The Tendon-to-Bone Seam: A Transtendinous Approach to Rotator Cuff Repair

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Rotator cuff tears are common injuries requiring surgical repair.
• Arthroscopic techniques aim to minimize invasiveness and improve outcomes.
• Current knotless repair methods present challenges in suture management and footprint coverage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel knotless, transtendinous arthroscopic rotator cuff repair technique.
• To introduce the tendon-to-bone seam technique for enhanced fixation and footprint coverage.
• To demonstrate the simplification of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair procedures.

Main Methods:

• The tendon-to-bone seam technique utilizes a single-use device with preloaded PEEK anchors and a continuous polyethylene suture.
• Independent fixation points are created along the rotator cuff footprint.
• Surgeon arm positioning facilitates access to the entire footprint through a standard anterolateral arthroscopic portal.

Main Results:

• The technique allows for continuous "seam" fixation without knot tying.
• Medial and lateral row configurations are achievable with simplified suture management.
• Enhanced rotator cuff footprint coverage is a key feature of the technique.

Conclusions:

• The tendon-to-bone seam technique offers a simplified, knotless approach to arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.
• This method enhances footprint coverage and potentially reduces stress on the rotator cuff tendon.
• The technique aims to improve surgical efficiency and patient outcomes in rotator cuff repair.