Biomechanical testing of trans-humeral all-suture anchors for rotator cuff repair:

BackgroundRotator cuff tears are one of the most common causes of shoulder pain. All-suture anchors are increasingly being used in the arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tears. The purpose of this experimental study is to evaluate the biomechanical properties of all-suture anchors at different insertion sites in the proximal humerus relevant to rotator cuff repairs and the remplissage procedure.MethodsSixteen cadaveric shoulders were used for the study. Four all-suture anchors were inserted in each proximal humerus at common anchor insertion sites on the rotator cuff footprint and a simulated Hill–Sachs defect. Cyclic loading and load-to-failure tests were undertaken. The number of cycles, load to failure and nature of failure were recorded.ResultsThe all-suture anchors placed in the cuff footprint using a transosseous technique displayed superior biomechanical properties. Sutures sited in this way demonstrated a maximum tensile load to failure of 542 N as well as a highest mean load to failure and the m...