A biomechanical comparison of a tendon repair device and 4 stranded, cruciate repair sutures for flexor tendon ruptured.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the biomechanical properties of the single strand monofilament Nylon 2-0 Khon Kaen tendon repair device for flexor tendon repair and standard 4-stranded cruciate repair sutures.


METHODS
80 flexor digitorum longus tendons from fresh cadavers, were cut and sutured by Khon Kaen tendon repair device (core nylon) or 4-stranded, cruciate repair (3-0 monofilament nylon) and both groups were divided into two groups; the first group combined with 5-0 monofilament nylon circumferential epitendinous suture and the second group without epitendinous suture. The sutured tendons were tested by using biomechanical testing machine (LLOYD instruments, LR30K), in rate 5 mm/s. Force, stiffness and energy absorbed at peak force (calculated from the force-displacement curves) and mode of failure were compared


RESULTS
The Khon Kaen tendon repair device (core nylon) without epitendinous sutured group has 2 mm gap force, peak force and stiffness significantly lower than standard 4-stranded, cruciate repair; but with no statistical difference in the epitendinous sutured group; 90% of Khon Kaen tendon repair device failed by suture breakage and 10% failed by ankle pullout.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the strength of Khon Kaen tendon repair device (core nylon) alone is lower than the strength of 4-stranded, cruciate repair, and 90% mode of failure was core suture breakage, the authors recommended to change core suture from nylon to a stiffer material and re-inforced with epitendinous suture.
Tantadprasert
Surachet
S
Department of Orthopedic, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakarind hospital, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
Jeeravipoolvarn
Polasak
P
Kosuwon
Weerachai
W
Chaiyasivamongkon
Kowit
K
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002102:Cadaver; D004867:Equipment Design; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D009757:Nylons; D012421:Rupture / Q000601:surgery; D013537:Sutures; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D013710:Tendons / Q000601:surgery
D009757:Nylons