title: Tendon transfer fixation: comparing a tendon to tendon technique vs. bioabsorbable interference-fit screw fixation.
abstract: Tendon transfer techniques in the foot and ankle are used for tendon ruptures, deformities, and instabilities. This fresh cadaver study compares the tendon fixation strength in 10 paired specimens by performing a tendon to tendon fixation technique or using 7 x 20-25 mm bioabsorbable interference-fit screw tendon fixation technique. Load at failure of the tendon to tendon fixation method averaged 279N (Standard Deviation 81N) and the bioabsorbable screw 148N (Standard Deviation 72N) [p = 0.0008]. Bioabsorbable interference-fit screws in these specimens show decreased fixation strength relative to the traditional fixation technique. However, the mean bioabsorbable screw fixation strength of 148N provides physiologic strength at the tendon-bone interface.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA. psabonghy@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Eric Peter
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Sabonghy
authors.forename: Robert Michael
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Wood
authors.forename: Catherine Glauber
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Ambrose
authors.forename: William Christopher
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: McGarvey
authors.forename: Thomas Oscar
authors.initials: TO
authors.lastname: Clanton
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000842:Ankle; D001863:Bone Screws; D002102:Cadaver; D005528:Foot; D006801:Humans; D013709:Tendon Transfer / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D013710:Tendons / Q000601:surgery*; D017211:Treatment Failure; D016474:Weight-Bearing