UltraTape and sutures combination versus conventional sutures in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a 6-month retrospective matched cohort study

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...

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Main Authors: Ala’ Hawa, James Bilbrough, Christyon Hayek, Mina Shenouda, George A. C. Murrell
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-07-01
Series:Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-025-05860-7
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author Ala’ Hawa
James Bilbrough
Christyon Hayek
Mina Shenouda
George A. C. Murrell
author_facet Ala’ Hawa
James Bilbrough
Christyon Hayek
Mina Shenouda
George A. C. Murrell
author_sort Ala’ Hawa
collection DOAJ
description 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.
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spelling doaj-art-8b8d3a55706041498a2dabd04e9ba5782025-08-20T03:43:10ZengBMCJournal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research1749-799X2025-07-0120111210.1186/s13018-025-05860-7UltraTape and sutures combination versus conventional sutures in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a 6-month retrospective matched cohort studyAla’ Hawa0James Bilbrough1Christyon Hayek2Mina Shenouda3George A. C. Murrell4Department of Surgery, Orthopedics Division, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk UniversitySt George Hospital Campus, Orthopedic Research Institute, University of New South WalesSt George Hospital Campus, Orthopedic Research Institute, University of New South WalesSt George Hospital Campus, Orthopedic Research Institute, University of New South WalesSt George Hospital Campus, Orthopedic Research Institute, University of New South WalesAbstract 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.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-025-05860-7Rotator cuff tearSingle-rowUltraTapeSutureRotator cuff repairRe-tear
spellingShingle Ala’ Hawa
James Bilbrough
Christyon Hayek
Mina Shenouda
George A. C. Murrell
UltraTape and sutures combination versus conventional sutures in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a 6-month retrospective matched cohort study
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research
Rotator cuff tear
Single-row
UltraTape
Suture
Rotator cuff repair
Re-tear
title UltraTape and sutures combination versus conventional sutures in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a 6-month retrospective matched cohort study
title_full UltraTape and sutures combination versus conventional sutures in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a 6-month retrospective matched cohort study
title_fullStr UltraTape and sutures combination versus conventional sutures in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a 6-month retrospective matched cohort study
title_full_unstemmed UltraTape and sutures combination versus conventional sutures in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a 6-month retrospective matched cohort study
title_short UltraTape and sutures combination versus conventional sutures in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a 6-month retrospective matched cohort study
title_sort ultratape and sutures combination versus conventional sutures in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair a 6 month retrospective matched cohort study
topic Rotator cuff tear
Single-row
UltraTape
Suture
Rotator cuff repair
Re-tear
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-025-05860-7
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