Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that is commonly used to diagnose and treat a wide range of shoulder conditions, including rotator cuff tears, labral tears, and shoulder instability. One of the most common injuries among athletes and individuals who engage in repetitive overhead activities is the partial or complete detachment of ligaments, tendons, and other soft tissues from their associated bones.
Implants used during shoulder arthroscopy
Implants are used during shoulder arthroscopy to repair or reconstruct damaged or diseased tissue. They are typically made of metal or plastic and can be permanent or temporary. The most common types of shoulder implants include:
Anchors- These are used to attach sutures or soft tissue to bone. They are made of metal or bioabsorbable materials that gradually break down over time.
Screws- These are used to fixate bone fractures or to secure implants in place. They can be made of metal or bioabsorbable materials.
Plates- These are used to stabilize bone fractures or to reinforce weakened bone. They are typically made of metal and can be permanent or temporary.
Interference screws: These are used to anchor ligaments or tendons to bone. They are made of bioabsorbable materials and gradually break down over time.
Suture anchor fixation for shoulder arthroscopy
When it comes to repairing these injuries, suture anchor fixation is one of the most important innovations in arthroscopic surgery. Suture anchors are small devices that are implanted into the bone and used to secure and stabilize soft tissue in the bone. The original suture anchor was developed over three decades ago and has undergone numerous modifications in terms of design, material used, and size.
Suture anchor fixation is particularly beneficial in the surgical repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears. Rotator cuff tears occur when the tendons that attach the rotator cuff muscles to the bone become detached. Suture anchors can be used to reattach these tendons to the bone, which helps to restore the function and stability of the shoulder joint. Compared to other fixation devices such as staples, screws, and tacks, suture anchors are associated with decreased bone damage, making them an attractive option for arthroscopic shoulder surgery.
One end of the suture is tied to the soft tissue and the other end to the device which anchors the suture to the bone.
Major components of suture anchors
Suture anchors are a type of medical device that is used to attach soft tissue, such as ligaments and tendons, to bone. They are made up of three main components: the anchor, the eyelet, and the suture.
1. The Anchor
The anchor is the main component of the suture anchor and is a conical screw-like structure that is inserted into the bone. The anchor is typically made of metal or biodegradable material such as polylactic acid (PLA) or polyglycolic acid (PGA). The size and shape of the anchor can vary depending on the specific application and the size of the bone being treated. The anchor is designed to provide a stable base for the suture to attach to, ensuring that the soft tissue is securely fixed to the bone.
2. The Eyelet
The eyelet is a loop in the anchor that links the anchor to the suture. it is usually made of the same material as the anchor, and its size and shape can vary depending on the size and type of suture being used. The eyelet is designed to allow the suture to pass through it easily, allowing for quick and efficient attachment of the suture to the anchor.
3. The Suture
The suture is a thread-like material that is attached to the anchor through the eyelet. The suture can be made of either biodegradable or non-absorbable material, depending on the specific application and the surgeon’s preference. Biodegradable sutures are designed to be absorbed by the body over time, while non-absorbable sutures are designed to remain in place indefinitely. The size and type of suture can vary depending on the specific application and the size of the soft tissue being treated. The suture is designed to provide a secure attachment of the soft tissue to the anchor, ensuring that the tissue remains firmly attached to the bone.
Suture anchors are made up of three main components – the anchor, the eyelet, and the suture. The anchor is a conical screw-like structure that is inserted into the bone, providing a stable base for the suture to attach to. The eyelet is a loop in the anchor that links the anchor to the suture, allowing for efficient attachment of the suture to the anchor. The suture is a thread-like material that is attached to the anchor through the eyelet, providing a secure attachment of the soft tissue to the bone.
Types of Suture anchors
Suture anchors come in a variety of styles, dimensions, set-ups, and materials. Suture anchors come in two main categories:
Bio-absorbable Sutures
Commonly found in many of the body’s interior tissues. In ten to four weeks, the tissue will break down these sutures. These are employed when there is no need to leave a foreign object within the body because the wounds heal quickly. The least likely fixation device to result in complications after surgery is absorbable suture anchors.
Sports medicine operations are increasingly using biodegradable suture anchors.
Non-absorbable Sutures
Very few situations call for non-absorbable sutures. The body does not metabolize this particular form of suture. Non-absorbable sutures should be used in situations when the body needs longer time to mend, such as the heart and blood vessels. However, absorbable suture anchors are frequently chosen in shoulder procedures over non-absorbable ones since the latter can have a coconut scraper effect if an implant is dislodged, which can have major arthritic effects because it scrapes the bone. These suture anchors are made of metal or plastic.
Implant material of shoulder arthroscopy system
In shoulder arthroscopy, the implant material used can vary depending on the type of surgery and the preference of the surgeon. Common implant materials used in shoulder arthroscopy include metal, bio-absorbable materials, and non-absorbable materials.
Metal implants, such as screws and anchors, are typically made of titanium or stainless steel. These materials are strong and durable, making them suitable for use in high-stress areas of the shoulder. However, metal implants can sometimes cause discomfort, and there is a risk of allergic reaction in some patients.
Bio-absorbable materials, such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polyglycolic acid (PGA), are becoming increasingly popular in shoulder arthroscopy. These materials are broken down by the body over time, reducing the risk of long-term complications. Bio-absorbable materials are often used in procedures such as rotator cuff repairs.
Non-absorbable materials, such as polyethylene and nylon, are also used in shoulder arthroscopy. These materials are strong and durable, but they do not break down over time. Non-absorbable materials are often used in procedures such as labral repairs and stabilization surgeries.
Benefits of shoulder arthroscopy systems and implants
Shoulder arthroscopy systems and implants offer several benefits over traditional open surgery. These include:
Minimally invasive- Arthroscopy requires only small incisions, which reduces pain and scarring and speeds up recovery time.
Improved visualization- The arthroscope provides a clear view of the inside of the joint, allowing the surgeon to identify and treat problems more accurately.
Reduced risk of complications- Because arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure, there is a lower risk of infection, bleeding, and other complications.
Faster recovery- Patients who undergo arthroscopy typically have a faster recovery time and can return to their normal activities sooner than those who undergo traditional open surgery.
In a nutshell
Zealmax Ortho is a leading manufacturing and exporting company in the medical industry, specializing in shoulder arthroscopy systems and implants. These tools are essential for minimally invasive shoulder surgery and offer numerous benefits over traditional open surgery. By manufacturing and exporting high-quality shoulder arthroscopy systems and implants, Zealmax Ortho is helping to advance medical technology and improve patient outcomes.
