Pulley Technique Research Articles

Repair of Retracted Hamstring Tears with Hamstring Pulley Technique and Inferomedial Portal

Endoscopic repair of hamstring tears is well described in the literature, but endoscopic management for significantly retracted hamstring tears is not well described. Currently, repairing a hamstring tendon that has retracted 8 cm or more from the footprint on the ischial tuberosity is performed as an open procedure. The technique described here details endoscopic repair of retracted hamstring tears using a suture pulley mechanism and an inferomedial portal.

Double-pulley combined with suture bridge technique for fixation of comminuted fractures of distal patella pole

To investigate the clinical effect of double pulley combined with suture bridge in the treatment of comminuted fracture of the lower pole of the patella. From January 2018 to June 2020, 15 patients with comminuted fracture of the lower pole of the patella were treated with double pulley and suture bridge technology, including 9 males and 6 females, aged 28 to 68 years old with an average of (42.4±9.6) years old. All patients had obvious knee joint pain and limited movement after injury. All knee joints were examined by X-ray and CT, which confirmed that they were all comminuted fractures at the lower level of the patella. After operation, X-ray films of the knee joint were taken regularly to understand the fracture healing, the Insall Salvati index was measure, the range of motion of the joint was recorded, and the function of the knee joint was evaluateed by the Bostman scoring system. All the 15 patients were followed up for 7 to 24 months with an average of (11.4±4.2) months, and there was no obvious anterior knee pain. At the last follow-up, the knee joint range of motion of the affected limb was 105° to 140° with an average of (128.5±12.8) °, and the Insall Salvati index was 0.79 to 1.12 with an average of (0.92±0.18). The X-ray film showed that the patella was bone healing, and no anchor fell off, broken, or displaced fracture block was found. Bostman patellar fracture function score was 27.85±2.06, 13 cases were excellent, 2 cases were good. Double pulley technique combined with suture bridge technique is reliable for reduction and fixation of comminuted fracture of the lower pole of patella, and patients can start functional exercise early after operation.

Arthroscopic Double-Row Rotator Cuff Repair With Box Configuration

Background: Arthroscopic transosseous-equivalent (TOE) techniques may offer additional advantages, including a more efficient surgery with a self-reinforcing construct with equivalent clinical results to medial knotted TOE repair for rotator cuff tears (RCTs). Indications: An arthroscopic knotless double-row (DR) rotator cuff repair (RCR) using FiberTak RC anchors for medial row fixation with box configuration may be an appropriate construct for operatively indicated small-to-moderate full-thickness RCTs. Technique: Our modified technique uses TOE repair principles to address RCTs too small for traditional 4.75-mm anchors using medial row fixation and too large to apply a single medial to lateral anchor repair. The patient is placed in a beach chair position. In addition to standard anterior and posterior portals, a lower lateral working portal and a higher posterolateral viewing portal are made. Subsequent to supraspinatus footprint visualization/preparation, two 2.6-mm FiberTak RC anchors each loaded with 1 LabralTape and 1 FiberWire are placed medially. The 4 sets of sutures for one anchor are placed through the rotator cuff tendon together in 1 spot and the process is repeated for the second anchor. One FiberWire from each anchor is then tied extracorporeally and then a double pulley technique is used to compress the medial aspect of the repair at the footprint in a box configuration. Finally, 1 limb of LabralTape from each of the medial anchors along with the corresponding FiberWire is secured through 2 lateral-row 4.75-mm anchors anteriorly and posteriorly to restore the lateral footprint and secure the rotator cuff in TOE box configuration. This modified technique can provide anatomical compression of the rotator cuff tendon at the footprint with additional medial compression achieved by the box configuration while taking advantage of knotless fixation. Results: Postoperatively, a sling is worn for 4 weeks, passive range of motion (ROM) is initiated at 2 weeks, active ROM is begun at 6 weeks, and strengthening at 3 months. Patients may return to full unrestricted activities around 5 to 6 months. Discussion/Conclusion: A modified arthroscopic DR RCR with box configuration is an excellent treatment option for patients with small-to-moderate full-thickness RCT who fail conservative treatment. 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.

