Comparison between four different suture configurations for rotator cuff repair: a biomechanical animal study

Introduction: The arthroscopic repair of a massive rotator cuff tear could be surgically challenging. There is a continuous argument regarding the best surgical technique and suture configuration used to treat massive rotator cuff tears. The purpose of this study was to assess the in vitro strength of the new double Mason-Allen suture and compare it to the commonly used other suture configurations. Methods: Twenty-five fresh sheep shoulders were randomly divided into five equal groups. Each group had their infraspinatus tendons cut and repaired with one of five suture configurations (simple, horizontal mattress, Mason-Allen, modified Mason-Allen, and double Mason-Allen) using Arthrex® 1.3 mm suture tape. The specimens were fixed to the test apparatus through their scapulae and hung with the repair tape to Sartorius® precision balance with sequential load increments till failure. The load to failure was measured for each of the five suture configurations. Results: Study data found the double Mason-Allen configuration to have the highest mean load to failure 423.30 ± 23.05 (Newtons), followed by modified Mason-Allen, Mason-Allen, horizontal mattress, and simple suture respectively. Conclusion: The double Mason-Allen repair configuration has the highest load to failure compared to the other known suture configuration to repair rotator cuff tears.