The SECUROS Bone Anchor
Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the suture spindle shaped as it is?

The spindle is designed to hold the suture without breakage in cyclic loading. It will accommodate either braided suture (up to #5 polyester) or up to 80 pound tensile monofilament nylon. When using braided suture in collateral ligament reconstructions, the suture can be placed in the spindle with a single throw (half of a square knot) in the groove to dramatically increase suture/anchor strength. The edges of the hole are rounded, allowing thousands of cycles of significant force without suture breakage.

Why do I need to pre-drill when there is a trocar point on the anchor?

Pre-drilling, whether it is a bone screw, external fixation pin, or bone anchor is always a good idea. The trocar will drill into bone, but it primarily acts to tap the screw threads. The harder the bone the more important it is to pre-drill. If you choose to not pre-drill in softer bone you can. Use the instructions for "Application in dense cortical bone," as starting the hole may prematurely cleave the insertion shaft.

Can I use the bone anchor with the SECUROS Cruciate Repair System?

Absolutely, these two devices work well together! Place the bone anchor just distal and cranial to the fabella. This will place the suture in the ideal isometric point in the femur. Direct the anchor toward the medial epicondyle. Countersink the head into the fascia. Use the crimp system just as you would when passing the suture around the fabella.

Do I leave the suture spindle above the surface of the bone, or keep screwing until I can't see it anymore?

Either application method is OK. When using the anchor in the lateral suture technique for cruciate repair the suture spindle may be countersunk in the fascia and periosteum by the fabella. In collateral ligament reconstruction the spindle head is often left protruding so that suture can be wrapped and tied around the spindle.

When I rock the pin chuck back and forth to remove the insertion shaft, the bone around the anchor seems to crack. