A novel transconjunctival, intrascleral, ab-externo, knotless, and double-flanged technique with 6-0 Prolene for iridodialysis repair

Small traumatic iridodialysis (ID) may be asymptomatic, but large ones usually cause polycoria and corectopia, leading to symptoms like diplopia, glare, and photophobia. The management of ID, including medical and surgical methods, depends upon the patient's symptoms. Mild glare and diplopia can be treated either with atropine, antiglaucoma medications, tinted spectacles, colored contact lens, or corneal tattooing, but extensive IDs require surgical options. The surgical techniques are challenging due to the iris texture and the damage encountered during the primary surgery, the narrow anatomical workspace for repair, and the associated surgical complications. Numerous techniques have been described by several authors in the literature; each has its advantages and disadvantages. All the procedures described previously involve conjunctival peritomy, scleral incisions, and suture knots and are time consuming. Here, we report a novel transconjunctival, intrascleral, knotless, and ab-externo, double-flanged technique for repair of large ID with a 1-year follow-up.

A Propensity Score-Matched Comparison Between Knotless Layer-by-Layer and En Masse Suture Bridge Techniques for Delaminated Rotator Cuff Tears

BACKGROUND

Because the articular layer is more prone to retraction than the bursal layer of the supraspinatus tendon, it is important to restore each layer anatomically while repairing delaminated rotator cuff tears (RCTs).

PURPOSE

To compare clinical outcomes and tendon integrity between knotless layer-by-layer and conventional en masse repair techniques for delaminated RCTs.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed data from 174 consecutive patients with delaminated RCTs treated by arthroscopic suture bridge repair. Only 115 patients with medium to large supraspinatus tears with delamination were included. The 33 patients treated using the knotless layer-by-layer technique (group 2) were matched 1:1 with patients treated using en masse repair with the suture bridge technique (group 1) based on propensity scores. Tendon thickness was measured on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Signal changes in the bursal, articular, and intratendinous layers were assessed using T2-weighted MRI.

RESULTS

Postoperatively, statistically significant improvements were seen in both groups compared with preoperatively functional scores. At the final follow-up, there was a statistically significant difference in the Constant score, which was higher in group 2 than in group 1 (91.4 ± 6.0 and 84.3 ± 16.4, respectively; P = .005). There was 1 case of a retear in each group, representing a 3% retear rate. Group 2 had thicker tendons than group 1 (6.9 ± 1.1 and 6.0 ± 1.2 mm, respectively; P = .017). On T2-weighted MRI, a low signal intensity in the articular layer was more common in group 2 (P = .046).

CONCLUSION

En masse repair using the suture bridge technique and the knotless layer-by-layer technique were both effective. Regarding tendon healing, no significant differences were seen in retear rates. However, superior results in terms of the Constant score, tendon thickness, and signal intensity in the articular layer were observed using the knotless layer-by-layer technique.

Ability to Retension Knotless Suture Anchors: A Biomechanical Analysis of Simulated Bankart Lesions

Background:

Knotless suture anchors are gaining popularity in arthroscopic glenohumeral labral repairs. The ability to retension knotless designs after initial anchor placement has been reported; however, no studies have quantified this claim or investigated the biomechanical consequence of retensioning.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

To determine whether knotless and knotted suture anchors have biomechanical or anatomic differences with regard to labral repairs and to determine whether retensioning of knotless suture anchors affects capsular tension, labral height, and capsular shift. We hypothesized that retensioning of knotless anchors would result in improved capsular tension compared with conventional knotted suture anchors.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 18 fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders with a mean age of 56 years were dissected to the capsule and disarticulated at the humeral capsular insertion. The scapula was potted and placed in a custom shoulder simulator to tension the capsule via braided sutures localized to the anteroinferior glenohumeral ligament. Specimens were randomized into 3 groups: (1) Knotted (KT), (2) Knotless with end retensioning (KL_end), and (3) Knotless with stepwise retensioning (KL_stepwise). All repairs were completed using all-suture anchors placed at the 5-, 4-, and 3-o’clock positions. KL_stepwise was used to simulate an intraoperative technique. Resultant mean capsular tension under 5 mm of displacement (subfailure loading) was measured for each anchor placement and retensioning step. Labral height and capsular shift were measured using a MicroScribe digitizer.

