An ex vivo biomechanical comparison of two suture materials and two pattern combinations for equine superficial digital flexor tendon tenorrhaphy

Objective To compare biomechanical characteristics of three-loop pulley (3LP) pattern versus Bunnell technique (BT) using polydioxanone (PDS) suture; to determine the influence polyester tape (PT) PDS on BT for equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) tenorrhaphy; with PT 3LP PDS. Study Design Ex vivo study. Sample Population Forty forelimb SDFT. Methods Two experiments were performed: (1) 10 SDFT pairs repaired or PDS; (2) BT. Load at failure, mode load 2 mm gap, and gap failure obtained a material testing machine. Results In experiment 1, + PDS1 had higher loads (p < .001) .001), smaller than = .024). 2, PT2 larger .004) PDS2. mostly failed by suture/implant pull-through while suture breakage. greater .035) PDS1, no difference in .14). Conclusion The use may be justified over if combined PT. However, size required stab incisions placement was subjectively more difficult place Clinical Significance PT, although strongest among tested repairs, would only able withstand 12%–24% encountered walk.