The pullout force for Mitek mini and micro suture anchor systems in human mandibular condyles

Abstract

Purpose: This study examines the pullout forces and the modes of pullout for the Mitek mini and micro suture anchor systems (Mitek Inc., Norwood, MA) when inserted into the posterior aspect of the condyle.

Material and methods: Twenty mandibular condyles were obtained from embalmed human cadavers. A mini anchor and a smaller micro anchor were threaded with braided size 0 and 3-0 polyester suture, respectively, and placed in the posterior aspect of each condyle. Pullout testing was performed using an Instron materials testing machine. The force and mode of pullout were recorded for each specimen.

Results: The findings indicate a significantly greater mean pullout force of 16.02 lbs for the larger mini anchor system as compared with the 10.57 lbs mean pullout force of the micro anchor system. The modes of pullout between these implants were also different. Intact mini suture anchor systems pulled through the cortical bone in 90% of the trials, and suture breakage occurred in 10%. The micro anchors were irreversibly deformed on pullout in 65% of the trials, whereas the suture broke in 25% of the trials, and the intact suture anchor system pulled through the cortical bone in 10%.

Conclusions: The Mitek mini anchor system has a significantly greater pullout force from the mandibular condyle than the micro anchor system.