Editorial Commentary: Acellular Collagen Matrix Patch Augmentation of Large Rotator Cuff Tear Repair Results in Improved Healing.

Despite a high retear rate, repair of large rotator cuff tendon tear repairs shows good clinical outcomes. Unfortunately, these results often deteriorate with time, and large tears, not to mention progressively symptomatic retears, especially in compromised rotator cuff tissue, remain a problem. The solution could include augmenting repair with a patch such as an acellular collagen matrix. Proper patient selection is needed to achieve a benefit justifying the added expense and operative time associated with adding a patch. Biomechanically, such patches are strong and increase suture retention, as well as repair construct strength and stiffness. Patches provide a significant healing effect. Recent research and meta-analysis support the use of patches on rotator cuff tendon tears 3 cm or larger, whereas smaller tears (1-2 cm in length) appear to heal without the need for a patch.

Editorial Commentary: Dasatinib With Quercetin Shows Promise in Decreasing Age-Related Senescence in the Rotator Cuff Tendon-Can It Work Elsewhere?

Cellular senescence is a fundamental mechanism seen in all age-related diseases. Human supraspinatus tendon and adjacent bursal specimens evaluated for cellular senescence by immunohistochemistry and gene expression show more senescent cells in older patients. This confirms the observation that older patients are more likely to have rotator cuff pathology, and older age is associated with lower rates of rotator cuff healing and more frequent tendon retears. Senolytic drugs can selectively eliminate senescent cells without a localized or systemic impact. Tendon and bursal specimens co-cultured and then incubated with dasatinib and quercetin for 48 hours show a significant decrease in senescent cells. This suggests that these drugs may slow biological aging in rotator cuff tendons and offer the possibility of a clinically effective treatment for the aging rotator cuff tendon. Moreover, this concept is promising for the development of future effective therapies addressing tissue senescence.

Editorial Commentary: Quadriceps Tendon Suture Anchor Repair Provides Better Patient-Reported Outcomes Than Transosseous Tunnel Repair: Defining the New Gold Standard.

Quadriceps tendon suture anchor repair provides biomechanically greater and more consistent failure loads than transosseous tunnel repair, including less cyclic displacement (gap formation). Although satisfactory clinical outcomes are found with both repair techniques, few studies provide a side-to-side comparison. However, recent research demonstrates better clinical outcomes in using suture anchors, with equal failure rates. Suture anchor repair is minimally invasive requiring smaller incisions, less patellar dissection, and eliminates patellar tunnel drilling that can breach the anterior cortex, create stress risers, result in osteolysis from nonabsorbable intraosseous sutures and longitudinal patellar fractures. Suture anchor quadriceps tendon repair should now be considered the gold standard.

Editorial Commentary: Suture Type or Technique Has Little Influence on Outcome After Acute Lower-Extremity Tendon Rupture.

Operative repair of Achilles tendon rupture significantly decreases the rerupture rate, regardless of type of surgical suture technique. Likewise, regarding repair of either the quadriceps or patellar tendon, surgical repair technique does not significantly influence the generally excellent outcomes achieved, whereas too-early mobilization should be avoided. In terms of the use of suture versus suture tape, load to failure is similar. Many factors impact tendon rupture repair success, including postoperative care, the quality of the tendon, underlying medical issues, and patient compliance, but suture type or technique has little influence on outcome after acute lower-extremity tendon rupture.

Editorial Commentary: Lateral Extra-Articular Tenodesis Results in Better Stability After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction for Patients With High-Grade Pivot Shifts.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the torn anterior lateral ligament (ALL) is inconsistent and subject to significant intra- and interobserver variability. Like that of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), an ALL tear can vary in degree (first, second, or third) and location (tibial or femoral side). These variations may impact the appropriate surgical intervention. Relevant biomechanical data indicate that the deep iliotibial band fibers are more important than the ALL in controlling pivot shift. Lateral compartment overconstraint after ALL reconstruction does not appear to be a biomechanical or clinical issue. An ALL reconstruction creates a nonisometric construct (tight in extension and lax in flexion), allowing physiologic internal tibial rotation at 90° flexion, whereas lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) is more isometric, limiting physiologic internal tibial rotation at 90° flexion. The indications for a combined ACL/ALL reconstruction are evolving, but a Segond fracture and ligamentous hyperlaxity of ≥5 using the modified Beighton system seem reasonable. An ACL/LET reconstruction results in better stability for patients with high-grade pivot shifts.

