Knotless suture anchor: arthroscopic bankart repair without tying knots

Arthroscopic Bankart repair done using suture anchors most closely mimics open repair techniques. The challenge with the arthroscopic technique is tying consistent, good quality arthroscopic knots. A unique knotless suture anchor and method of use for arthroscopic Bankart repair is described. The Knotless Suture Anchor has a short loop of suture secured to the tail end of the anchor. A channel is located at the tip of the anchor that functions to capture the loop of suture after it has been passed through the ligament. The ligament is tensioned as the anchor is inserted into bone to the appropriate depth. Mechanical testing showed increased suture strength in the Knotless Suture Anchor compared with standard suture anchors. This is attributable to the doubled suture configuration that is created with the Knotless Suture Anchor loop. To the author's knowledge, the current study describes the first knotless suture anchor. A secure, low-profile repair can be created without arthroscopic knot tying.