Abstract
Purpose
To compare the biomechanical properties of a high‐tensile strength suture with the high‐tensile strength tape for tendon graft fixation.
Methods
A total of 24 porcine tendons were used and were randomly divided into 2 groups. Two kinds of suture materials, a braided nonabsorbable high‐strength suture (group S) and a high‐tensile strength tape (group T), were used to complete 3 pairs of Krackow stitches on the tendons. Each specimen was pretensioned to 100 N for 3 cycles, cyclically loaded from 50 to 200 N for 200 cycles, and finally loaded to failure. Elongation after cyclic loading, ultimate failure load, and the mode of failure were recorded.
Results
The elongation after cyclic loading between group S (26% ± 5%) and group T (24% ± 5%) were not significantly different (
P
= .378). The ultimate failure loads in group T (400 ± 38 N) were significantly greater than those in group S (358 ± 21 N) (
P
= .010). All specimens failed because of suture material breakage.
Conclusions
Compared with the braided nonabsorbable high‐strength suture, the high‐tensile strength tape had similar elongation values after cyclic loading, but significantly greater ultimate failure load in this porcine in vitro biomechanical model.
Clinical Relevance
A secure suture‐tendon construct is especially important when a post‐tie fixation technique is used because the mitigating construct may potentially lead to graft loosening and affect graft healing.