Results:

The intact, defect, 1-anchor, 2-anchor, and 3-anchor tensions were not significantly different between the KT and KL_end groups. For the latter, retensioning of all knotless anchors increased capsular tension by 2.1 N compared with its 3-anchor state, although this was not statistically significant (P = .081). The KL_stepwise group explored an alternative method to retension the capsule using knotless anchors, with similar final capsular tensions compared with the other groups. All repairs had similar improvements in capsulolabral height and superior capsular shift.

Conclusion:

Knotted and knotless suture anchors provided similar overall restorations in anteroinferior glenohumeral ligament tension. However, knotless devices were capable of small but statistically insignificant improvements in capsular tension with retensioning.

Clinical Relevance:

Retensioning of knotless anchors allows the surgeon to tighten regions of the glenohumeral capsule that remain lax after repair.

H-loop Knotless Double-Row Repair Versus Knotted Suture Bridge for Rotator Cuff Tears: A Biomechanical and Histological Study in an Animal Model [Formula: see text]

BACKGROUND

Knotted suture bridge repair (KSBR) has been widely proven to be an effective method for rotator cuff repairs. However, the occurrence of type 2 failure after suture bridge repair remains a frequent problem because of the stress concentration and disturbance of tendon perfusion in the medial row. The authors have developed the H-loop knotless double-row repair (HLDR) to counteract these problems.

PURPOSE

To compare the biomechanical and histological outcomes of HLDR and KSBR for rotator cuff tear in the rabbit model.

STUDY DESIGN

Controlled laboratory study.

METHODS

Acute bilateral supraspinatus tears were created on the shoulders of 46 New Zealand White rabbits. HLDR and KSBR were randomly performed on the left side or right side. Thirteen animals each were sacrificed at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after surgery (n = 39), with 6 rabbits used for histological evaluation and the other 7 rabbits for biomechanical testing. The remaining 7 animals from the original 46 were only used for initial biomechanical evaluation at week 0.

RESULTS

Macroscopically, all repaired tendons were connected to their footprint on the greater tuberosity without postoperative complications at 8 weeks after surgery. The HLDR group had significantly better histological bone-to-tendon integration compared with the KSBR group in terms of fibrocartilage regeneration, collagen composition, and fiber organization. The biomechanical outcomes in the HLDR group were demonstrated to be better than those of the KSBR group at time 0 and 8 weeks after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Both repair techniques were effective for rotator cuff tears in a rabbit rotator cuff tear model; however, HLDR demonstrated more advantages in improving biomechanical properties and histological tendon-to-bone healing compared with KSBR.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This animal study suggested that HLDR might be an alternative choice for rotator cuff tears in humans to increase tendon-to-bone healing and reduce the rate of failure to heal.

Barbed Versus Non-Barbed Suture for Pyeloplasty via the Minimally Invasive Approach: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: There is no agreed protocol on usage of proper and best suturing material in minimally invasive pyeloplasty. The aim of this meta-analysis was to summarize and analyze current evidence on suturing materials for laparoscopic pyeloplasty. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE) were systematically searched for relevant comparative studies on barbed suture (BS) and non-barbed suture (NBS) in minimally invasive pyeloplasty. Results: Five comparative studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. Pooling the data demonstrated a significantly shorter operative duration in patients belonging to the BS group versus the NBS group (95% confidence interval [CI] -81.63 to -10.41, P = .01), with statistically significant estimated heterogeneity among the included studies (P < .0001). Although the incidence of redo-pyeloplasty was higher in the BS group, the pooled risk ratio (RR) for the need for redo-pyeloplasty in subjects belonging to the BS group versus the NBS group was 6.00 (95% CI 0.78-46.14), demonstrating no statistically significant difference (P = .09). A total of 5 patients developed postoperative complications. The pooled RR for the occurrence of these complication showed no significant difference among the patients belonging to both the groups (95% CI 0.22-6.05, P = .88). Conclusions: Minimally invasive pyeloplasty using BS is associated with significantly shorter operative time. The incidence of postoperative complications and requirement of redo-pyeloplasty showed no significant difference among both the treatment groups. Further randomized controlled trials need to be conducted before any definite conclusions are drawn.