Treatment of avulsion fracture of inferior pole of patella with improved angle of anchor and double pulley technique

To evaluate the angle of modified anchor nail placement and the curative effect of double pulley technology for the treatment of extreme avulsion fracture of lower patella. From December 2015 to December 2018, a total of 22 patients(10 males and 12 females) with avulsion fracture of the inferior pole of patella were retrospectively analyzed. The average age was (44.00±15.24) years old(range, 19 to 70 years). All patients were treated with modified anchor angle and double pulley technique. The range of motion(ROM) and Bostman score system were used to evaluate the functional recovery of knee joint. All 22 cases were followed up with an average of (30.86±8.00) weeks (18 to 46 weeks). At the last follow-up, ROM of the affected knee was (130.82±4.69) °, and the contralateral knee was (133.23 ± 3.15) °, there was no significant difference between two groups (P>0.05). The average Bostman score was (28.45±1.41) scores, 18 cases were excellent results, 4 cases were good. Improved anchor placement angle and double pulley technique for treatment of extreme avulsion fracture of lower patella is easy to operate, with satisfactory curative effect and good recovery of knee joint function.

Arthroscopic Repair of the Bankart Lesion Using Dual-Row Labral Repair

Background: The most common technique described for bankart repair is the single-row labral repair. Recent interest has been the use of a dual-row, double pulley technique, first described by Zhang et al and popularized by Millett et al as the “bony Bankart bridge” technique. The aim of this study is to report a double-row all-suture labral fixation technique using knotless anchors. Technique: Step 1: glenohumeral debridement, and preparation of the glenoid labral and Bankart. The patient is first placed in the beach-chair position and surface landmarks are created. The standard posterior portal is first created and the glenohumeral joint is evaluated. Once the lesion is identified, the relevant working anterosuperior and anteroinferior portals are established using the outside-in technique. The synovitis is debrided to allow visualization and the labrum is liberated from the anterior glenoid. The Bankart lesion fragment is liberated, and partial fragments are osteotomized. With the anterolateral portal as the viewing portal, the anterior rim of the glenoid is now decorticated using a motorized shaver and rasp to create a bleeding bony surface. Step 2: the low rim anchor (5:30 o’clock). At the anterior-inferior aspect of the glenoid, the drill guide is positioned as low as possible (5:30 o’clock position for the right shoulder) and about 7 to 10 mm medial to the rim of the glenoid. The first 1.8 mm single-loaded suture anchor (Q-FIX All-Suture Anchor) is then inserted via the posterior portal. Step 3: the anterior-inferior-medial (AIM) anchor (4 o’clock). Step 4: the knotless high rim anchor (3 o’clock). Step 5: tying of sutures. The sutures from each anchor are tied in a mattress configuration, eventually creating a suture bridge over the labral repair Discussion/Conclusion: This dual row labral repair technique allows for maximum compression and contact between the fragment and the glenoid bed, allowing healing over a contact area rather than just the rim. The other added advantage is the use of curved tip anchors which allow negotiation of difficult corners, especially in the 5 to 6 o’clock position.

Novel technique of PCL avulsion fracture fixation using a modified double pulley method

Background: Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) avulsion fractures are a rare injury and are seen to occur commonly in younger patients. Traditionally these injuries were treated conservatively and that resulted into malunion of avulsion piece and resultant PCL laxity and posterior tibial sag. This on longer run caused altered knee biomechanics, instability and early arthritis. Newer techniques are being tried in treatment in Posterior cruciate ligament avulsion fractures to prevent all these complications.Methods: We present here a surgical technique which makes use of suture anchors in a modified double pulley technique for the reduction and fixation of PCL avulsion fractures. In our institute we conducted a prospective study of 100 patients having PCL avulsion fracture in which all patients were in young age group and had a traumatic injury, less than 7 days old and followed them up at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year post surgery to check for their functional and radiological outcomes. All were operated by same surgeon by same method and got the same physiotherapy protocol in same ward and come under same age group.Results: It was found that our technique showed excellent functional and radiological outcomes at 1 year follow up.Conclusions: By using this modified double pulley technique for fixation of the PCL avulsion fracture, the surgeon can achieve adequate compression and absolute stability of the fracture fragment. This method has several advantages over the other techniques used for fixation and produces equivalent or better functional and radiological outcome with very minimal complication rate.

