Clinical Trial with New Double Row Fixation using Suture Reel Technique for Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

Abstract

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair was carried out with suture anchors. The double row fixation has been popular instead of the single row fixation. We developed a new double row fixation using suture reel technique. In this study, we introduce the technique and the characteristics. Firstly, an anchor was inserted in the proximal side of the greater tuberosity and mattress sutures were performed. Then, two anchors were inserted in the distal side of the greater tuberosity. Single suture was passed through the cuff. After making the suture and one end of the fastened suture in the mattress suture together as post strand, we tied a sliding knot (suture reel technique). In vitro study using a bone model, the pressure and area of contact were compared among a single row fixation, dual row fixation and our new dual row fixation. We clinically performed this procedure on 6 shoulders in 6 patients with medium rotator cuff tear seen from January 2007 to March 2007 in our hospitals. There were 4 men and 2 women, the mean age 63 years old (range, 54-73 years old). We evaluated the troubles during the surgery and the short term clinical results.
(Results) In vitro study, the size of the contact area in our new fixation was significantly larger than the other single and double row fixations. There were no significant differences of pressure on the contact area among them. In all 6 cases there was no trouble during the surgery. Our new double row fixation using the suture reel technique is considered to be one of the useful methods for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.