Intrascleral Knotless Zigzag Suture Fixation of Four-Haptic Hydrophilic Acrylic Foldable IOL: Clinical Outcomes

Background

The main options for intraocular lens (IOL) placement without capsular bag support and/or zonular weakness are iris-fixated IOL and scleral-fixated IOL (SFIOL).

Purpose

To describe the surgical technique and the outcomes of intrascleral knotless zigzag suture fixation of Akreos AO60 foldable IOL.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of consecutive cases.

Results

Ninety-nine eyes of 92 patients were retrospectively studied. The mean age was 72.1±15.2 years (range 18–94), and the median follow-up duration was 19.5 months (range 3–81). The best-corrected visual acuity improved from a mean±SD of 1.34±0.70 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) units at baseline to 0.49±0.56 logMAR at the end of follow-up (p<0.001). The mean±SD final SE was −1.24±1.82 diopters. The mean±SD prediction error was −0.51±1.16 diopters. The overall perioperative complications rate was 44.4% (n=44). The rate of complications requiring invasive treatment was 19.2% (n=19). The most common perioperative complications were ocular hypertension (OHT, 20.2%, n=20), and cystoid macular edema (CME, 15.2%, n=15). The rate of IOL dislocation was 7% (n=7).

Conclusion

This knotless technique avoids the risks of haptics fixation but is more prone to IOL dislocation in cases of suture deterioration. Past ophthalmic history needs to be carefully considered in candidates who underwent SFIOL implantation.

Knotless All-Inside Arthroscopic Modified Broström Procedure for Lateral Ankle Instability

One reported complication of the arthroscopic modified Broström operation is pain caused by the suture anchoring knot. We hypothesized that a knotless technique could reduce such pain. Therefore, in this study we evaluated the clinical and radiological outcomes after knotless all-inside arthroscopic modified Broström operation for lateral ankle instability. From July 2017 to November 2017, 28 patients were treated. Clinical and radiological features were evaluated preoperatively and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively using the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scale score, visual analogue scale score for pain, anterior talar drawer test, and talar tilt angle. The mean age of the 28 patients (14 men, 14 women) was 41.71 ± 17.19 years. Three (10.7%) complications, but no knot-associated pain, occurred. The clinical and radiological outcomes were significantly improved 12 months postoperatively compared with preoperative outcomes (all p < .05). Knotless all-inside arthroscopic modified Broström operation for lateral ankle instability avoided knot-associated pain and improved not only patient satisfaction but also clinical and radiological outcomes.

Repair Integrity and Functional Outcomes Between Knot-Tying and Knotless Suture-Bridge Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial

Background:

Knot-tying suture-bridge (SB) rotator cuff repair may compromise the vascularity of the repaired tendon, causing tendon strangulation and medial repair failure. The knotless SB repair technique has been proposed to overcome this possibility and decrease retear rates.

Purpose:

To compare clinical and structural outcomes and retear patterns between the knot-tying and knotless SB techniques. We hypothesized that the knotless technique would result in lower retear rates owing to the preservation of intratendinous vascularity.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

A total of 104 patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears were randomly and prospectively allocated to undergo knot-tying (group 1) or knotless (group 2) SB repair. Clinical outcome measures included range of motion, the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and the Constant score for function. Repair integrity was evaluated on magnetic resonance imaging scans using the Sugaya classification. Retears were also classified according to their pattern as type 1 (lateral) or type 2 (medial).

