AANA Lab Course 1002 -3rd Annual Fellows/Chief Residents-Non-CME presentation_ DePuy_Mitek Dynacord, Cory Edgar, M.D., Ph.D., Denver T. Stanfield, M.D.

Non-CME presentation_ DePuy_Mitek Dynacord, Cory Edgar, M.D., Ph.D., Denver T. Stanfield, M.D.

Pdf Summary

This industry-sponsored product demonstration, supported by DePuy/Mitek and hosted by the Orthopaedic Learning Center and AANA, highlights two innovative products for rotator cuff repair: the DYNACORD Suture and the HEALIX ADVANCE Self-Punching Anchor. Presented by surgeons Cory Edgar, MD, and Denver T. Stanfield, MD, the session introduces these products designed to improve surgical outcomes in soft tissue repair.<br /><br />DYNACORD Suture is engineered to minimize repair construct laxity during healing, featuring a unique design with inner and outer braided sheaths of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and polyester around a silicone/salt-filled core. Its mechanism involves salt elution creating a microporous, hydrating core that causes radial expansion and axial shortening (up to 20% radial expansion and 7% shortening), which dynamically tightens the suture to maintain tissue approximation and reduce loosening post-repair. This dynamic feature contrasts with traditional static ultra-strength sutures, theoretically improving healing by stabilizing the repair site.<br /><br />Clinical rationale stresses that healing quality directly correlates with better patient outcomes, yet re-tear rates post-rotator cuff repair remain high—averaging 26.6%. Studies show significant loss of tendon-to-bone contact pressure occurs shortly after repair with conventional sutures, suggesting that repair looseness is common. DYNACORD aims to address these issues by maintaining tension throughout healing.<br /><br />The HEALIX ADVANCE anchor complements DYNACORD by offering a self-punching, bio-compatible fixation device available in various sizes, capable of accommodating multiple sutures including DYNACORD and PERMATAPE. It leaves no metal behind and is designed for ease of use without requiring pre-drilling visualization.<br /><br />Animal studies demonstrated DYNACORD’s safety profile with no adverse tissue reactions or silicone migration and a 28% lower risk of suture-tissue interface damage (“cheesewiring”) compared to FiberWire, indicating reduced abrasiveness and potentially lower failure risk.<br /><br />Together, DYNACORD Suture and HEALIX ADVANCE Anchor represent a new standard aimed at enhancing soft tissue repair integrity, improving healing outcomes, and reducing failure rates in orthopedic surgeries, particularly rotator cuff repairs.

Keywords

DYNACORD Suture

HEALIX ADVANCE Anchor

rotator cuff repair

soft tissue repair

self-punching anchor

ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene

suture tension maintenance

surgical outcomes

re-tear rates

orthopedic surgery