BIOMECHANICAL ASSESSMENT OF A NOVEL POSTERIOR SOFT-TISSUE REPAIR TECHNIQUE IN PRIMARY TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY

Background Instability is one of the most common complications after total hip arthroplasty (THA), particularly when using the posterior approach. Repair of the posterior capsule has proven to significantly decrease the incidence of posterior hip dislocation. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate if braided polyblend suture provides a stronger repair of the posterior soft tissues when compared to a non-absorbable suture repair after a posterior approach to the hip. Methods Ten cadaveric hips from donors who were a mean (and standard deviation) of 80 ± 9 years old at the time of death were evaluated after posterior soft tissue repair utilizing two different techniques. Five specimens were repaired using no. 2 non-absorbable sutures while five specimens had a repair utilizing braided polyblend suture with a rucking hitch knot technique. Cadaveric specimens were matched based upon age, sex, and laterality. Biomechanical tensile testing using the Instron E10000 Mechanical Testing System and the mech...