BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | 2019
Metallic versus biodegradable suture anchors for rotator cuff repair: a case control study
Abstract
BackgroundsRepair of full-thickness rotator cuff (RC) tears is routinely performed using suture anchors, which produce secure and effective soft tissue fixation to bone. The aim of this prospective study is to compare the long-term outcomes of single row arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR) performed using metal or biodegradable suture anchors. The null hypothesis is that there is no difference in shoulder function using metal or biodegradable suture anchors as evaluated by UCLA shoulder score, Wolfgang criteria, and Oxford shoulder score.MethodsArthroscopic RCR was performed in 110 patients included in this case control study. They were divided into 2 groups of 51 and 59 patients respectively. Metal suture anchors were used in group 1, and biodegradable suture anchors in group 2. Results were obtained at a mean follow up of 4.05\xa0+\xa02\u2009years. Clinical outcomes and functional outcomes were evaluated.ResultsThe mean modified UCLA shoulder score was 26.9\xa0+\xa07.1 in group 1, and 27.7\xa0+\xa06.5 in group 2 (P\u2009=\u20090.5); the mean Wolfgang score was 13.3\xa0+\xa03.3 in group 1, and 14\xa0+\xa02.6 in group 2 (P\u2009=\u20090.3); the mean OSS was 23.7\xa0+\xa011.4 in group 1, and 20.7\xa0+\xa09.2 points in group 2 (P\u2009=\u20090.1). The mean active anterior elevation was 163.5°\xa0+\xa028.2° in group 1 and 163.6°\xa0+\xa026.9 in group 2 (P\u2009=\u20090.9); the mean active external rotation was 46°\xa0+\xa019.7° in group 1 and 44.6°\xa0+\xa016.3° in group 2 (P\u2009=\u20090.7). The mean strength in anterior elevation was 4.8.02\xa0+\xa023.52\u2009N in group 1, and 43.12\xa0+\xa017.64\u2009N in group 2 (P\u2009=\u20090.2); the mean strength in external rotation was 48.02\u2009+\u200922.54\u2009N in group 1 and 46.06\xa0+\xa017.64\u2009N in group 2 (P\u2009=\u20090.6); the mean strength in internal rotation was 67.62\xa0+\xa029.4\u2009N in group 1, and 68.6\xa0+\xa025.48\u2009N in group 2 (P\u2009=\u20090.9).ConclusionsThere are no statistically significant differences at a mean follow-up of 4.05\xa0+\xa02\u2009years in clinical and functional outcomes of single row arthroscopic RCR using metallic or biodegradable suture anchors for RC <\u20095\u2009cm.