Robotic-assisted pulley technique for the ventral hernia.

When approaching complex abdominal wall hernias at either index operation or a subsequent reoperation for recurrent incarcerated abdominal wall hernias, a majority of surgeons consider mesh placement a key step in the prevention of a future recurrence. While the laparoscopic and open approaches show no significant difference in hernia recurrence, the laparoscopic approach to complex abdominal wall hernias does reduce surgical-site infection, postoperative ileus, improves short-term quality-of-life scores, and reduces hospital length of stay (Davies et al. in Am Surg 78(8):888-892, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3500604/ , 2012, McGreevy et al. in Surg Endosc 17(11):1778-1780, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12958679 , 2003, Bittner et al. in Surg Endosc 33:3069-3139, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-019-06907-7 , 2019). In this paper, we describe a robotic approach with a pulley technique to the fixation of polypropylene mesh in complex abdominal wall reconstruction. Our primary aim is to offer a new perspective to the re-creation of challenging abdominal walls and to encourage other surgeons to gain proficiency in the robotic approach. Additionally, the material cost to the technique is lower than that of self-expanding or deployable mesh reinforcements used in other laparoscopic approaches. Over time, as an institution breaks even on the cost of a robot with their return on investment, this technique offers potential cost-saving.

CORR Insights®: Is Primary Arthroscopic Repair Using the Pulley Technique an Effective Treatment for Partial Proximal ACL Tears?

CORR Insights®: Is Primary Arthroscopic Repair Using the Pulley Technique an Effective Treatment for Partial Proximal ACL Tears?

Is Primary Arthroscopic Repair Using the Pulley Technique an Effective Treatment for Partial Proximal ACL Tears?

Attention has recently been paid to primary arthroscopic repair to treat ACL tears because of the disadvantages associated with reconstruction. However, there remain many unanswered questions and concerns about its application in the treatment of ACL tears. (1) Does primary arthroscopic repair using the pulley technique result in satisfactory ROM (a functional ROM with a flexion contracture of 30° or less), knee stability, and functional scores in patients with partial proximal ACL tears? (2) What complications are associated with primary arthroscopic repair using the pulley technique in patients with partial proximal ACL tears? Between January 2014 and March 2016, we treated 23 patients surgically who had partial proximal ACL tears and excellent tissue quality (defined as a remnant with mild interstitial tearing and the ability to hold sutures). All patients meeting those two criteria were treated using primary arthroscopic repair using the pulley technique. During that period, this represented 13% (23 of 183) of the patients we treated surgically for an ACL tear. Patients were excluded if they had other ACL tear types, insufficient tissue quality (defined as a severely torn remnant that was not strong enough to hold sutures), multi-ligamentous injuries, or substantial arthrosis (chondromalacia greater than Outerbridge grade 3, most of which underwent conversion to ACL reconstruction). Clinical outcomes were assessed using ROM, the anterior drawer test, the Lachman test, Lysholm score, Tegner activity score, IKDC subjective score, and radiographs. Twenty-one patients were observed for a mean (range) period of 36 months (25-49), and two were lost to follow-up. At the most-recent follow-up examination, all patients achieved full extension and only one patient lacked full flexion, with a flexion contracture of 10°. Twenty patients had no instability on the anterior drawer test and Lachman test findings, and one patient had a 1 + anterior drawer test. The mean Lysholm score improved from a mean ± SD of 71 ± 9 before surgery to 94 ± 6 (mean difference 23 points [95% CI 20 to 25]; p < 0.001) at latest follow-up. The IKDC subjective score improved from 64 ± 10 to 86 ± 11 points (mean difference 22 points; p < 0.001). We found no difference in the Tegner score from before surgery to latest follow-up (6.3 ± 1.2 versus 6.1 ± 1.2; mean difference 0.2; p = 0.056). One patient re-ruptured his ACL 2 months after surgery in military training during an obstacle race. No complications such as infection, thrombosis, stiffness, patellofemoral pain, or implant failure were observed. Primary arthroscopic repair using the pulley technique can achieve short-term clinical success in a carefully selected (the selection process includes first identifying the ACL injury pattern preoperatively with MRI, then confirming the diagnosis under arthroscopy, and deciding whether to perform a repair intraoperatively) subset of patients with partial proximal ACL tears and excellent tissue quality (defined as a remnant with mild interstitial tearing and the ability to hold sutures). Despite the promising clinical outcomes of our study, this technique should not be widely adopted unless it has been compared directly with ACL reconstruction, so future studies should be conducted to compare the clinical outcomes between this technique and ACL reconstruction, and longer-term follow-up is necessary to identify whether there is deterioration in the clinical outcomes over time. Level IV, therapeutic study.

