OBJECTIVE: To analyze the final strength withstood by two types of suture threads and by the anchor-suture interface in three different anchor implants submitted to continuous traction for the purpose of choosing the most appropriate to suture structures such as the shoulder rotator cuff. METHOD: Tests were performed in three groups: Group 1 - titanium anchor screw with Ethibond® #2 suture, Group 2 - titanium anchor screw with Fiber Wire® #2 suture, and Group 3 - Corkscrew® 5.0 mm anchor screw. RESULTS: In Group 1, mean maximum load till loosening was 124.5 124,5 Newtons (N), the minimum load was 105 N, and the maximum load was 180 N, with a range of 75 N between the two extremes, and standard deviation of 23.03 N. In Group 2, the mean maximum load till loosening was 298 N, the minimum load was 230 N, the maximum load was 375 N, with a range of 145 N, and standard deviation of 44.73 N. In Group 3, the highest mean maximum load was measured, of 272 N, the minimum load was 205 N, and the maximum load of 340 N, with a range of 135 N. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the mean loads withstood between groups 1 and 2, and between groups 1 and 3, (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Final strength was similar with Fiber Wire® suture irrespective of the anchor used. Ethibond #2 suture showed lower strength, lower than that desired to suture structures such as the shoulder rotator cuff.
Rotator cuff; Suture techniques; Bone wires
