Soft Anchors for Rotator Cuff Repair: A Review.

JBJS Rev · Feb 01 2023 · Review

Pak T, Menendez ME, Hwang S, Ardebol J, Ghayyad K, Denard PJ

Oregon Shoulder Institute, Medford, Oregon

Sports Medicine Shoulder & Elbow

SUMMARY — THE REDUCTIONReview finds all-suture (soft) anchors perform comparably to hard body anchors biomechanically and clinically in rotator cuff repair, with smaller footprint and easier revision; perianchor cysts occur with both, and vertical insertion angles are favored.
Abstract, as published

»: All-suture anchors or so-called "soft" anchors, initially adapted for labral repairs, have increased in popularity for use in rotator cuff repair because of their smaller size, decreased occupation of the footprint, improved points of fixation, ease of use, and ease of revision.

»: In limited series, soft anchors have demonstrated equivalent biomechanical and clinical performance compared with hard body anchors for rotator cuff repair.

»: Perianchor cyst formation can occur with both hard body and soft anchors.

»: Biomechanical and clinical data support aiming for vertical angles of insertion for soft anchors.

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