Comparison of Implant Type, Number and Cost, Suture Number, Surgical Time, Clinical Outcomes of Arthroscopic Double-Pulley Suture-Bridge and Single-Row in Repair Supraspinatus Tendon Tears: A Novel Suture-Bridge Technique

Abstract Purpose To compare implant type, number and cost, suture number, surgical time, and clinical outcomes between arthroscopic supraspinatus tendon repair using double-pulley suture-bridge (DPSB) and single-row (SR). Methods From December 2016 to August 2022, 87 patients who underwent arthroscopic repair of supraspinatus tendon with either DPSB ( n = 46) or SR ( n = 41) were included. Implant type, number and cost, suture number, and surgical time were compared. Clinical outcomes were evaluated with visual analog scale (VAS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) scores, and range of motion (ROM). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound was used to assess structural integrity of the tendon. Results Suture anchors were the sole implant used in DPSB and SR groups; the surgical costs of DPSB group ($1092) and SR group ($1080) were of no significant difference; the implant cost, the suture number, and the surgical time were of no significant difference. At 24 months of follow-up, VAS, ASES, and UCLA scores and ROM were statistically improved in both groups; however, there were statistical differences between both groups in clinical outcomes of VAS, ASES, UCLA scores and forward flexion, abduction, and internal rotation. On the follow-up of MRI or ultrasound, the overall re-tear rate was 15.6% in DPSB group and 27.2% in SR group at 6 months postoperatively. Conclusions DPSB is a novel surgical technique of suture-bridge. Suture anchors were the sole implant used in DPSB and SR groups; DPSB and SR groups achieved comparable implant number and cost, surgical time, and suture number; however, the clinical outcomes of DPSB group were significantly better than SR group, and the re-tear rate of DPSB group was lower than SR group. Level of evidence Level III, retrospective control study.