The Biomechanical Properties of a High-Tensile Strength Tape for Tendon Graft Fixation Using the Krackow Configuration

PURPOSE: To compare the biomechanical properties of a high-tensile strength suture with the high-tensile strength tape for tendon graft fixation. METHODS: A total of 24 porcine tendons were used and were randomly divided into 2 groups. Two kinds of suture materials, a braided nonabsorbable high-strength suture (group S) and a high-tensile strength tape (group T), were used to complete 3 pairs of Krackow stitches on the tendons. Each specimen was pretensioned to 100 N for 3 cycles, cyclically loaded from 50 to 200 N for 200 cycles, and finally loaded to failure. Elongation after cyclic loading, ultimate failure load, and the mode of failure were recorded. RESULTS: The elongation after cyclic loading between group S (26% ± 5%) and group T (24% ± 5%) were not significantly different (P = .378). The ultimate failure loads in group T (400 ± 38 N) were significantly greater than those in group S (358 ± 21 N) (P = .010). All specimens failed because of suture material breakage. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the braided nonabsorbable high-strength suture, the high-tensile strength tape had similar elongation values after cyclic loading, but significantly greater ultimate failure load in this porcine in vitro biomechanical model. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A secure suture-tendon construct is especially important when a post-tie fixation technique is used because the mitigating construct may potentially lead to graft loosening and affect graft healing.