[Osteosuturing with the Mitek anchor system--experiences from the first 17 operations]

In September 1990, the Mitek Anchor System was introduced commercially in Denmark. Since the introduction of the system in our department in October 1991 and until June 1992, we have collected data consecutively from all operations, in which the anchors have been used. The registration has included pre-operative history, type of operation and findings per- and post-operatively. In the above mentioned period, Mitek anchors have been used in seventeen operations: Twelve Bankart-repairs, three fractures of the major tubercle of the humerus, one reattachment of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb and one reattachment of the medial collateral ligament of the knee. None of the patients operated for Bankart lesions have had redislocations, and none of the anchors were displaced on X-rays. The three fractures of the major tubercle of the humerus have all remained without dislocation after fixation. No side-instability was found in the operated thumb, and the operated knee was making progress in training. By presenting the patient-data and the temporary post-operative results we conclude, that the anchors seem highly usable not only in Bankart-operations. Follow-up will be continued.