Biocorkscrew

Arthroscopic RCRs were performed by two orthopaedic surgeons, expert in the use of both metallic and biodegradable implants.
Patients underwent brachial plexus block (associated, in 21 patients, with general anaesthesia). RCRs were performed with patients in a lateral decubitus position and the affected arm at approximately 45° of abduction and 20° of forward flexion. Distraction of the shoulder joint was accomplished with 4.5 to 6.5 kg of traction. A diagnostic arthroscopy was made. Bleeding was controlled using radiofrequency and adrenalin mixed to the irrigation fluid. A subacromial decompression was performed in the presence of a type III Acromion.
Footprint of the greater tuberosity was abraded. RCR was performed placing one row of suture anchors double loaded with N° 2 Fiberwire (Corkscrew, Arthrex, Naples, FL) (Group 1) or (Biocorkscrew, Arthrex, Naples, FL) (Group 2) just in the lateral aspect of the footprint. The number of suture anchors varied with the size of the tear. We used 2 or 3 suture anchors with a single row technique in patients with a tear larger than 3 cm and 1 suture anchor in patients with a tear < of 3 cm.

Patient were positioned in lateral decubitus: the brachial plexus block, together with the general anaesthesia, were performed. The arm was suspended at 45° of abduction and 20° of forward flexion with 4.5 to 6.5 kg of traction.
The RC back was mobilized to its bone site of attachment employing a lateral portal and the footprint of the greater tuberosity was weared. One row of suture anchors double loaded with N° 2 Fiberwire (Corkscrew or Biocorkscrew, Arthrex, Naples, FL) were positioned in the lateral aspect of the footprint to perform the RC repair. The subacromial decompression, that consist of the subacromial bursectomy, the release of coraco-acromial ligament and of the antero-inferior acromioplasty was performed in all patients of Group 1, often because of acromion type III or acromial spurs or reduced subacromial space or acromioclavicular joint arthritis. In acromion type III, the most anterior portion of the acromion has a hooked shape with a subacromial spur. However, subacromial decompression was also performed in patients with subacromial spurs and without acromion type III.