Arthroscopic Repair of Medium to Large Rotator Cuff Tears With a Triple-Loaded Medially Based Single-Row Technique Augmented With Marrow Vents.

PURPOSE: The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the repair integrity on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and secondarily, clinical outcomes, of medium to large (2-4 cm) rotator cuff tears treated using an arthroscopic triple-loaded medially based single-row repair technique augmented laterally with bone marrow vents. METHODS: This is a retrospective outcomes study of patients with full-thickness medium to large (2-4 cm) rotator cuff tears repaired by 4 surgeons at a single institution over a 2-year period with a minimum of 24 months' follow-up. A single-row repair with tension-minimizing medially based triple-loaded anchors and laterally placed bone marrow vents was used. Patients completed a satisfaction and pain survey, the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff index questionnaire, and a Short Form-36 version 2 survey to evaluate clinical outcomes. MRI was obtained at a minimum of 24 months follow-up to assess repair integrity. RESULTS: A total of 64 males and 27 females with a mean age of 59.7 (range, 34-82) were included. The mean tear size was 2.6 cm in anteroposterior dimension, treated with a mean of 2.2 anchors. Eighty-three of 91 shoulders (91%) reported being completely satisfied with their result. The median Western Ontario Rotator Cuff score was 95.2% of normal, with a significant difference found between those with an intact repair and those with a full-thickness recurrent defect (median, 95.9% vs. 73.8%; P = .003). Postoperative MRI obtained at a median of 32 months (range, 24-48) demonstrated an intact repair in 84 of 91 shoulders (92%), with failure defined as a full-thickness defect of the tendon. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic repair of medium to large rotator cuff tears using triple-loaded medially based single-row repair augmented with marrow vents resulted in a 92% healing rate by MRI and excellent patient-reported outcomes LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

The Clinical and Biomechanical Performance of All-Suture Anchors: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: This systematic review aimed to clarify the relative strengths and weaknesses of the all-suture anchors (ASAs) in both clinical and experimental studies. Our hypothesis was that there would be similar clinical and experimental data for ASAs regarding the biomechanical properties, clinical outcomes and complication rates. METHODS: A systematic review of MEDLINE and Embase databases was performed. The inclusion criteria for clinical studies were both retrospective or prospective study design and minimum 1-year follow-up; for biomechanical studies, the inclusion criteria were performance on either cadaver and animal bones or synthetic surfaces. Studies were excluded if the studies were not in English or if they were review articles, commentaries, letters, case reports, or technical notes. The risk of bias assessment was done using the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies (MINORS) tool. RESULTS: We included 13 experimental and 3 clinical studies. The least displacement under cyclic loading was recorded with Q-Fix. Failure mode was mostly by suture breaking for the Q-Fix, whereas anchor pullout was the most common for the others. Cadaver humerus' greater tuberosity seemed to be less durable for the ASAs. Tests on cadaver glenoid showed similar biomechanical properties when compared to a control anchor. Studies investigating clinical and radiologic findings were very few, and only 3 case series were included in this review. Clinical findings of patients treated with ASAs for instability and rotator cuff repair showed satisfactory results and little increase in the complication rate (retear or revision surgery because of loose anchor). CONCLUSIONS: ASAs have similar or better biomechanical properties compared to regular anchors. Low-profile design seems to be an important advantage. Case series can not distinguish between the possible clinical benefits and/or risks. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: ASAs have similar biomechanical properties when compared with other types of anchors. Their strength and performance vary with anatomic location, which may influence clinical success.

