Biomechanical comparison between the modified rolling-hitch and the modified finger-trap suture techniques

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Biomechanical engineering
• Tendon repair

Background:

• Suture techniques are crucial for successful ligament reconstruction.
• Grasping techniques impact the biomechanical integrity of tendon repairs.
• Comparing modified rolling-hitch (MRH) and modified finger-trap (MFT) techniques is essential for optimizing surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize and compare the biomechanical effects of the MRH and MFT suture techniques.
• To evaluate the performance of these techniques in a porcine tendon model.

Main Methods:

• Flexor profundus tendons from pig hind legs were used.
• Tendons were subjected to cyclic tensioning and load-to-failure tests using a universal testing machine.
• Two groups were established: one using MRH and the other using MFT suture techniques.

Main Results:

• Suture material rupture at the knot was the primary failure mode.
• Significant differences were observed in elongation and stiffness between the MRH and MFT groups during cyclic loading.
• No significant difference in ultimate load-to-failure was found between the two techniques.

Conclusions:

• Both MRH and MFT suture techniques are biomechanically effective for tendon reconstruction in a porcine model.
• The MRH technique exhibited superior biomechanical properties compared to the MFT technique, particularly in terms of stiffness and elongation under cyclic loading.