SCOI Row Technique Versus Double-Row Suture Bridge Technique for Repairing Rotator Cuff Tears: A Biomechanical and Histological Study in Rabbits

Abstract

Background: The double-row suture bridge (SB) is an effective technique for rotator cuff repair. However, because of high-tension sutures and tendon vascular insufficiency, nonunion or retearing of the rotator cuff after SB repair is common. The low-tension suture and microfracture features of the SCOI Row (SR) technique may help address these issues. Purpose: To compare the biomechanical and histological outcomes of SR and SB techniques in treating rotator cuff tears in rabbits. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: The study utilized a model of acute bilateral supraspinatus tendon tears in the shoulders of 42 New Zealand rabbits. The tear was randomly repaired using either the SR or SB technique on the left or right shoulder. Twelve rabbits were euthanized at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after surgery. Six rabbits were assigned for histological evaluation, while the other 6 were designated for biomechanical testing. Six of the original 42 animals were exclusively allocated for preliminary biomechanical testing at the 0-week time point. Results: At 8 weeks after surgery, all mended tendons were successfully attached to the footprint region of the greater tubercle without any postoperative complications. In comparison with the SB group, the SR group exhibited superior histological tendon-bone healing characterized by enhanced fibrocartilage regeneration, collagen composition, and fibrous tissue structure. The biomechanical results of the SR group exhibited superior performance compared with the SB group at both the 0- and 8-week postoperative assessments. Conclusions: Both repair techniques have demonstrated effectiveness in the rabbit rotator cuff tear model. Nevertheless, when compared with SB, SR demonstrates superior advantages in enhancing biomechanical properties and histological tendon-bone healing. Clinical Relevance: This study proposes that the SR technique could serve as a viable treatment alternative for rotator cuff tears in humans, as it can improve tendon-bone healing and decrease the incidence of failed healing.