The Biomechanical Performance of the Latest All-Inside Meniscal Repair Devices.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the biomechanical characteristics of recently introduced meniscal repair devices with a hand-tied, inside-out meniscal suture in a human meniscus model. METHODS: In detached adult human menisci, vertical longitudinal cuts were created 3 mm from the synovial-meniscal junction, simulating a bucket-handle meniscal tear. Each cut was repaired using a single device. Group 1 received a vertical mattress suture of No. 2-0 OrthoCord; group 2, TrueSpan device with PEEK (polyether ether ketone) anchors containing No. 2-0 OrthoCord suture; group 3, TrueSpan device with biodegradable poly-lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) anchors containing No. 2-0 OrthoCord suture; group 4, Meniscal Cinch II device; group 5, AIR meniscal repair device; and group 6, FasT-Fix 360 device. All samples were preloaded at 5 N and cycled 200 times between 5 and 20 N. The specimens that survived cyclic loading were destructively tested at 12.5 mm/s. Endpoints included maximum load, displacement, stiffness, and failure mode. RESULTS: The mean failure loads were as follows: 95.8 N for OrthoCord suture, 87.1 N for TrueSpan with PEEK, 84.6 N for TrueSpan with PLGA, 48.6 N for Meniscal Cinch II, 72.3 N for AIR, and 68.1 N for FasT-Fix 360. Repairs performed with OrthoCord suture (P = .002) and both TrueSpan devices (P < .03) but not the FasT-Fix 360 device or AIR device were statistically significantly stronger than Meniscal Cinch II repairs. Mean cyclic displacement measured 1.1 mm for OrthoCord, 1.5 mm for TrueSpan with PEEK, 1.5 mm for TrueSpan with PLGA, 2.1 mm for Meniscal Cinch II, 1.1 mm for AIR, and 1.4 mm for FasT-Fix 360. The Meniscal Cinch II device showed more displacement than all other devices (P < .05). The FasT-Fix 360, AIR, and Meniscal Cinch II devices failed by anchor pullout from the peripheral meniscus. OrthoCord and both TrueSpan devices failed by suture pulling through the bucket-handle tissue. CONCLUSIONS: OrthoCord suture is stronger than the AIR, FasT-Fix 360, and Meniscal Cinch II devices. The TrueSpan device with PEEK and TrueSpan device with PLGA are stronger than the Meniscal Cinch II device. The Meniscal Cinch II device failed during cyclic loading with greater cyclic displacement than the AIR device, FasT-Fix 360 device, OrthoCord, and TrueSpan device with PEEK. The Meniscal Cinch II, AIR, and FasT-Fix 360 devices failed by anchor pullout, whereas OrthoCord and both TrueSpan devices failed by suture pull-through. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Some newly introduced all-inside meniscal repair devices show inferior failure strength compared with earlier versions that might adversely impact clinical outcomes.

Editorial Commentary: Open or Arthroscopic Surgery? Practice Makes Perfect We Do Best What We Do Most Often.

The reported outcomes of Bankart procedures performed after 2000 are significantly better than those reported prior to that date. The cause of this improvement can be found in adherence to the specific steps outlined in the Arthroscopy Association of North America Proficiency-Based Training program, improvements in instrumentation and implants and more appropriate patient selection. What is defined as an arthroscopic Bankart has also expanded. Patient-selection criteria have also changed dramatically over the past 2 decades, reflecting a better understanding of anterior shoulder instability and altering the choice of patients who should receive arthroscopic Bankart procedures. The arthroscopic Bankart with dual suture anchor remplissage is arguably the current arthroscopic gold standard for anterior shoulder "off-track" instability.

Grafts and Patches in Rotator Cuff Surgery: Bioinductive Scaffolds, Augmentation, Interposition, and Superior Capsule Reconstruction.