Results:

Overall, 88 patients (group 1: n = 42 [mean ± SD age, 54.3 ± 9.8 years]; group 2: n = 46 [mean ± SD age, 55.8 ± 8.2 years]) were included in the final analysis. The mean ± SD follow-up period was 25.4 ± 8.3 and 23.3 ± 7.2 months for groups 1 and 2, respectively. From preoperatively to postoperatively, the mean VAS pain score improved significantly in both groups (group 1: from 7.4 ± 1.7 to 1.0 ± 1.7; group 2: from 7.1 ± 1.9 to 1.3 ± 2.0; P < .0001 for both), as did the mean ± SD Constant score (group 1: from 51.7 ± 13.4 to 86.0 ± 11.5; group 2: from 49.4 ± 18.4 to 87.2 ± 14.8; P < .0001 for both). There was no significant difference between the groups for the postoperative VAS or Constant score. The retear rate was not significantly different between the groups (19.0% [8/42] in group 1 and 28.3% [13/46] in group 2; P > .05). There was a significant difference in the type 2 failure rate (75.0% [6/8] in group 1 and 23.1% [3/13] in group 2; P = .03).

Conclusion:

Both techniques showed excellent improvement and comparable clinical outcomes, and there was no significant difference in retear rates. Consistent with previously published data, the type 2 failure rate was significantly higher with the knot-tying technique.

Registration:

NCT03982108 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Comparison of clinical outcomes between knotted and knotless double-row arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs: a meta-analysis

Background

The ideal rotator cuff repair technique should allow for a quick and simple arthroscopic application which provides both adequate biomechanical stability and an appropriate biological state with the intention of promoting eventual healing of tendon to bone. While the biomechanical superiority of double-row repairs including higher repair strength, reduced gap formation, and wider footprint restoration have been proven, controversy remains regarding the clinical benefits of knotless compared with knot tying techniques. Our study aims to review the available evidence in the literature comparing the clinical outcomes between knotted and knotless transosseous double-row rotator cuff repair techniques.

Methods

A systematic literature search via PubMed, Embase, and Scopus was conducted by 2 independent reviewers. Studies reporting clinical outcomes of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using the double-row knotted and knotless surgical techniques were identified. Data were analyzed with Review Manager 5.3, using Mantel-Haenszel statistics with both fixed and random effect models.

Results

A total of 1144 studies were identified from our initial search. Based on our inclusion and exclusion criteria, 8 studies were eventually selected for our review. The selected studies were published between 2012 and 2018. Of the 8 studies, 3 reported level 2 evidence and 5 reported level 3 evidence. There were a total of 589 subjects. Our meta-analysis revealed that there were no significant differences in functional outcomes postoperatively when comparing Constant score (mean difference = −1.85, 95% confidence interval: −4.42 to 0.73), University of California at Los Angeles score (mean differences = −0.14, 95% confidence interval: −0.90 to 0.62), and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (mean differences = −2.19, 95% confidence interval: −5.55 to 1.17) between patients who underwent knotted and knotless rotator cuff repairs.

Discussions and Conclusion

Our review revealed no statistically significant difference in functional outcomes between knotted and knotless transosseous double-row techniques for arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs. To our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis related to this topic. However, no level 1 studies were available for this review. Further studies related to this topic should focus on reporting level 1 evidence comparing the clinical outcomes of knotless and knotted techniques for double-row repairs.

Anatomic Knot Suture Anchor Versus Knotless Suture Anchor Technique for Anterior Talofibular Ligament Repair: A Biomechanical Comparison

Background:

To date, there are few biomechanical studies comparing the strength between knot repair and knotless repair procedures for anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) injury.

