The effect of recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor BB-coated sutures on rotator cuff healing in a sheep model.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine whether suture could be coated with recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor BB (rhPDGF-BB) and whether the coated suture would improve histologic scores and biomechanical strength of sheep rotator cuff repairs.


METHODS
FiberWire sutures (Arthrex, Naples, FL) were dip coated in a collagen-rhPDGF-BB solution. Coating was confirmed by use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Rotator cuff tears were created in 18 sheep. The tendons were wrapped in Gortex (Gore Medical, Flagstaff, AZ) and allowed to scar for 2 weeks. Tendons were then repaired to bone by use of standard anchors loaded with either rhPDGF-BB-coated sutures or uncoated sutures. Gross examination, histologic analysis, and biomechanical testing were performed 6 weeks after repair.


RESULTS
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay confirmed successful loading of the growth factor onto the sutures. Gross examination showed well-healed tendon-to-bone interfaces in both rhPDGF-BB-augmented repairs and controls. Histologic analysis using a semiquantitative rating scale showed improved tendon-to-bone healing in the rhPDGF-BB-augmented repairs. There was no significant difference in the ultimate load to failure of rhPDGF-BB-augmented rotator cuff repairs compared with standard suture repairs at 6 weeks after repair.


CONCLUSIONS
We were able to coat No. 2 FiberWire with rhPDGF-BB. At short-term follow-up, rhPDGF-BB-coated sutures enhanced histologic scores of sheep rotator cuff repairs; however, ultimate load to failure was equivalent to standard suture repairs.


CONCLUSIONS
rhPDGF-BB-coated sutures seem to produce a more histologically normal tendon insertion.
Uggen
Christopher
C
Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A. cuggen@hotmail.com
Dines
Joshua
J
McGarry
Michelle
M
Grande
Daniel
D
Lee
Thay
T
Limpisvasti
Orr
O
D043925:Angiogenesis Inducing Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D000077214:Becaplermin; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / Q000494:pharmacology*; D020574:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-sis; D011897:Random Allocation; D012016:Reference Values; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012756:Sheep; D034561:Sheep, Domestic; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013537:Sutures; D013718:Tensile Strength
D043925:Angiogenesis Inducing Agents; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor; D020574:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-sis; D000077214:Becaplermin