Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Suture and Tape Show Similar Biomechanical Properties in Inside-Out Repair of Lateral Meniscus Tears in a Porcine Model

Abstract

Purpose

To compare the stiffness, laxity, and failure rate of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) suture to suture tape measuring 0.15 × 1 mm used in 2 vertical inside-out suture points for the treatment of longitudinal meniscal lesions.

Methods

Twenty-eight porcine knees were selected for this controlled biomechanical evaluation in a laboratory setting. The knees were divided into 2 groups: group S (vertical inside-out meniscal sutures using UHMWPE suture) and group T (vertical inside-out meniscal sutures using UHMWPE tape). A 1.5-cm longitudinal lesion was created in the lateral meniscus, followed by 2 vertical sutures on the femoral surface of the meniscus. Biomechanical analyses were performed using a testing machine, including cyclic loading tests and load-to-failure tests.

Results

Stiffness at the 5th cycle was 21.1 ± 1.8 N/mm for group T and 19.2 ± 2.0 N/mm for group S (P = .013). At the 30th cycle, stiffness was 26.1 ± 2.5 N/mm for group T and 23.1 ± 2.4 N/mm for group S (P = .003). At ultimate load to failure, stiffness was 26.5 ± 1.6 N/mm for group CS and 25.0 ± 1.6 N/mm for group T (P = .918). The results showed no significant difference in lesion widening after cyclic testing or in load-to-failure between the 2 groups.

Conclusions

Both the meniscal suture tape and the ultra-high strength suture exhibit similar biomechanical behaviors under radial loads, making both viable options for meniscal repair. The suture tape demonstrated significantly greater stiffness during the test cycles, which can offer more stable initial fixation. However, the actual differences were small, which limits the clinical relevance of the findings.

Clinical Relevance

The findings of this study provide evidence that, compared with UHMWPE suture, suture tape may offer superior initial stability, which is crucial for the healing process of meniscal tissue.