, joint space narrowing, fatty degeneration of the SST and IST, and a positive tangent sign were found to significantly correlate with functional outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that only fatty degeneration of the SST was a risk factor for fair/poor clinical outcomes. Complications occurred in 5 of the 32 patients (15.6%), and the reoperation rate due to complications was 6.3% (2 of 32 patients). An arthroscopic modified Mason-Allen technique was sufficient to restore the footprint of the rotator cuff in our data. Overall satisfactory results were achieved in most patients, with the exception of those with severe fatty degeneration. An arthroscopic modified Mason-Allen technique could be an effective and reliable alternative for patients with large U- or L-shaped rotator cuff tears. Case Series, Therapeutic Level IV.

Footprint Contact Area and Interface Pressure Comparison Between the Knotless and Knot-Tying Transosseous-Equivalent Technique for Rotator Cuff Repair

To quantify and compare the footprint contact area and interface pressure on the greater tuberosity between knotless and knot-tying transosseous-equivalent (TOE) repair using pressure-sensitive film. We used 11 pairs of fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders (22 specimens), in which rotator cuff tears were created before repair. Each pair was randomized to either conventional medial knot-tying TOE repair (group A) or medial knotless TOE repair using the modified Mason-Allen technique (group B). Pressure-sensitive film was used to quantify the pressurized contact area and interface pressure between the greater tuberosity and supraspinatus tendon. The mean pressurized contact area was 33.2 ± 2.5 mm(2) for group A and 28.4 ± 2.4 mm(2) for group B. There was a significant difference between groups (P=.005). Although the overall contact configuration of both groups was similar and showed an M shape, group A showed a greater pressurized configuration around the medial row. The mean interface pressure was 0.20 ± 0.02 MPafor group A and 0.17 ± 0.02 MPa for group B. There was a significant difference between groups (P=.001). Contrary to our hypothesis, in this time-zero study, medial knotless TOE repair using a modified Mason-Allen suture produced a significantly inferior footprint contact area and interface pressure compared with conventional medial knot-tying TOE repair. Even though we found a statistically significant difference between the 2 repair methods, it is still unknown if this statistical difference seen in our study has any clinical and radiologic significance.

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.

Cyclic Displacement After Meniscal Root Repair Fixation

Background: Recent biomechanical evidence suggests that the meniscus-suture interface contributes the most displacement to the transtibial pull-out repair for meniscal root tears. Therefore, optimization of surgical technique at the meniscus-suture interface may minimize displacement and improve the strength of meniscal root repairs. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to investigate the cyclic displacement and ultimate failure loads of 4 different meniscus-suture fixation techniques for posterior medial meniscal root repairs in human meniscus tissue. The hypothesis was that there would be no significant difference between the two simple sutures (TSS) technique and 3 other techniques in cyclic displacement or ultimate failure load. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A total of 32 fresh-frozen, human, medial meniscal transplant specimens were randomly assigned to 4 meniscus-suture fixation techniques used for transtibial pull-out repair in posterior medial meniscal root tears (n = 8 per group). The suture techniques studied were (1) TSS, (2) modified Mason-Allen (MMA), (3) single double-locking loop (S-DLL), and (4) double double-locking loop (D-DLL). The menisci were subjected to a cyclic tensioning protocol representative of postoperative rehabilitation (10-30 N for 1000 cycles) and pulled to failure at a rate of 0.5 mm/s. Results: After 1000 cycles, the TSS group displaced the least (mean ± SD, 1.78 ± 0.64 mm), followed by the MMA (2.14 ± 0.65 mm), D-DLL (2.97 ± 0.57 mm), and S-DLL (3.81 ± 0.78 mm) groups. After 100, 500, and 1000 cycles, suture displacements using the TSS and MMA techniques were not significantly different (P > .13), while the TSS technique resulted in significantly less displacement than the S-DLL and D-DLL (P < .03) techniques. The ultimate failure loads of the MMA (325 ± 77 N) and D-DLL (320 ± 50 N) techniques were significantly greater than those of the TSS (192 ± 52 N) and S-DLL (217 ± 51 N) techniques (P < .05). Conclusion: The TSS and MMA fixation techniques were not significantly different, while the TSS was significantly better at resisting displacement when compared with the S-DLL and D-DLL stitch configurations. The MMA and D-DLL techniques exhibited significantly greater failure loads than did the TSS and S-DLL techniques; however, all techniques demonstrated ultimate failure loads above the currently accepted rehabilitation force threshold. Clinical Relevance: The TSS fixation technique combines the lowest technical difficulty and the ability to resist displacement at time zero. The MMA technique, although more technically challenging, may provide an alternative means to resist displacement while enhancing the failure load.

