Shear lag sutures: Improved suture repair through the use of adhesives

Stephen W. Linderman, Ioannis Kormpakis, Richard H. Gelberman, Victor Birman, Ulrike G.K. Wegst, Stavros Thomopoulos, Guy M. Genin

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Conventional surgical suture is mechanically limited by the ability of the suture to transfer load to tissue at suture anchor points. Sutures coated with adhesives can improve mechanical load transfer beyond the range of performance of existing suture methods, thereby strengthening orthopaedic repairs and decreasing the risk of failure. The mechanical properties of suitable adhesives were identified using a shear lag model. Examination of the design space for an optimal adhesive demonstrated requirements for strong adhesion and low stiffness to maximize strength. As a proof of concept, cyanoacrylate-coated sutures were used to perform a clinically relevant flexor digitorum profundus tendon repair in cadaver tissue. Even with this non-ideal adhesive, the maximum load resisted by repaired cadaveric canine flexor tendon increased by ∼ 17.0% compared to standard repairs without adhesive. To rapidly assess adhesive binding to tendon, we ad-ditionally developed a lap shear test method using bovine deep digital flexor tendons as the adherends. Further study is needed to develop a strongly adherent, compliant adhesive within the optimal design space described by the model.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationBiomedical and Biotechnology Engineering
PublisherAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
ISBN (Electronic)9780791850534
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016
EventASME 2016 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, IMECE 2016 - Phoenix, United States
Duration: Nov 11 2016Nov 17 2016

Publication series

NameASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, Proceedings (IMECE)
Volume3

Conference

ConferenceASME 2016 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, IMECE 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPhoenix
Period11/11/1611/17/16

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