Abstract
Suture anchors are widely used to secure tendons and ligaments to bone during both arthroscopic and open surgery. However, single stage insertion suture anchors, i.e. anchors that could be inserted without predrilling of the bone, are not currently available.
We aimed to record the impact needed for insertion of the new design single stage suture anchors, and to compare their pull out strength with another range of commercially available suture anchors.
The force required to insert the new design of suture anchors was investigated using an impact hammer capable of recording the number and force of each of the hits. The anchors were inserted in a consistent manner into animal (porcine) bone at sites analogous to common anchor sites used in clinical practice. Pull out strength was assessed using a digital force gauge after tying the suture to create a secure loop. Thereafter, force was applied steadily until either the anchor or the suture failed and compared with a popular range of commercially available suture anchors (Mitek).
Our initial investigations using prototype designs for small, medium and large anchors compared favourably with the Mini-mitek, GII, and Superanchor range of Mitek anchors. Essentially the most common point of failure for each of the suture anchor families was the suture itself with both suture anchor systems performing similarly. In addition, similar pull out strengths were demonstrated for both the Mitek and new design of suture anchors when loaded parallel, or at 90°, to the line of anchor insertion.
The new design single stage suture anchors have an equivalent pull out strength compared with a popular commercially available family of suture anchors, but in addition have the significant advantage of being suitable for single stage insertion in many clinical settings.
Correspondence should be addressed to EORS Secretariat Mag. Gerlinde M. Jahn, c/o Vienna Medical Academy, Alserstrasse 4, 1090 Vienna, Austria. Fax: +43-1-4078274. Email: eors@medacad.org
