Optimization of tissue anchoring performance and mechanical properties of barbed sutures for flexor tendons repair

Abstract

Aim: The ideal flexor tendon repair should be reliable, simple and strong enough without impairing the tendon healing. Based on these requirements, we have imagined the use of a single barbed intra-tendinous suture for stumps connection. The aim of our research is to quantify the stress that the suture and barbs should withstand in order to ensure perfect stumps connections.

Methods: Seven different cross-section sutures were selected for the research study. One circular and 6 different elliptical shapes were defined according to the ratio of their minor and major axes (ρ = b/a). Barbs were designed with 3 different depths and 3 different cut angles. Thus, 9 different situations were considered for each suture geometry. Finally, 2 loading conditions were applied on each barb and tested in ANSYS Workbench using a finite element analysis technique.

Results: Studies showed that a barbed suture with 0.18-mm depth, 150˚ cut angle and ρ = 3 produced the lowest stresses within the barb itself, while a barbed suture with 0.18-mm depth, 160˚ cut angle and ρ = 4 demonstrated lowest stress within the entire suture.

Conclusion: The stress values in these two configurations are observed to be very close and both can fit a single barbed suture for tendon insertion and repair.

Keywords

Flexor tendon / hand / suture / finger / sheath / pulley / barb

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