The Biomechanical Properties of a High-Tensile Strength Tape for Tendon Graft Fixation Using the Krackow Configuration

• Main Authors: Chih-Kai Hong, M.D., Kai-Lan Hsu, M.D., Fa-Chuan Kuan, M.D., Yueh Chen, M.D., M.Sc., Chen-Hao Chiang, M.D., Ming-Long Yeh, Ph.D., Miin-Jye Wen, Ph.D., Wei-Ren Su, M.D., M.Sc.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2020-08-01
• Series: Arthroscopy, Sports Medicine, and Rehabilitation
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666061X20300444

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.