Rotator cuff repair can be challenging because of the compromised state of the tendon tissue. These challenges range from simply degenerative tendons to complete tendon loss in patients which can impair soft-tissue healing. Various grafts and patches are currently available to help address these challenges. The ideal solution for the treatment of irreparable rotator cuff tears or those prone to retear remains controversial. Sometimes augmentation with a patch is appropriate. However, at times a completely retracted and immobile tendon remnant is found. Reconstruction of the superior capsule has demonstrated promising results in several short-term series. The indications for these procedures, the optimal surgical technique, and their limitations are evolving. This chapter discusses the current literature related to bioinductive scaffolds, graft augmentation, graft interposition, and superior capsular reconstruction.

Editorial Commentary: Glenoid Track Instability Management Score or Instability Severity Index Score-Will This Decrease Latarjet Abuse?

Open treatment of anterior shoulder instability using a coracoid transfer, such as the Latarjet procedure, is associated with low recurrence rates but with significant complications such as nerve injury, arthrosis, and graft osteolysis. However, an arthroscopic Bankart procedure, although less invasive and with a low complication rate, has the possibility of a higher recurrent instability rate. Scoring systems such as the Instability Severity Index Score, created to select patients for an arthroscopic Bankart procedure or coracoid transfer, have varying levels of success. Often, the scoring system selects a relatively high percentage of patients for the coracoid transfer, possibly undermining its widespread adoption. The relation between glenoid and humeral bone loss has produced the concept of "on-track" and "off-track," which impacts recurrent instability rates. Merging the on-track and off-track concept with the new Glenoid Track Instability Management Score may produce an algorithm that more accurately assesses the need for the Latarjet procedure or arthroscopic stabilization.

Editorial Commentary: All-Suture Shoulder Glenoid Anchors: Can We Adequately Tension Them or Knot?

All-suture anchors require smaller drill holes (often under 2.0 mm) than comparable solid glenoid anchors (e.g., Gryphon: 2.5-mm drill). A smaller drill allows closer anchor approximation, but there is no indication that this improves repair biomechanics. In fact closely associated multiple fixation points are associated with glenoid fractures, and the same multiple fixation points can be achieved with double- or triple-loaded conventional anchors. All-suture anchors require deployment immediately adjacent to intact cortical bone. Without this, slack and pistoning of the suture ball anchor occur during cyclic loading and have been associated with bone cavitation, repair loosening, and gap formation. A mechanical tensioning mechanism more effectively removes the slack than hand tensioning by the surgeon. Drill length is another concern. All-suture anchor drills measure between 20 and 24 mm long. This length is commonly associated with far cortex penetration and places the suprascapular nerve and axillary nerve at increased risk of contact damage. Maximizing all-suture anchor performance is associated with mechanical deployment systems rather than hand traction applied by the surgeon. Finally, no current all-suture anchor is biodegradable, osteoconductive, or replaced by bone.

A Biomechanical Comparison of Six Suture Configurations for Soft Tissue-Based Graft Traction and Fixation.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare 6 different graft fixation techniques to determine the preparation speed, fixation security, biomechanical strength, and resultant tissue trauma. METHODS: Six different techniques (10 samples each): #2 OrthoCord Krackow stitch, #2 FiberWire Krackow stitch, SpeedTrap, WhipKnot, Loop-in-loop stitch were created in the distal 3 cm of 9 cm bovine flexor tendons. The proximal 3 cm tendon segment was clamped in a testing machine and the distal suture ends secured by pneumatic grips. 3 preload cycles (10N-100N) and 50N static load was followed by 500 cycles (50N-200N) and then loaded to failure. Graft preparation times, 100 and 500 cycle displacement, maximum failure load, stiffness, and failure mode were recorded. RESULTS: Representative graft preparation times were: OrthoCord Krackow (247s), FiberWire Krackow (401s), FiberLoop (177s), SpeedTrap (42s), WhipKnot (39s), Loop-in-loop (45s). No WhipKnots survived cyclic loading. 100 cycle displacements were: OrthoCord Krackow (11.5 ± 3.9 mm), FiberWire Krackow (8.9 ± 1.2 mm), FiberLoop (14.2 ± 6.1 mm), SpeedTrap (8.8 ± 2.5 mm), Loop-in-loop (10.4 ± 2.9 mm). FiberLoop displaced significantly more than all others (P = .016). Maximum failure loads were: OrthoCord Krackow (364 ± 24N), FiberWire Krackow (375 ± 45N), FiberLoop (413 ± 95N), SpeedTrap (437 ± 65N), WhipKnot (153 ± 42N), Loop-in-loop (329 ± 112N). The most common failure mode was suture breaking. FiberWire containing constructs (Krackow and FiberLoop) shredded or cut through ("cheese wiring") prior to failure in a majority. CONCLUSIONS: SpeedTrap, WhipKnot and Loop-in-loop were quickest to create (under 1 minute). The Krackow, SpeedTrap, WhipKnot, and Loop-in-Loop did not damage the tendon during cyclic loading. SpeedTrap and Krackow had the least displacement. FiberLoop displaced more than all other groups (P = .016). No WhipKnot completed cyclic loading. The SpeedTrap (437N) and FiberLoop (413N) had the highest ultimate strength. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: While the SpeedTrap and FiberLoop are the strongest techniques, the FiberLoop shreds the tendon, displaced the most, and took longer to create. Based on these results, the SpeedTrap demonstrates the best overall performance.

