Editorial Commentary: Stronger and Faster Suture Configuration-But Is It Better? Challenges of Surgical Innovation in the Modern Era.

Abstract

When evaluating the characteristics of a new surgical technique, it is important to consider practical effects of the technique on clinical practice, as it would be inappropriate to advocate for cost-prohibitive or excessively time-consuming methods, even if biomechanically superior. The Krackow stitch has long been considered the gold standard for suture-graft fixation; potential limitations with this technique include the risk of needle sticks to the surgical team and the time required to perform the stitch. A new proprietary method (SpeedTrap, DePuy-Mitek, Raynham, MA) offers a significantly faster solution with equivalent or better biomechanics; however, elongation of the suture-graft construct is still a concern, and the cost effectiveness remains unclear. Regardless, we are fortunate to be practicing in an era when we can have great appreciation for the problem-solving innovations of surgeons who practiced in prior decades as well as witness the continued effort to optimize clinical outcomes now and in the future.

• Authors: Michael P McCabe
• Journal: Arthroscopy : the journal of arthroscopic & related surgery : official publication of the Arthroscopy Association of North America and the International Arthroscopy Association (Arthroscopy) Vol. 35 Issue 4 Pg. 1170-1171 (04 2019) ISSN: 1526-3231 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 30954110 (Publication Type: Editorial, Comment)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2019 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Biomechanical Phenomena
• Suture Techniques
• Sutures
• Tendons (surgery)
• Traction
• Transplants