A standard 4-anchor repair technique for a supraspinatus tendon tear is represented. The proximal humerus is visualized from a superior-lateral viewpoint. The greater tuberosity and lesser tuberosity are labeled. When preparing the tendon for repair, we prefer to use 2 medial-row anchors that are double loaded with suture tape and 2 lateral-row anchors. (A) The anteriormedial anchor (2) and the posterior-medial anchor (1) are placed 1 to 1.5 cm apart at the articular margin. The placement of the anterior-lateral anchor (4) and posterior-lateral anchor (3) is also labeled. (B) The supraspinatus tendon is reduced by individually passing both suture tapes from the anterior-medial anchor (C, D) and posterior-medial anchor (A, B). The sutures are passed at an equal distance from each other through the tendon from deep to superficial. The most anterior suture from the anterior-medial anchor (D) and posterior-medial anchor (B) is then inserted into the anterior-lateral anchor (4). This is repeated with the posterior suture of the anterior-medial anchor (C) and posterior-medial anchor (A), with insertion into the posteriorlateral anchor (3). (C) Arthroscopic image of a right supraspinatus rotator cuff repair viewed through a lateral viewing portal.

Context in source publication

Context 1

... alternating sutures from the medial-row anchors are retrieved from the lateral portal and passed through the eyelets of 2 additional 4.75-mm SwiveLock anchors, which are designated to the lateral row (Fig 4). An awl is used to create the sockets for the anchors, which are positioned lateral to the footprint in the greater tuberosity. ...