Engineering Commons^™

Design And Testing Of A Sheath Device To Secure Rotator Cuff Anchors In Osteoporotic Bone, Alissa Smith

Masters Theses

A rotator cuff tear is a common injury that affects many elderly people. These tears vary in severity, with moderate to severe tears requiring surgery. In rotator cuff surgery, bone anchors are used to re-attach the supraspinatus tendon to the humerus. This surgery is difficult in many older patients because aging bones become osteoporotic, or soft, and thus inadequate for securing bone anchors. Studies confirm that osteoporotic bone is a contributing factor of implant failure. A finned sheath concept was designed, developed, and tested to ensure securement of the bone anchors during and after rotator cuff repair. The sheath interacts …