Meniscus root refixation technique using a modified Mason–Allen stitch

A complete posterior medial meniscus root tear results in the inability to withstand hoop stress and requires the repair of the posterior medial meniscus root. Several techniques to repair the posterior medial meniscus root have been proposed, but most techniques are based on simple stitching. A modified Mason-Allen technique, recognized as a superior stitching method to repair rotator cuff in shoulder surgery, was applied to overcome the potential weakness of those simple stitching techniques. This newly modified Mason-Allen technique reproduces the locking effect of a conventional modified Mason-Allen stitch allowing the physiological meniscal extrusion. The purpose of this article is to describe a posterior root repair technique using a modified Mason-Allen stitch with two strands consisting of a simple horizontal and a simple vertical stitch. Level of evidence V.

Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Using a Triple-Loaded Suture Anchor and a Modified Mason-Allen Technique (Alex Stitch)

Surgical repair of the rotator cuff must have good resistance and should restore the tendon footprint. To attain this goal, a stitch with a strong biomechanical profile that avoids tissue strangulation should be used. We describe an arthroscopic suture technique undertaken to repair rotator cuff tears with a single triple-loaded suture anchor. The technique consists of a combination of a horizontal mattress and 2 vertical simple sutures that are positioned medial to the mattress suture. The suture anchor used is the 5-mm self-tapping ThRevo (Linvatec). This anchor is loaded with 3 sutures: 2 No. 2 nonabsorbable braided polyester sutures of different colors and a central high-strength No. 2 polyethylene suture. The shape of the anchor eyelet permits all 3 sutures to glide freely. A modified Mason-Allen technique (Alex stitch) that combines a horizontal side-to-side suture and 2 simples sutures as vertical loops is used. With use of the Spectrum suture passing device and shuttle relay system (Linvatec), both limbs of the centrally located polyethylene suture are passed through the cuff from bottom to top, approximately 1 cm from the tendon edge. This suture is not immediately tied. Next, with use of the same system, the other 2 sutures are placed medially and over the previous horizontal suture. Simple sutures are placed at an approximately 30° angle from the center of the anchor; 1 is placed anterior and the other posterior. The sutures are tied through the lateral portal. The mattress horizontal central stitch is always tied first, followed by the 2 vertical sutures. The horizontal mattress suture serves as a “rip stop stitch” and theoretically reduces the possibility of cutting out of the simple sutures.

Preliminary results after rotator cuff reconstruction augmented with an autologous periosteal flap

Periosteal augmentation of tendons in the course of refixation to bone has been shown to be a suitable method for early primarily stable osteofibroblastic integration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of open rotator cuff reconstruction using an autologous periosteal flap augmentation technique. The research was performed as a prospective cohort study. Twenty-three prospective patients (average age 59.7 years) with degenerative rotator cuff tears were operated on with an open technique and a subtendinous periosteal flap augmentation using bioabsorbable suture anchors and a modified Mason-Allen technique. Clinical evaluation consisted of the Constant-Score and the Simple Shoulder test. Radiological evaluation included standard radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Twenty patients were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 14.4 months. The average Constant Score increased significantly from 51.7 to 80.9 points (p<0.05) with 12 excellent, seven good and one satisfactory result. The Simple Shoulder test showed a significant increase of an average of 4.8-10.7 questions answered with yes (p<0.05). Four patients (20%) demonstrated a retear of the tendon on postoperative MRI. Ectopic ossifications in the supraspinatus tendon were found in four patients (20%) but these had no impact on the final clinical results. Open rotator cuff repair augmented with an autologous periosteal flap shows high patient satisfaction level with low rerupture rates. Mid- and long-term results remain to be seen. The potential benefits compared with conventional open or arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery must be examined in prospective randomized studies.

Arthroscopic supraspinatus tendon repair using suture anchors and a modified Mason-Allen technique: An intra-articular approach

Abstract Arthroscopic repair of supraspinatus tendon tears has had clinical results comparable to those of open procedures. The arthroscopic subacromial approach is well described in the literature but is still limited to skilled arthroscopic surgeons owing to the technical difficulties of the method. We present an intra-articular approach for supraspinatus tendon repair using suture anchors and a modified Mason-Allen technique. A major advantage of this technique is an excellent visualization of the procedure that optimizes the preparation of the lesion, positioning of the suture anchors, and, especially, grasping of the tendon with suture devices. The easy and exact positioning of the sutures allows creation of a modified arthroscopic Mason-Allen stitch. The result is a very stable initial tendon-to-bone fixation, which is necessary for a sufficient osteofibroblastic integration.

A modified Mason-Allen technique for rotator cuff repair using suture anchors

An adequate restoration of the muscle-tendon-bone unit is essential for a successful outcome after rotator cuff reconstruction. We describe a suture grasping technique for rotator cuff repair using suture anchors that can be performed either arthroscopically or during open rotator cuff refixation. The technique we use is a combination of a mattress and a single suture, thus representing the principles of a Mason-Allen suture technique. The modified Mason-Allen technique for suture anchor repair is easy to perform and provides excellent initial fixation strength allowing durable osteofibroblastic integration of the reinserted cuff.Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 19, No 3 (March), 2003: pp 330–333