Cyclic loading comparison of Bio-SutureTak-#2 FiberWire and Bio Mini-Revo-#2 Hi-Fi suture anchor-sutures in cadaveric scapulae

This study compared tap-in Bio-SutureTak suture anchor-#2 FiberWire suture (Group 1) and screw-in Bio Mini-Revo suture anchor-#2 Hi-Fi suture (Group 2) fixation in the glenoid region of interest for Bankart repair, in addition to evaluation of isolated suture loop biomechanical properties under progressive incremental cyclic loads. With knowledge of glenoid apparent bone mineral density (BMD), implant preparation and fit characteristics, and following application of a light manual tensile load, the primary investigator scored each specimen for perceived within group biomechanical test performance using a 0–10 point modified visual analog scale. After scoring, 12 paired constructs were placed in a servo hydraulic device clamp, preloaded to 25 N, and cycled between 25 and 50 Hz with a 25 N load increase every 25 cycles. Group 2 withstood greater load (104.1 ± 56 vs. 70 ± 36.9 N, P = 0.04) and displaced more at failure (13 ± 4.5 vs. 8.6 ± 3.3 mm, P = 0.04). All Group 1 specimens failed prior to reaching 150 N, whereas 25% of Group 2 specimens (n = 3) failed at 200 N. All specimens failed by anchor pullout except for three Group 2 specimens that failed by eyelet breakage at 200 N. Isolated suture testing revealed that Group 1 sutures displaced less at each cyclic load (P = 0.028) and withstood greater failure loads (P = 0.028) than that of Group 2 sutures. Group 2 constructs displayed moderately strong relationships between perceived within group biomechanical test performance and ultimate load (r ² = 0.55) and displacement at failure (r ² = 0.67). Group 1 did not display significant relationships. Similar biomechanical performance between 50 and 125 N, greater load at failure, and superior biomechanical test prediction accuracy suggest that the screw-in type Bio Mini-Revo suture anchor-#2 Hi-Fi suture combination may be preferred for Bankart lesion repair in low apparent BMD glenoid processes. The #2 Hi-Fi suture, however, allowed significantly greater displacement than the #2 FiberWire suture at each progressive cyclic load interval.