Purpose. To compare the biomechanical properties of 3 suture-bridge techniques for rotator cuff repair. Methods. Twelve pairmatched\nfresh-frozen shoulder specimens were randomized to 3 groups of different repair types: the medially Knotted Suture\nBridge (KSB), the medially Untied Suture Bridge (USB), and the Modified Suture Bridge (MSB). Cyclic loading and load-tofailure\ntest were performed. Parameters of elongation, stiffness, load at failure, and mode of failure were recorded. Results. The\nMSB technique had the significantly greatest load to failure (515.6 �± 78.0N, P = 0.04 for KSB group; P < 0.001 for USB group),\nstiffness (58.0 �± 10.7 N/mm, P = 0.005 for KSB group; P < 0.001 for USB group), and lowest elongation (1.49 �± 0.39 mm, P = 0.009\nfor KSB group; P = 0.001 for USB group) among 3 groups. The KSB repair had significantly higher ultimate load (443.5 �± 65.0 N)\nthan USB repair (363.5 �± 52.3N, P = 0.024). However, there was no statistical difference in stiffness and elongation between KSB\nand USB technique (P = 0.396 for stiffness and P = 0.242 for elongation, resp.). The failure mode for all specimens was suture\npulling through the cuff tendon. Conclusions. Our modified suture bridge technique (MSB) may provide enhanced biomechanical\nproperties when compared with medially knotted or knotless repair. Clinical Relevance. Our modified technique may represent a\npromising alternative in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.
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