Arthroscopic transosseous (anchorless) rotator cuff repair

Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2012 Jun;20(6):1031-5. doi: 10.1007/s00167-011-1725-4. Epub 2011 Oct 20.

Abstract

The traditional open transosseous rotator cuff repair gives excellent results for the fixation of tendon to bone and has represented the gold standard for rotator cuff surgery with excellent long-term results. In the last few years, different arthroscopic techniques using suture anchors have been developed to increase the tendon-bone contact area in an attempt to reconstitute a more anatomic configuration of the rotator cuff footprint while providing a better environment for tendon healing. However, the anchor-based techniques have still not replicated the traditional open transosseous repair. A surgical technique that allows surgeons to perform a standardized arthroscopic transosseous (anchor free) repair of rotator cuff tears using a new disposable device is described. With this system, it is possible to perform a transosseous technique in a reproducible fashion. This novel technique combines the clinical advantages of minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery and the biomechanical advantages of open transosseous procedures.

Level of evidence: V.

MeSH terms

  • Arthroscopy / instrumentation
  • Arthroscopy / methods*
  • Humans
  • Rotator Cuff / surgery
  • Rotator Cuff Injuries*
  • Suture Anchors
  • Suture Techniques* / instrumentation
  • Tendon Injuries / surgery*