Remnant-Preserving Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Arthroscopic Transseptal, Rod and Pulley Technique

The preservation of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) remnant augmentation was recently proposed as a technique for PCL reconstruction. The technique achieved isometry and anatomic position of the PCL graft, but it was technically difficult. The present technique is a modified transseptal technique with visualization from both posteromedial and posterolateral portals. Moreover, this rod-pulley technique could prevent the killer turn effectively. The result was anatomic remnant augmented PCL graft.

Scalp Closures With Pulley Sutures Reduce Time and Cost Compared to Traditional Layered Technique-A Prospective, Randomized, Observer-Blinded Study.

Reconstruction of postsurgical scalp defects can be difficult and time-consuming using a conventional bilayered technique. A specialized closure using a pulley suture can assist in closing wounds under high tension and can decrease time and cost for the surgeon. To determine if closing scalp defects with a single-layered closure using pulley sutures would result in decreased time but equivalent scar cosmesis compared to bilayered closures. A total of 21 patients with postsurgical scalp defects were randomized to a bilayered or a pulley group, and time was measured for each closure. Scar appearance was assessed using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale at 2 weeks, 2 months, and 6 months postsurgery. Before and after photographs were also assessed by a blinded dermatologist using the visual analog scale. Compared to a bilayered closure, the pulley technique resulted in significantly reduced closure time (p < .001). Even though patient overall scores at 2 weeks and observer total score at 6 months were superior in the pulley group, the visual analog scale scores were similar between the 2 groups. Scalp reconstructions using a single layer of pulley sutures result in time and cost reduction and similar scar appearance compared to bilayered closures.

Arthroscopic Remplissage for Moderate-Size Hill-Sachs Lesion

Humeral bone loss has been shown to be a risk factor for failure after arthroscopic treatment of instability. We present the arthroscopic remplissage technique originally described by Koo and Burkhart et al. with a modification in the percutaneous anchor placement and suture tying that is reproducible and effective. We percutaneously place 2 suture anchors, which require no additional suture passing across the tissue, to create a double pulley technique, filling the defect with posterior capsule and rotator cuff. Therefore, the Hill-Sachs defect becomes extra-articular, eliminating the potential engagement of the anterior glenoid and contribution to recurrence of instability. This technique is applicable broadly for most Hill-Sachs lesions that need addressing. By not having to pass or shuttle any suture through tissue after anchor placement and by eliminating the necessity to go subacromially to retrieve or tie suture, the technique saves time and improves reproducibility. The compression of tissue into the Hill Sachs surface area also is improved by double-reinforced suturing through the double-pulley technique. The combination of these advantages creates a sound and efficient technique for remplissage.

