Introduction: Bankart repair laxity may contribute to pathologic joint instability. This biomechanical study compared two screw-in suture anchor-suture combinations under tensile loads.
Methods: Twelve pairs of scapulae were implanted with either a 3 mm diameter, 14 mm long poly-L/D-lactide suture anchor with a suture eyelet (Group 1) or a 3.1 mm diameter, 11 mm long polylactide suture anchor with a molded eyelet (Group 2). Constructs were cyclically loaded between 25 and 50 N with a 25 N load increase every 25 cycles.
Results: Group 2 displayed greater displacement at failure, had more specimens with > or =2 mm displacement by the 50 N interval (P = 0.014), and had displaced more by 100 N (P < or = 0.046). Group 1 displayed a stronger load-displacement at failure relationship than Group 2 (r (2) = 0.67 vs. r (2) = 0.37).
Conclusion: Construct differences may influence decisions regarding the required number of suture anchor-suture loops, the rehabilitation timetable, and the timing of return to unrestricted activities.