Soft tissue reconstruction in the shoulder. Comparison of suture anchors, absorbable staples, and absorbable tacks

We evaluated three mechanical soft tissue fixation devices (SuperAnchor, Suretac, and the Instrument Makar [IM] Bioabsorbable Staple) in a cadaveric model by examining ultimate tensile failure and modes of failure in simulated Bankart repairs. We attempted to realistically evaluate the strengths of soft tissue reattachment procedures at the anterior glenoid under worst-case conditions--load to failure. Twenty fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were used in this investigation. Each of the three techniques was performed in each anterior glenoid rim at one of three locations: superior, middle, or inferior. The subscapularis muscle-tendon was harvested, used in the repair, and loaded to failure. The mean load at failure for the SuperAnchor was 217.32 N; for the IM Staple, 132.32 N; and for the Suretac, 122.37 N. A two-sample t-test demonstrated that the load at failure for the SuperAnchor was statistically greater (P < 0.001) when compared with the IM Staple and Suretac. There was no statistical difference between load at failure for the Suretac and the IM Staple. The most common failure mode for the Mitek was suture breakage (71%). Anchor pullout from bone was the most common failure mode for the IM Staple (75%) and Suretac (94%).