Strength of Braided Polyblend Polyethylene Sutures versus Braided Polyester Sutures in Achilles Tendon Repair

Abstract

The smaller-caliber 2-0 FiberLoop was significantly stronger than #2 Ethibond. This study suggests that there is no advantage to using the traditional larger suture material for Achilles tendon repairs; however, further clinical testing is needed to determine the optimal repair technique.

Biomechanical evaluation of a non-locking pre-manufactured loop suture technique compared to a three-loop pulley suture in a canine calcaneus tendon avulsion model

“…Historically, monofilament suture has been utilized in common calcaneal tenorrhaphy in veterinary patients (2,3,(7)(8)(9). In human Achilles tendon ruptures, multifilament braided orthopaedic suture is generally preferred (10)(11)(12)15). The tensile strength of braided polyblend orthopaedic suture materials (Fiberwire®, FiberTape, Orthofiber, and LigaFiba) was found to be greater than nylon leader line (16).…”

“…Historically, monofilament suture, such as polypropylene, has been utilized in canine tenorrhaphy and common calcaneal tendon disruption injuries (2,3,7,9). Multifilament high-molecular weight polyethylene suture materials have been utilized in humans to repair Achilles tendon ruptures, and also for ligament graft preparation and carpal flexor tenorrhaphy (10)(11)(12). In dogs, polyethylene suture has been used to stabilize cranial cruciate insufficient stifles and to reduce coxofemoral luxations (13,14).…”

Initial Achilles tendon repair strength—synthesized biomechanical data from 196 cadaver repairs

“…Our search produced 11 papers, published in English and German between 2000 and 2010 [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25], that provided data for 23 treatment groups of 196 repairs in total. These studies report results for Kessler, Bunnell, and Krackow sutures in open repair, as well as the Achillon device, the Ma-Griffith repair technique, the triple bundle technique and the "giftbox" technique.…”

Clinical outcomes after common calcanean tendon rupture repair in dogs with a loop‐suture tenorrhaphy technique and autogenous leukoreduced platelet‐rich plasma

“…Braided multifilament suture has been advocated in the repair of human Achilles tendon ruptures because of its mechanical and handling characteristics. FiberLoop is designed primarily for anchoring grafts and repairing tendon and ligament injuries . It is applied to the cut ends of grafts or tendons with a loop‐suture technique resulting in a nonlocking‐loop pattern.…”

“…FiberLoop is designed primarily for anchoring grafts and repairing tendon and ligament injuries. [22][23][24] It is applied to the cut ends of grafts or tendons with a loop-suture technique resulting in a nonlocking-loop pattern. FiberLoop was chosen in this case series for its biomechanical properties and ease of application.…”