Acellular dermal matrix augmentation significantly increases ultimate load to failure of pectoralis major tendon repair: a biomechanical study.

BACKGROUND

Biomechanical studies have demonstrated that standard pectoralis major tendon (PMT) repairs have inferior strength compared with native tendon.

HYPOTHESIS: Augmentation of PMT repair with an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) will increase the ultimate load to failure.

METHODS

Eighteen cadaveric specimens were allocated to 3 repair groups: standard repair (SR); augmented repair (AR) with ADM; and intact, native tendon (NT). Specimens were tested for cyclic elongation, linear stiffness, load to 5 mm displacement, maximum load to failure, and method of failure.

RESULTS

Maximum load to failure in AR (1450 ± 295 N) was significantly higher than SR (921 ± 159 N; P = .0042) and equivalent to NT (1289 ± 240 N; P = .49). NT required the highest load to displace 5 mm (709 ± 202 N), which was higher than AR (346 ± 95 N; P < .001) and SR (375 ± 55; P = .0015). NT stiffness (125 ± 42 N/mm) was greater than the AR (69 ± 19 N/mm; P = .0073) or SR (75 ± 11 N/mm; P = .015). The mode of failure for SR was suture pullout from the PMT as opposed to button pullout from the humerus (fracture) for AR.

CONCLUSION

ADM augmentation of PMT repair significantly increases ultimate load to failure.