Comparison between single-row and double-row rotator cuff repair: a biomechanical study.
The aim of this study was to compare the mechanical behavior under cyclic loading test of single-row and double-row rotator cuff repair with suture anchors in an ex-vivo animal model. For the present study, 50 fresh porcine shoulders were used. On each shoulder, a crescent-shaped full-thickness tear of the infraspinatus was performed. Width of the tendon tear was 2 cm. The lesion was repaired using metal suture anchors. Shoulders were divided in four groups, according the type of repair: single-row tension-free repair (Group 1); single-row tension repair (Group 2); double-row tension-free repair (Group 3); double-row tension repair (Group 4); and a control group. Specimens were subjected to a cyclic loading test. Number of cycles at 5 mm of elongation and at failure, and total elongation were calculated. Single-row tension repair showed significantly poorest results for all the variables considered, when compared with the other groups. Regarding the mean number of cycles at 5 mm of elongation and at failure, there was a nonsignificant difference between Groups 3 and 4, and both of them were significantly greater than Group 1. For mean total elongation, the difference between Groups 1, 3, and 4 was not significant, but all of them were significantly lower than the control group. A single-row repair is particularly weak when performed under tension. Double-row repair is significantly more resistant to cyclic displacement than single-row repair in both tension-free and tension repair. Double-row repair technique can be primarily considered for large, unstable rotator cuff tears to improve mechanical strength of primary fixation of tendons to bone.
Milano
Giuseppe
G
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Catholic University, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy. giuseppe.milano@rm.unicatt.it
Grasso
Andrea
A
Zarelli
Donatella
D
Deriu
Laura
L
Cillo
Mario
M
Fabbriciani
Carlo
C
D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D000070636:Rotator Cuff Injuries; D012421:Rupture; D053441:Suture Anchors; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation; D013552:Swine; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D013710:Tendons / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*