Suture Anchor Repair of Quadriceps Tendon Rupture

Quadriceps tendon rupture is an uncommon knee injury that warrants surgical treatment. Traditional surgery has been relatively successful, using trans-patellar-drilled suture repair for tendo-osseous avulsions and simple suture repair for intra-tendinous midsubstance tears. However, recent evidence has identified a unique complication previously unreported in the literature in these patients (displaced longitudinal patellar stress fracture). Suture anchor-based repair has biomechanical strength equivalent to trans-patellar-drilled repair and avoids the potential complication of postoperative fracture. A “pulley technique” with complete footprint coverage has been used for other tendinous avulsions (eg. proximal hamstring) and is described in this article. [ Orthopedics. 2014; 37(3):183–186.]

The periosteal pulley technique for orbital fat realignment and correction of nasojugal groove in lower lid blepharoplasty

Removal of orbital fat in lower lid blepharoplasty has been widely replaced by fat realignment over the orbital rim. However, incomplete correction or recurrence of fat bulging is still common compared to a simple fat removal procedure due to improper transfer and fixation of fat over the orbital rim. The authors present a novel technique of orbital fat transfer under the periosteal strip to secure the fat along the orbital rim and prevent recurrence of fat bulging from reherniation. Of the patients who underwent lower blepharoplasties using the periosteal pulley technique during January 2010 to September 2012, 115 were included in this prospective uncontrolled clinical trial. There were 107 females and eight males. The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 2 years (average 1 year). The results on the last follow-up were categorised into four grades: excellent, good, fair and poor. Of the 115 patients, 10, 81 and 24 patients achieved excellent, good and fair results, respectively. We have three cases of temporary lower lid retraction or ectropion that developed 1 month after surgery and were resolved within 3-4 months. No revision surgery is needed. We propose the periosteal pulley technique as an alternative way of orbital fat transfer in lower lid blepharoplasty. This technique can provide a secure fixation of fat that not only corrects the nasojugal groove but also prevents further herniation of the remaining fat.

An Ex Vivo Biomechanical Study Comparing Strength Characteristics of a New Technique with the Three‐Loop Pulley for Equine Tenorrhaphy

To test single cycle to failure tensile strength characteristics of 6 suture material-pattern combinations in equine superficial digital flexor (SDF) tenorrhaphy, specifically to compare a 10-strand modification of the Savage core suture technique with the 3-loop pulley technique. Ex vivo mechanical experiment comparing 3 different suture patterns with 2 different materials. Forelimb and hindlimb SDF tendons (n=48) harvested from adult Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses of mixed age and gender. Six suture material-pattern combinations were evaluated: (1) 10-strand Savage, size 2 polydioxanone (PDS); (2) 10-strand Savage, size 2 polyglactin 910 (PG910); (3) 10-strand Savage, size 2 PDS with Lin-locking epitenon suture, size 2-0 PDS; (4) 10-strand Savage size 2 PG910 with Lin-locking epitenon suture, size 2-0 PDS; (5) 3-loop pulley, size 2 PDS; and (6) 3-loop pulley, size 2 PG910. Maximum load at failure (N), gap at failure (mm), and mode of failure (suture breakage or pull through) were evaluated for each of the 6 suture material-pattern combinations and underwent statistical analysis to determine significance of differences and interactions of the measured data. The 10-strand Savage technique failed at a mean load of 872 (804-939, 95% CI). The 10-strand Savage with Lin-locking failed at a significantly greater mean load of 998 (930-1065, 95% CI). The 3-loop pulley pattern failed with a mean load of 337 (270-405, 95% CI). There were significant interactions between the technique and suture material used. The 10-strand Savage technique for repair of transected cadaver SDF tendons has superior strength characteristics with or without the epitenon suture when compared to the 3-loop pulley. Suture material and pattern interactions were observed with PG 910 conferring higher strength for the 10-strand Savage whereas PDS did so for the 3-loop pulley.