Purpose:

To perform a biomechanical comparison of the strength of the arthroscopic ATFL repair technique with knot or knotless suture anchors in a cadaveric model with partial or complete ATFL injuries.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 24 fresh-frozen cadaveric ankles were used. Arthroscopy was used to identify, section, and repair the ATFL on the fibular insertion site. The specimens were then randomly placed into 1 of 4 groups: group A received complete ATFL section and 1–suture anchor repair with knot, group B received complete ATFL section and 1-anchor knotless repair, group C received partial ATFL section and 1–suture anchor repair with knot, and group D received partial ATFL section and 1-anchor knotless repair. After repair, the ATFL tension was measured first with a digitalized tensiometer. Specimens were then mounted on a materials testing system to determine the ultimate load to failure and stiffness.

Results:

The mean ± SD ligament tension measured during the arthroscopic procedure was 8.6 ± 0.6 N for group A, 9.2 ± 0.5 N for group B, 9.4 ± 1.1 N for group C, and 9.6 ± 0.9 N for group D. No significant difference in tension was detected among groups. In load-to-failure testing, the mean ultimate failure load was 27.9 ± 4.1 N for group A, 26.2 ± 9.3 N for group B, 81.9 ± 26.5 N for group C, and 88.1 ± 41.6 N for group D. The mean ultimate failure loads of the partial repair groups were significantly higher than those of the complete repair groups (C vs A, P = .008; D vs B, P = .002), while there was no significant difference between groups A and B (P > .05) or between groups C and D (P > .05).

Conclusion:

The results of the present study showed that there was no significant difference in biomechanical properties between knot repair and knotless repair techniques.

Clinical Relevance:

Biomechanically, the results showed that knot suture anchor and knotless suture repair provide similar biomechanical strength for ATFL injury. Unfortunately, these methods in the complete ATFL section models provided less than half the strength and stiffness in the partial ATFL section models at time zero after surgery. As a result, 1–suture anchor repair is not suitable for complete ATFL injury regardless of the repair method.

Does Medial-Row Fixation Technique Affect the Retear Rate and Functional Outcomes After Double-Row Transosseous-Equivalent Rotator Cuff Repair?

Background:

Double-row transosseous-equivalent (TOE) rotator cuff repair techniques have been widely accepted because of their superior biomechanical properties when compared with arthroscopic single-row repair. Concerns regarding repair overtensioning with medial-row knot tying have led to increased interest in knotless repair techniques; however, there is a paucity of clinical data to guide the choice of technique.

Hypothesis:

Arthroscopic TOE repair techniques using knotless medial-row fixation will demonstrate lower retear rates and greater improvements in the Constant score relative to conventional knot-tying TOE techniques.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A systematic review of 3 databases (PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase) was performed using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Inclusion criteria were English-language studies that examined repair integrity or Constant scores after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with TOE techniques. Two investigators independently screened results for relevant articles. Data regarding the study design, surgical technique, retear rate, and Constant shoulder score were extracted from eligible studies. A quality assessment of all articles was performed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) criteria.

Results:

The systematic review identified a total of 32 studies (level of evidence, 1-4) that met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of the 32 studies, 5 reported on knotless TOE techniques, 25 reported on knot-tying TOE techniques, and 2 reported on both. In the knotless group, retear rates ranged from 6% to 36%, and Constant scores ranged from 38-65 (preoperative) to 73-83 (postoperative). In the knot-tying group, retear rates ranged from 0% to 48%, and Constant scores ranged from 42-64 (preoperative) to 55-96 (postoperative).

Conclusion:

Despite several theoretical advantages of knotless TOE repair, both knotless and knot-tying techniques reported considerable improvement in functional outcomes after rotator cuff repair. Although tendon failure rates showed a downward trend in knotless studies, additional prospective studies are warranted to better understand the role of medial-row fixation on tendon repair integrity and postoperative clinical outcomes.

