2022 journal article

Loop diameter of a modified Kessler locking-loop suture affects in vitro tensile strength and gapping characteristics of canine flexor tendon repairs

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY RESEARCH, 83(9).

co-author countries: United States of America 🇺🇸
MeSH headings : Animals; Biomechanical Phenomena; Cadaver; Dogs; Suture Techniques / veterinary; Tendon Injuries / surgery; Tendon Injuries / veterinary; Tensile Strength
Source: Web Of Science
Added: August 1, 2022

Abstract OBJECTIVE To evaluate effects of loop diameter of a modified Kessler locking-loop (LL) suture on in vitro tensile strength and gapping characteristics of canine flexor tendon repairs. SAMPLE 48 cadaveric superficial digital flexor tendons from 24 adult medium- to large-breed dogs. PROCEDURES Flexor tendons were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n = 12/group) and repaired with 2-0 polypropylene in a LL pattern with loops measuring 1, 2, 3, or 4 mm in diameter. Biomechanical loads, gap formation between tendon ends, and failure modes were evaluated and compared between groups. RESULTS Increasing loop diameter from 1 to 4 mm significantly increased yield ( P = .048), peak ( P < .001), and failure ( P < .001) loads. There were no significant differences in yield, peak, and failure loads between 1- and 2-mm loops. Load to 3-mm gap formation was significantly ( P < .001) greater for 4-mm loops, compared with 1-, 2-, and 3-mm loops. Failure mode did not differ significantly among experimental groups, with 46 of 48 (96%) of constructs failing because of suture breakage. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Loop diameter of a LL suture pattern is an important biomechanical variable that influences construct biomechanics of canine tendon suture repairs. Loop diameters > 3 mm are recommended when the size of the tendon allows. Further studies are necessary to determine the in vivo effect of these findings, particularly the effects on tendon blood supply.