Anchor design and bone mineral density affect the pull-out strength of suture anchors in rotator cuff repair: which anchors are best to use in patients with low bone quality?

BACKGROUND

Different metal and biodegradable suture anchors are available for rotator cuff repair. Poor bone quality may result in anchor loosening and tendon rerupture.

HYPOTHESES: Higher bone mineral density is associated with higher pull-out strength of suture anchors. Depending on anchor placement, pull-out strengths of anchors are different within the greater tuberosity.

STUDY

DESIGN

Cadaveric biomechanical study.

METHODS

Trabecular and cortical bone mineral densities were determined for different regions within the greater tuberosity. Metal screw-type and biodegradable hook-type anchors were cyclically loaded.

RESULTS

Mean failure load of metal and biodegradable anchors was 273 N and 162 N, respectively, for the proximal part (P < .01) and 184 N and 112 N, respectively, for the distal part (P < .01). Both types of anchors showed higher failure loads in the proximal-anterior and -middle parts of the greater tuberosity than in the distal part (P < .01). A significant positive correlation was found between cortical bone mineral density and failure load of metal anchors (P < .01).

CONCLUSION

Bone quality, anchor type, and anchor placement have a significant impact on anchor failure loads.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Suture anchors should be placed in the proximal-anterior and -middle parts of the greater tuberosity. In the distal parts, biodegradable hook-like anchors should be used with caution.