The authors found a substantially decreased risk of these injuries associated with collagen type I alpha1 Sp1 polymorphism. The study might encourage other investigators to consider further research in the area of genes and soft tissue injuries.
Background Secure healing of soft tissue to bone is a prerequisite for many orthopedic operations. This healing can be achieved either by pressing the tissue against the bone (press fixation) or by suturing the soft tissue to the bone (point fixation).Experiments and findings We tested the hypothesis that point fixation of soft tissue to bone results in better mechanical properties than press fixation. 10 skeletally mature New Zealand White rabbits were operated on bilaterally at the knees. The medial collateral ligaments were fixated to the bone just above the original insertion on the tibia. Two types of plates were used for this purpose, one with flat undersurface (left knee) and the other one with a pegged undersurface (right knee). The pegged plate was thought to mimic fixation achieved with suture anchors. After 4 weeks, mechanical testing revealed an almost doubled force at failure, stiffness and energy uptake in the knees operated with the pegged plates.Interpretation Suture anchors or devices with a pegged undersurface are better for soft tissue fixation to bone than devices with a flat surface, such as screws with washers or staples.
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