Comparing the Influence of Different Overhand/Underhand Stacking Combinations of Reversing Half-Hitches on Alternating Posts on Arthroscopic Knot Security

INTRODUCTION: Previous literature demonstrated the importance of stacking at least three reversing half-hitches on alternating posts (RHAPs) following arthroscopic knot placement. However, RHAPs construction involves looping the suture in either an “overhand” or an “underhand” manner as it relates to the post, which may affect knot security. This study investigated the presently unidentified influence of different stacking combinations of three RHAPs and suture material on arthroscopic knot security. METHODS: Four different RHAPs stacking combinations were tied with three different suture materials. Ten knots of each configuration were tied using each suture material, resulting in 120 evaluated knots. A single load-to-failure test was performed. The mode of failure and mean ultimate clinical failure load were recorded. RESULTS: Different overhand/underhand stacking combinations of three RHAPs had a statistically significant effect on arthroscopic knot strength and security; however, all combinations surpassed the minimum ultimate clinical failure threshold. Knots constructed with either Force Fiber(®) or braided fishing line had mean ultimate clinical failure loads of greater than 200 N and most commonly failed due to suture material breakage (100%, 60 – 80% respectively). Conversely, FiberWire(®) demonstrated lower mean ultimate clinical failure loads and had a higher incidence of elongated but intact failure (60 – 90%). CONCLUSION: Different overhand/underhand stacking combinations of three RHAPs yielded an arthroscopic knot capable of secure tissue fixation. A significant effect was observed for suture materials on the knot strength. This study increases our understanding of suitable RHAPs construction following arthroscopic knot placement that can lead to improving the ultimate clinical failure loads of constructed arthroscopic knots observed between orthopedic surgeons.