Cutting or round-bodied needles for tendon repair

We carried out a biomechanical study comparing tensile strength after using round-bodied or cutting needles for tendon repair. Swine tendons were repaired in three groups: Group 1 core suture repair only; group 2 core and circumferential suture repair; and group 3 isolated circumferential suture repair. The tendons were tested at longitudinal stress to failure at 5mm/minute. No significant differences were found between the round-bodied and cutting needles in any group. Equal numbers in the core suture repair group failed by suture pullout when comparing cutting and round-bodied needles. We conclude that the choice of needle has no effect on the outcome of tendon repair if there is consistency of surgeon's skill and experience.