Biomechanical comparison of a single-row versus double-row suture anchor technique for rotator cuff repair

Abstract

Background:Reestablishment of the native footprint during rotator cuff repair has been suggested as an important criterion for optimizing healing potential and fixation strength. Hypothesis:A double-row rotator cuff footprint repair will demonstrate superior biomechanical properties compared with a single-row repair. Study Design:Controlled laboratory study. Methods:In 9 matched pairs of fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders, the supraspinatus tendon from 1 shoulder was repaired with a double-row suture anchor technique: 2 medial anchors with horizontal mattress sutures and 2 lateral anchors with simple sutures. The tendon from the contralateral shoulder was repaired using a single lateral row of 2 anchors with simple sutures. Each specimen underwent cyclic loading from 10 to 180 N for 200 cycles, followed by tensile testing to failure. Gap formation and strain over the footprint area were measured using a video digitizing system; stiffness and failure load were determined from testing machine data. Results:Gap formation for the double-row repair was significantly smaller (P