Soft tissue tenodesis of the long head of the biceps tendon associated to the Roman Bridge repair

BackgroundRotator cuff tears are frequently associated with pathologies of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT). Tenotomy and tenodesis of the LHBT are commonly used to manage disorders of the LHBT.MethodsWe present an arthroscopic soft tissue LHBT tenodesis associated with a Roman Bridge (double pulley – suture bridges) repairResultsTwo medial row 5.5-mm Bio-Corkscrew suture anchors (Arthrex, Naples, FL), double-loaded with No. 2 FiberWire sutures (Arthrex, Naples, FL), are placed in the medial aspect of the footprint. A shuttle is passed through an anterior point of the rotator cuff and through the LHBT by means of a Penetrator or a BirdBeak suture passer (Arthrex, Naples, FL). A tenotomy of the LHBT is performed. All the sutures from the anteromedial anchor are passed through a single anterior point in the rotator cuff using a shuttle technique. All the sutures from the posteromedial anchor are passed through a single posterior point in the rotator cuff. The sutures in the medial row are tied using the double pulley technique. A suture limb is retrieved from each of the medial anchors and manually tied as a six-throw surgeon's knot over a metal rod. The two free suture limbs are pulled to transport the knot over the top of the tendon bridge. The two free suture limbs are then used to produce suture bridges over the tendon, using a Pushlock (Arthrex, Naples, FL), placed 1 cm distal to the lateral edge of the footprint. The same double pulley – suture bridges technique is repeated for the other two suture limbs from the two medial anchors.ConclusionThis technique allows to perform a double pulley – suture bridges repair for a rotator cuff tear, associated with a soft tissue tenodesis for the management of LHBT pathology. The tenodesis of the LHBT is performed just with the passage of a shuttle inside the LHBT, after passing it through the anterior portion of the rotator cuff, with successive detachment of the LHBT from the glenoid. It is a technically easy procedure which can be performed relatively quickly, and does not require additional fixation.

The Roman Bridge: a "double pulley – suture bridges" technique for rotator cuff repair

BackgroundWith advances in arthroscopic surgery, many techniques have been developed to increase the tendon-bone contact area, reconstituting a more anatomic configuration of the rotator cuff footprint and providing a better environment for tendon healing.MethodsWe present an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair technique which uses suture bridges to optimize rotator cuff tendon-footprint contact area and mean pressure.ResultsTwo medial row 5.5-mm Bio-Corkscrew suture anchors (Arthrex, Naples, FL), which are double-loaded with No. 2 FiberWire sutures (Arthrex, Naples, FL), are placed in the medial aspect of the footprint. Two suture limbs from a single suture are both passed through a single point in the rotator cuff. This is performed for both anchors. The medial row sutures are tied using the double pulley technique. A suture limb is retrieved from each of the medial anchors through the lateral portal, and manually tied as a six-throw surgeon's knot over a metal rod. The two free suture limbs are pulled to transport the knot over the top of the tendon bridge. Then the two free suture limbs that were used to pull the knot down are tied. The end of the sutures are cut. The same double pulley technique is repeated for the other two suture limbs from the two medial anchors, but the two free suture limbs are used to produce suture bridges over the tendon, by means of a Pushlock (Arthrex, Naples, FL), placed 1 cm distal to the lateral edge of the footprint.ConclusionThis technique maximizes the advantages of two techniques. On the one hand, the double pulley technique provides an extremely secure fixation in the medial aspect of the footprint. On the other hand, the suture bridges allow to improve pressurized contact area and mean footprint pressure. In this way, the bony footprint in not compromised by the distal-lateral fixation, and it is thus possible to share the load between fixation points. This maximizes the strength of the repair and provides a barrier preventing penetration of synovial fluid into the healing area of tendon and bone.

Fascial pulley: cross-commissure lip reanimation for inferior division facial nerve paralysis.

The risks of causing further harm to the facial nerve are greater in surgery for partial facial paralysis. We present a new active and passive reconstruction technique for paralysis of the buccal-mandibular divisions of the facial nerve. Our fascial pulley technique of reanimation and suspension of the oral commissure produces no further injury to the facial nerve and the eyelids. In addition, it adds a better technique to the armamentarium of the reconstructive surgeon dealing with partial lower facial nerve paralyses.