Comparison of Barbed Sutures in Porcine Flexor Tenorrhaphy

Background: Barbed suture use has become more popular as technology and materials have advanced. Minimal data exist regarding performance of the 2 commercially available products, V-LocTM and StratafixTM in tendon repairs. The purpose of this study was to compare gap resistance and ultimate tensile strength of both suture materials and nonbarbed suture in a porcine ex vivo model. Methods: Porcine flexor tendons were harvested and divided into 3 groups of 10 of varying suture material (3-0 PDS™, 3-0 V- V-Loc 180™, or 3-0 Stratafix™). A modified 4-strand cruciate technique was used to repair each tendon. Knotless repair was performed using barbed suture, whereas a buried 6-throw square knot was done using conventional suture. A servohydrolic tester was used for biomechanical testing of linear 2-mm gap resistance and maximum tensile strength. Results: No difference was found in 2-mm gap resistance among the 3 groups. No difference was found in ultimate tensile strength between V-Loc™ (76.0 ± 9.4 N) and Stratafix™ (68.1 ± 8.4 N) repairs, but the ultimate strength of the PDS™ control group (83.4 ± 10.0 N) was significantly higher than that of Stratafix™. Conclusions: Barbed (knotless) and nonbarbed suture repairs demonstrate equivalent 2-mm gap resistance. Stratafix™ repairs show slightly inferior performance to nonbarbed repairs in ultimate tensile strength, although this occurred at gap distances far beyond the 2-mm threshold for normal tendon gliding. Both barbed and nonbarbed 4-strand cruciate flexor tendon repairs may require peripheral repair to withstand physiologic loads.

The Internal Brace for Midsubstance Achilles Ruptures

The efficient and effective function of the Achilles tendon is essential for normal gait and sporting performance. The optimal technique for the operative repair of the Achilles midsubstance rupture remains controversial. Suboptimal outcomes are common even after successful Achilles repair. Factors contributing to poor outcomes include a tenuous soft tissue envelope (leading to wound complications, peritendinous adhesions, and poor tendon healing,) as well as failure to maintain appropriate musculotendinous length, even after successful repair.We present a new technique using the InternalBrace (IB) and a modification of the Percutaneous Achilles Repair System (PARS; Arthrex Inc, Naples, FL), the Achilles Mid-Substance Speed Bridge Repair. This IB approach is knotless, respects the soft tissue envelope, and allows the appropriate musculotendinous length to be set intraoperatively. The IB principle enables direct fixation to bone allowing early mobilization while minimizing the risk of knot slippage, accelerating recovery, and allowing for restoration of normal function.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level V, expert opinion.

Arthroscopic Knotless Peripheral Ulnar-Sided TFCC Repair

This article describes the indications and technique for all-arthroscopic knotless repair of a peripheral tear to the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). The advantage of this technique is that it allows repair of the articular disk back to the fovea of the ulna without any suture knots to irritate the patient. The learning curve is steep, but once learned, this technique can be performed very quickly and is faster. There are no knots to irritate the patient, and in the author's opinion, there is quicker pain relief than with other techniques.

The history of barbed sutures

Ligatures have been used for millennia to close wounds. Sterilization and synthetic polymers that degrade in a commensurate fashion with wound healing have been the most significant improvements in these age-old devices. However, the constricting loop of a traditional suture and subsequent ischemia ("approximate, don't strangulate") still account for the most common cause of wound dehiscence-necrosis. Inspired by the quill of the North American porcupine, I envisioned a bidirectional array of barbs that could secure tissue without relying on constricting loops. One set of barbs could anchor the other. In this article, I document the development process of these barbed sutures from concept to patent to manufacture and US Food and Drug Administration approval. Knotless, strong, and easy to place, barbed sutures could foreseeably supplant conventional sutures, particularly as endoscopic procedures become more common. They also offer the intriguing potential to suspend ptotic tissues without surgical intervention.