The three-loop pulley suture versus two locking-loop sutures for the repair of canine achilles tendons.
OBJECTIVE
To compare a 3-loop pulley suture pattern with 2 locking-loop sutures for the repair of components of the canine Achilles mechanism.


METHODS
In vitro biomechanical study.


METHODS
Forty-eight paired tendons collected from 9 canine cadavers.


METHODS
Paired tendons were repaired with either a 3-loop pulley suture or 2 locking-loop sutures and tensile tested to failure. To ensure accurate anastomosis gap measurement a direct, non-contact, method of gap measurement, using digital video, was devised. Load initiating gap formation (defined as load at a 1 mm gap) and load producing a 3 mm gap were evaluated in addition to maximum load, gap at failure, mode of failure, and time spent placing the sutures.


RESULTS
Maximum load values were similar for both repairs. The mean 1 mm gap loads were 44.0 and 18.4 N, and the mean 3 mm gap loads were 56.3 and 34.7 N, for the 3-loop pulley pattern and the 2 locking-loops, respectively; these differences were statistically significant. The 3-loop pulley pattern was faster to place and resulted in a smaller gap at failure. All but 2 repairs failed by suture pull out.


CONCLUSIONS
The 3-loop pulley pattern is more resistant to gap formation during tensile loading, and is quicker to place, than 2 locking-loop sutures.


CONCLUSIONS
Gap formation can significantly delay tendon healing. Tendon repairs with a gap >3 mm are reported to be at increased risk of rupture during the first 6 weeks postoperatively.
Moores
Andy P
AP
Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol, UK. andy.moores@bristol.ac.uk
Owen
Martin R
MR
Tarlton
John F
JF
D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004285:Dogs / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000662:veterinary*; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*