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Soft Anchors for Rotator Cuff Repair: A Review
Theresa Pak1, Mariano E Menendez, Simon Hwang
1Oregon Shoulder Institute, Medford, Oregon.
JBJS Reviews
|February 10, 2023
Summary
All-suture ("soft") anchors are gaining popularity for rotator cuff repair due to their advantages. Studies show they offer comparable performance to traditional anchors, with vertical insertion angles recommended.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Sports medicine
- Biomedical engineering
Background:
- All-suture anchors, or "soft" anchors, are increasingly used in rotator cuff repair.
- They offer benefits like smaller size, less footprint occupation, better fixation, and easier revision compared to traditional anchors.
Approach:
- Review of biomechanical and clinical data regarding soft anchor performance.
- Comparison of soft anchors with hard body anchors in rotator cuff repair.
- Analysis of factors influencing soft anchor success, including insertion angle.
Key Points:
- Soft anchors demonstrate equivalent biomechanical and clinical outcomes to hard body anchors in limited series.
- Perianchor cyst formation is a potential complication associated with both anchor types.
- Biomechanical and clinical evidence supports the use of vertical insertion angles for soft anchors.
Conclusions:
- Soft anchors represent a viable and effective option for rotator cuff repair.
- Optimal insertion technique, specifically vertical angles, may enhance soft anchor performance.
- Further research may elucidate long-term outcomes and optimal use cases for soft anchors.
