The histologic and biomechanical response of two commercially available small glenoid anchors for use in labral repairs

• Published in: Journal of shoulder and elbow surgery Vol. 23; no. 8; pp. 1156 - 1161
• Main Authors: Pfeiffer, Ferris M., Smith, Matthew J., Cook, James L., Kuroki, Keiichi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Mosby, Inc 01.08.2014
• Subjects: Animals; Biomechanical Phenomena; Cadaver; Dogs; Fibrocartilage - pathology; Fibrocartilage - physiopathology; Fibrocartilage - surgery; glenoid; histologic response; Humans; Joint Instability - pathology; Joint Instability - physiopathology; Joint Instability - surgery; labrum; Models, Animal; Orthopedics; pullout; Rotator cuff; Scapula - pathology; Scapula - physiopathology; Scapula - surgery; Shoulder Joint - pathology; Shoulder Joint - physiopathology; Shoulder Joint - surgery; suture anchor; Suture Anchors; Tensile Strength; Wound Healing; suture anchor; Basic Science Study; Biomechanics/Histology; histologic response; glenoid; pullout; labrum; Rotator cuff
• ISSN: 1058-2746; 1532-6500; 1532-6500
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2013.12.036

This study examined histologic characteristics and biomechanical performance of 2 commercially available, small glenoid anchors. Adult research dogs (n = 6) were used for histologic analysis. Anchors were inserted into the lateral rim of the glenoid using the manufacturer's protocol. The dogs were humanely euthanatized 8 weeks after anchor implantation, and the glenoids were collected for histologic analysis. Bone socket width data were compared for statistically significant (P < .05) differences. In addition, 4 matched pairs (n = 8) of human cadaveric glenoids were instrumented with 1 BioComposite SutureTak (Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA) and 1 JuggerKnot (Biomet, Warsaw, IN, USA) suture anchor in the anterior-inferior quadrant. Anchor constructs were preloaded to 5 N, cycled from 5 to 25 N for 100 cycles, and then pulled to failure. All JuggerKnot anchor sites were cyst-like cavities with a rim of dense lamellar bone. All BioComposite SutureTak anchor sites contained intact anchors with close approximation of anastomosing trabeculae of lamellar bone. At 8 weeks after implantation, mean socket width of the JuggerKnot anchor sites was 6.3 ± 2.5 mm, which was significantly (P = .013) larger than the mean socket width of 2.7 ± 0.7 mm measured for the BioComposite SutureTak anchor sites. The JuggerKnot anchor demonstrated larger displacements during subfailure cyclic loading (2.9 ± 1.0 mm compared with 1.3 ± 0.4 mm) and load to failure tests (13.7 ± 6.6 mm compared with 3.2 ± 0.5 mm). Statistical differences (P < .01) existed in every category except ultimate load. Based on the biomechanical in human bone and histologic findings in canine subjects, the all-suture anchor may be at risk for clinical failure.