Fixation strength of rotator cuff repairs with suture anchors and the transosseous suture technique

The strength of classic transosseous suture repair of rotator cuff tendons was compared with similar repairs with four "third-generation" suture anchors. Results demonstrate the repair construct selected had a significant influence on failure at ultimate load (p = 0.005). Among the anchors tested the Statak design was significantly stronger than the other three. Furthermore Statak, Harpoon, and Superanchor designs were all significantly stronger than the Revo screw. No significant difference was seen between the strength of repairs performed with the Statak, the Harpoon, or the Superanchor compared with the transosseous suture technique. The transosseous suture technique was significantly stronger than repairs performed with the Revo. We conclude suture anchor design has evolved to a point where initial fixation of torn rotator cuff tendons is equivalent to more traditional techniques using only sutures.