Abstract
BACKGROUND: Biomechanical testing for tendon repair using new generation tapes at time zero showed superior mechanical strength and higher load to failure compared to conventional sutures. The aim of this study was to determine if the biomechanical advantage of UltraTape would translate into a better repair integrity and higher functional outcome in the clinical setting. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 81 matched consecutive patients (suture group, n = 53; tape group, n = 28) with a cuff tear size greater than 1.5*1 cm² (antero-posterior * medio-lateral diameters) repaired by a single senior surgeon. RESULTS: 6-months post-surgery, no significant difference in retear rates between the tape and the suture groups (control) (25%;7/28)(15%;8/53)(P = 0.3) respectively. Clinically, lift-off strength (48 ± 6) was significantly higher in the tape group compared to the suture group (39 ± 4)(P < 0.01). Frequency of pain on activity (1.2 ± 0.4), the level of pain at rest (0.2 ± 0.1), passive internal rotation (7 ± 1) and the overall satisfaction of patients about their shoulders (2 ± 0.4) were significantly lower in the tape group compared to the suture group (1.8 ± 0.3)(0.5 ± 0.1)(10 ± 1)(3.5 ± 0.1)(P < 0.01). Operative time was significantly higher in the tape group (35 ± 2.9 min) compared to the suture group (20 ± 1.4 min) (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: 6 months post cuff repair, the combination of an UltraTape with conventional sutures did not reduce the re-tear rate. Additionally, despite showing higher shoulder lift-off strength, lower level of shoulder pain at rest and lower frequency of shoulder pain on activity, the UltraTape/Sutures combination prolonged the time needed for repair, reduced shoulder internal rotation level and lowered the patients' overall satisfaction about their shoulders.