Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026
06:36
A Novel Tenorrhaphy Suture Technique with Tissue Engineered Collagen Graft to Repair Large Tendon Defects
Published on: December 10, 2021
2.8K
Functional Improvements by Controlled Suture Tension in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital, Shiga University of Medical Science, Shiga, Japan.
JB & JS Open Access
|January 24, 2025
Summary
Fixed, low tension in suture-bridge rotator cuff repair improved early clinical outcomes and tendon healing rates. However, long-term clinical results were similar between low and high tension groups, with low tension showing a lower retear rate.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Biomedical engineering
- Sports medicine
Background:
- Suture-bridge rotator cuff repair requires adequate tension for healing.
- Excessive suture tension may negatively impact tendon healing.
- Optimal tension for bridging sutures in rotator cuff repair is not well-defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of bridging suture tension on clinical outcomes and tendon healing after arthroscopic suture-bridge rotator cuff repair.
- To compare fixed, low tension (20 N) versus maximum manual tensioning (mean 36.1 N) of bridging sutures.
- To hypothesize that lower, fixed tension would enhance tendon healing and clinical results.
Main Methods:
- 39 patients underwent arthroscopic suture-bridge repair with 20 N fixed tension (Group A).
- 37 patients underwent repair with maximum manual tensioning (Group B).
- Clinical outcomes (VAS, Constant score, range of motion) and MRI-assessed healing were compared at multiple postoperative intervals.
Main Results:
- Both groups showed improvement at 6 months, with Group A having significantly better Constant score, VAS pain, and anterior elevation.
- At 2 years, no significant clinical differences were observed between groups.
- Group A exhibited a significantly lower retear rate (7.7%) compared to Group B (24.3%).
Conclusions:
- Fixed, low-tension double-row suture-bridge repairs yield superior short-term clinical outcomes and better tendon healing rates.
- While early benefits are evident, clinical outcomes converge by 2 years post-surgery.
- Lower suture tension is associated with a reduced risk of retear in rotator cuff repair.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Ankle Joint
The ankle is formed by the talocrural joint (crural = leg). It consists of the articulations between the talus bone of the foot and the distal ends of the tibia and fibula of the leg. The superior aspect of the talus bone is square-shaped and has three areas of articulation. The top of the talus articulates with the inferior tibia. This is the portion of the ankle joint that carries the body weight between the leg and foot. The sides of the talus are firmly held in position by the articulations...
01:07Development of the Limb Synovial Joints
Joints form during embryonic development in conjunction with the formation and growth of the associated bones. The embryonic tissue that gives rise to all bones, cartilage, and connective tissues of the body is called mesenchyme.
The mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into chondrocytes that form the hyaline cartilage, and later the cartilaginous model of the bone. This model further transforms into a bone. This process is known as endochondral ossification.
During development, the limbs...
The mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into chondrocytes that form the hyaline cartilage, and later the cartilaginous model of the bone. This model further transforms into a bone. This process is known as endochondral ossification.
During development, the limbs...