Biomechanical Comparison of FiberLock Suspensionplasty and Flexor Carpi Radialis Ligament Reconstruction for Treatment of Thumb Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the cyclic and load to failure characteristics of post-trapeziectomy suspensionplasty with the FiberLock Suspension System (FLSS; Arthrex Inc., Naples, Florida) to flexor carpi radialis ligament reconstruction (FCRLR). We hypothesized that the FLSS will have increased stiffness, yield, and ultimate load compared with FCRLR. Methods: Ten matched pairs of cadaveric hands were used. One side of each pair was randomly assigned to receive the FCRLR or FLSS and the contralateral side received the other suspensionplasty. A complete trapeziectomy was performed followed by FLSS or FCRLR. Cyclic and load to failure characteristics were measured with loading in the distal to proximal direction. A preload of 1 N with 30 cycles of 1 N to 10 N was applied, followed by load to failure. A paired t test was used for statistical analysis (P < .05). Results: The FLSS had significantly decreased nonrecoverable deformation and deformation at peak load during cyclic loading (P < .04). The FLSS also had significantly increased stiffness, yield load, ultimate load, and load and energy absorbed at 10 mm displacement compared with FCRLR (P < .04). All 10 FCRLR specimens failed with suture tearing through the tendon. Nine FLSS specimens failed due to suture slipping from the SwiveLock anchor (Arthrex Inc., Naples, Florida) and 1 failed due to the FiberTak anchor (Arthrex Inc., Naples, Florida) pulling through the index metacarpal. Conclusion: Suspensionplasty with the FLSS demonstrated greater structural integrity compared with FCRLR following trapeziectomy. The FLSS procedure may result in decreased thumb subsidence and decreased construct failure.