Biomechanical Evaluation of Classic Solid and All-Soft Suture Anchors for Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction:

Background:Multiple techniques for patellar fixation with classic solid suture anchors (SAs) in medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction have been described. Fixation of the graft to the patella with all-soft suture anchors (ASAs) has not been studied.Purpose/Hypothesis:To evaluate the biomechanical performance of 2 different MPFL patellar fixation techniques: ASA fixation and SA fixation. We hypothesized that the ASA group would show no statistical difference in the ultimate failure load and stiffness compared with the SA group.Study Design:Controlled laboratory study.Methods:Reconstruction of the MPFL with gracilis autografts was performed in 16 fresh-frozen cadaveric knees (mean age, 52.6 ± 9.0 years). The specimens were randomly assigned to 2 groups of 8 specimens each based on the method used to fix the graft to the medial patella: ASA or SA fixation. Patellar fixation with ASAs was completed with 2 parallel 1.8-mm anchors (Q-Fix, Smith & Nephew). Fixation with SAs was completed with 2 pa...