Biomechanical Comparison of the Modified ML (Mattress Locking) Suture and the Modified MA (Mason-Allen) Suture in Rotator Cuff Repairs / 대한정형외과학회잡지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: In arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs, there is generally a weak link in the tendon suture interface, and arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs can have higher retear rates than open repairs. The purpose of this study was to compare the strength of modified ML (Mattress Locking) suture vs. the modified MA (Mason-Allen) suture when the suture is anchored into bone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Paired human supraspinatus tendons were harvested and split in half, producing four tendons per one cadaver, for a total of 24 specimens. Two suture configurations (ML, MA) were randomized and checked for each set of tendons. Specimens were cyclically loaded under force control between 5 and 30 N at 0.25 Hz for fifty cycles. Each specimen was loaded to failure under displacement control at 1 mm/sec. Cyclic elongation, peak to peak displacement, stiffness, ultimate tensile load, and mode of failure were checked. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the two suture configuration with respect to peak to peak displacement, cyclic elongation, and stiffness. With regard to ultimate failure load, there were no statistically significant differences between the modified ML suture and the modified MA suture (223.18N, 220.82N). The most common mode of failure between both sutures was suture pullout. CONCLUSION: The modified ML suture and the modified MA suture have similar biomechanical properties. The modified ML suture may be a simple and clever method and similar biomechanical alternative to the modified Mason-Allen suture in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.