Standardization of test methodology: a comparison between three suture anchors

Abstract

Suture anchors have been used successfully in many applications in orthopedics. They have been in the forefront of research in the recent years. Most of the studies, though, have focused on human suture anchors. This research concentrates on the veterinary aspect of suture anchors. Currently, there is no standardization of testing methods. One of the objectives of this research is to develop a standardized method of testing that is clinically relevant, at least for veterinary use. Another objective of this research is to compare the durability of three commercial suture anchors manufactured by Innovative Animal Products, Securos Veterinary Orthopedic Inc. and IMEXTM by comparing their pullout loads after cyclic loading. This research also aims to determine whether suture anchor failure due to eyelet cut-out or suture wear-out resulting from the sharp edges of the eyelet is the major cause of failure of bone-suture anchor-bone complexes. Cyclic loading of suture anchors during testing for durability has not been used previously even though such loading plays an important role in determining the stability of the bone-suture anchor-bone construct. The response of the construct to this type of testing followed by pullout tests has been explored in this research.