Visualisation of Bioabsorbable Suture Anchors with Digital Projection Radiography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Abstract

Background: During the last few years bioabsorbable suture anchors have become widely established along side metallic suture anchors in orthopaedic surgery. However, there are still some difficulties in evaluating the postoperative situation after implanting bioabsorbable suture anchors. The aim of this study was to examine the visualisation of bioabsorbable suture anchors with digital projection radiography and magnetic resonance imaging. Materials and Methods: Ten Mitek-Anchor-Panalok (R) suture anchors made of polylactic acid were implanted in an ex-vivo animal study design. After implantation the specimens were examined with digital projection radiography and MRI. The analysis was performed with regard to the bony defects and the anchor material itself. Results: With digital projection radiography and MRI, it was possible to detect the bony defects after implantation of the anchors. The anchor material could not be visualised. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that neither digital projection radiography nor MRI is well suited for the detection of the bioabsorbable suture anchors in the postoperative situation. Whereas the bony defects can be well described, the anchors cannot be directly visualised. The visualisation of bioabsorbable anchors remains a clinical problem in orthopaedic surgery.