Abstract
Background
Instability is one of the most common complications after total hip arthroplasty (THA), particularly when using the posterior approach. Repair of the posterior capsule has proven to significantly decrease the incidence of posterior hip dislocation. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate if braided polyblend suture provides a stronger repair of the posterior soft tissues when compared to a non-absorbable suture repair after a posterior approach to the hip.
Methods
Ten cadaveric hips from donors who were a mean (and standard deviation) of 80 ± 9 years old at the time of death were evaluated after posterior soft tissue repair utilizing two different techniques. Five specimens were repaired using no. 2 non-absorbable sutures while five specimens had a repair utilizing braided polyblend suture with a rucking hitch knot technique. Cadaveric specimens were matched based upon age, sex, and laterality. Biomechanical tensile testing using the Instron E10000 Mechanical Testing System and the mechanism of failure were assessed.
Results
The ultimate load to failure was three times higher using braided polyblend suture (390.00 ± 129.08 N) compared to non-absorbable sutures (122.81 ± 82.41 N) after posterior soft tissue repair (P<.01). In the braided polyblend suture cohort, the mechanism of failure occurred as the braided suture pulled through the posterior soft tissues. However, in the non-absorbable suture repair, failure took part at the suture knot.
Conclusion
The use of our braided polyblend suture technique provides for a stronger repair of the posterior soft tissues when compared to non-absorbable suture repair following a posterior approach to the hip joint.
