Novel ultrasound assisted suture anchor system using the BoneWelding® technology yields a comparable primary stability in osteopenic and healthy human humeri as a benchmark anchor

• Published in: Acta orthopaedica et traumatologica turcica Vol. 52; no. 2; pp. 127 - 133
• Main Authors: Güleçyüz, Mehmet F., Schröder, Christian, Pietschmann, Matthias F., Göbel, Stephanie, Lehmann, Mario, Mayer, Jörg, Ficklscherer, Andreas, Jansson, Volkmar, Müller, Peter E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Turkey Elsevier B.V 01.03.2018; Turkish Association of Orthopaedics and Traumatology; AVES
• Subjects: Biomechanics; Bone density; Bone welding; Osteoporosis; Research Paper; Rotator cuff; Suture anchor; Ultrasound; Biomechanics; Osteoporosis; Suture anchor; Bone welding; Bone density; Ultrasound; Rotator cuff
• ISSN: 1017-995X; 2589-1294
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aott.2017.11.009

The aim of this biomechanical study was to evaluate the primary stability of the SportWelding® Sombrero 3.6 mm suture anchor system in osteopenic and healthy cadaveric humeri. The Sombrero® and BioCorkscrew® anchors were deployed in 8 osteopenic and 4 healthy cadaver humeri after the bone mineral density (BMD) measurements of the 32 specimens. Both anchors were loaded with a USP Nr. 2 FiberWire® suture. An established cyclic testing protocol was performed. The maximum failure load (Fmax), the system displacement and the modes of failure were recorded. The Fmax and system displacement of the Sombrero® in osteopenic and healthy humeri was equivalent to the Bio-Corkscrew® benchmark anchor; there were no significant differences in the maximum failure loads and system displacement values. Only anchor and suture dislocations were observed; suture ruptures did not occur. This study shows that the Sombrero® yields similar maximum failure loads and system displacement values as the established Bio-Corkscrew® benchmark anchor. The primary stability of the Sombrero® and Bio-Corkscrew® seems to be independent of the bone mineral quality. This relatively small-sized polymer anchor is independent of the BMD and may be an alternative to established suture anchors in rotator cuff repair.