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A Biomechanical and Ease of Learning Comparison Study of Arthroscopic Sliding Knots

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Abstract

Introduction

This study aims to compare the biomechanical properties and ease of learning and tying of our novel knot (UM Knot) with other commonly used arthroscopic sliding knots.

Materials and methods

The Duncan, HU, SMC, Pretzel, Nicky’s and square knots were selected for comparisons with UM knot. All knots were prepared with size 2 HiFi® suture by a single experienced surgeon and tested with cyclic loading and load to failure tests. The ease of learning was assessed objectively by recording the time to learn the first correct knot and the total number of knots completed in 5 min by surgeons and trainees.

Results

The UM knot average failure load is significantly superior to the HU knot (p < 0.05) and comparable to Duncan, SMC, Pretzel and Nicky’s knots. According to the ease of learning assessment, UM, Duncan, SMC, Pretzel and Nicky’s knots took statistically less time to learn than the HU knot. Although not significant, the failure count due to slippage is fewer in UM knot compared with other knots.

Conclusions

This study showed that UM knot is among the easiest knot to learn and tie, along with Duncan, SMC, Pretzel and Nicky’s knots. Their biomechanical properties are comparable and their loads to failure were superior to the HU knot.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the laboratory technician from biomechanics laboratory, Department of Orthopaedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya for their contribution to the success of this research. We would also like to thank Mr. Saravana Ramalingam for the statistical analysis support.

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None.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, National Orthopaedic Centre for Research and Learning (NOCERAL), Lembah Pantai, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    Seow Hui Teo, Wuey Min Ng, Mohd Rashdan Abd Rahim, Mohamed Zubair Mohamed Al-Fayyadh & Mohamed Razif Mohamed Ali

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  1. Seow Hui Teo
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  2. Wuey Min Ng
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  3. Mohd Rashdan Abd Rahim
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  4. Mohamed Zubair Mohamed Al-Fayyadh
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  5. Mohamed Razif Mohamed Ali
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Contributions

Concepts: SHT, WMN, MZMA, MRMA. Design: SHT, WMN, MZMA, MRMA. Literature search: SHT, WMN, MRAR, MZMA, MRMA. Experimental studies: SHT, WMN. Data acquisition: SHT, WMN. Data analysis: SHT, WMN, MRAR. Statistical analysis: SHT, MRAR. Manuscript preparation: SHT, WMN, MRAR. Manuscript editing: SHT, MRAR. Manuscript review: SHT, WMN, MRAR, MZMA, MRMA.

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Correspondence to Seow Hui Teo.

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Teo, S.H., Ng, W.M., Abd Rahim, M.R. et al. A Biomechanical and Ease of Learning Comparison Study of Arthroscopic Sliding Knots. JOIO 54, 168–173 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43465-019-00024-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s43465-019-00024-2

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