Editorial Commentary: Acetabular Labral Repair-Is A Knotless Anchor Better?

Knotless anchors have an important role in arthroscopic acetabular labral repair. Different anchors show 2 primary failure modes: suture breakage and suture pullout from the anchor ("eyelet failure"). Knotless anchors show minimal displacement at physiological loads and should perform well for arthroscopic labral repair. Surgeons should consider the suture-passing device size and use a device that creates as small of a labral hole as possible.

The Surgical Applications of Biologics in Sports Medicine.

Over the past 25 years an increased appreciation of the positive impact of biologic interventions has driven significant advances in the surgical treatment of shoulder and knee conditions. These biologic adjuncts to treatment promote improved outcomes and have set the stage and increased research and development in this arena.

Editorial Commentary: Polyurethane Meniscal Scaffold: A Perfect Fit or Flop?

The goal of using a synthetic scaffold to establish a biomechanically functioning meniscus or provide an equivalent meniscus substitute is not achieved by the polycaprolactone-polyurethane Actifit scaffold. Recent research, that did not include a control group, shows that the revision rate is significant, and any improvements in patient outcomes could reflect the associated reconstructive surgery. Based on these data and similar published reports, it is premature to conclude that this implant is clinically indicated. The technique is currently more flop than fit.

PRP as an Adjunct to Rotator Cuff Tendon Repair.

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is a commonly performed repair. Technical developments provide surgeons the tools to create biomechanically robust repairs. How can the biological response mirror the strong and stable surgery? Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a supraphysiological platelet concentration which may positively augment rotator cuff healing. Not all PRPs are the same. High leukocyte levels and thrombin activation may be detrimental to tendon healing. Thrombin activation triggers an immediate release of growth factors and may actually inhibit some parts of the healing response. Clear differences exist between liquid PRP (products released within hours after activation) and solid fibrin PRP which slowly releases factors over days. The heterogenicity data and grouping liquid and solid PRP together make systematic reviews confusing. Solid PRP fibrin constructs are often associated with increased tendon healing. PRP fibrin matrix offers the greatest promise for improving clinical success after rotator cuff tendon repair.

Editorial Commentary: Don't Pig Out When Selecting a Shoulder, Rotator Cuff Augmentation Graft! Xenografts Are Not the Way to Go.

Porcine xenograft dermal onlay augmentation of rotator cuff repair does not provide improved cuff integrity or provide better clinical outcomes. The retear rate was actually higher in repairs augmented with a porcine xenograft than the control group. Adverse events occurred in 60% of the xenograft patients compared with 40% of the controls. The use of liquid platelet-rich plasma had no discernible impact. A total of 85% of the observed failures with the suture-bridging double-row repair were at the medial cuff (Cho type 2).