Knotless suture-based anchors

Rotator cuff repair, labral repair, and stabilizations are commonly performed procedures in the shoulder. Until the last decade these were usually performed using open or mini-open techniques. Recent advances in surgical techniques allow most of these procedures to be done arthroscopically. Original arthroscopic techniques required the use of suture anchors and arthroscopic knot tying. The newest generation of arthroscopic fixation devices utilizes knotless suture-based anchors which eliminate the need for knot tying. These devices are relatively new to the market and afford the surgeon the ability to achieve a stable repair while bypassing the often time-consuming and frustrating task of tying arthroscopic knots. An understanding of the selection of such devices and their biomechanical parameters is important for those contemplating arthroscopic repairs. In this article we review the knotless suture-based anchors available for use in both labral and rotator cuff arthroscopic surgery. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.