This study aims to compare the biomechanical properties of the “Double Lasso-Loop” suture anchor (DLSA) technique with the commonly performed interference screw (IS) technique in an ex vivo ovine model.

Fourteen fresh sheep shoulder specimens were used in this study. Dissection was performed leaving only the biceps muscle attached to the humerus and proximal radius before sharply incised to simulate long head of biceps tendon (LHBT) tear. Repair of the LHBT tear was performed on all specimens using either DSLA or IS technique. Cyclical loading of 500 cycles followed by load to failure was performed on all specimens. Tendon displacement due to the cyclical loading at every 100 cycles as well as the maximum load at failure were recorded and analysed. Stiffness was also calculated from the load displacement graph during load to failure testing.

No statistically significant difference in tendon displacement was observed from 200 to 500 cycles. Statistically significant higher stiffness was observed in IS when compared with DSLA (P = .005). Similarly, IS demonstrated significantly higher ultimate failure load as compared with DSLA (P = .001). Modes of failure observed for DSLA was mostly due to suture failure (7/8) and anchor pull-out (1/8) while IS resulted in mostly LHBT (4/6) or biceps (2/6) tears. DSLA failure load were compared with previous studies and similar results were noted.

After cyclical loading, tendon displacement in DLSA technique was not significantly different from IS technique. Despite the higher failure loads associated with IS techniques in the present study, absolute peak load characteristics of DLSA were similar to previous studies. Hence, DLSA technique can be considered as a suitable alternative to IS fixation for biceps tenodesis.