2025 ISAKOS Congress in Munich, Germany

2025 ISAKOS Biennial Congress Paper


Biomechanical Evaluation of Ultra-High-Strength Suture Versus Thinner Tape in Vertical Inside-Out Meniscal Suture

José Leonardo Rocha De Faria , MD, MSc, Rio De Janeiro, RJ BRAZIL
Igor Farias de Araújo, MD, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro BRAZIL
Arthur Paiva Grimaldi Santos, M.Sc., Florianópolis, Santa Catarina BRAZIL
Douglas Mello Pavão, MD, MSc, PhD, Petrópolis, RJ BRAZIL
Ari Digiácomo Ocampo Moré, PhD, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina BRAZIL
Geraldo Rocha Motta Filho, MD, MSc, Rio de Janeiro, RJ BRAZIL
Joao ANTONIO MATHEUS GUIMARAES, RJ BRAZIL
Rodrigo Salim, MD,PhD, Ribeirao Preto, SP BRAZIL
Carlos Rodrigo De Mello Roesler, PhD, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina BRAZIL

Biomechanical engineering laboratory of Federal University of Santa Catarina, , Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, BRAZIL

FDA Status Cleared

Summary

The suture meniscus tape may offer superior initial stability, which is crucial for the healing process of meniscal tissue.

Abstract

Purpose

Meniscal injuries are common and can significantly affect the function of the knee joint. Surgical repair is often necessary, with meniscal preservation being preferable to meniscectomy. This study aimed to compare the biomechanical properties of ultra-high-strength suture and thinner tape used in vertical inside-out meniscal suture.

Methods

Twenty-eight porcine knees were selected for this controlled biomechanical evaluation in a laboratory setting. The knees were divided into two groups: Group S (vertical inside-out meniscal sutures using ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene [UHMWPE] suture) and Group T (vertical inside-out meniscal sutures using UHMWPE tape). A 1.5 cm longitudinal lesion was created in the lateral meniscus, followed by two vertical sutures on the femoral surface of the meniscus. Biomechanical analyses were performed using a testing machine, including cyclic loading tests and load-to-failure tests.

Results

The results showed no significant difference in lesion widening after cyclic testing or in load-to-failure between the two groups. However, the system stiffness at the 5th and 30th cycle was significantly higher in Group T compared to Group S. The system stiffness at maximum load-to-failure did not differ significantly between the groups. These findings suggest similar biomechanical behavior of the two materials under radial loads.

Conclusion

We conclude that both the meniscal suture tape and the ultra-high-strength suture exhibit similar biomechanical behaviors under radial loads, making both viable options for meniscal repair. However, the suture tape stood out by demonstrating significantly higher stiffness during the test cycles, which can offer more stable initial fixation. These results suggest that suture tape may be a superior alternative due to its initial stability, which is essential for the healing of meniscal tissue.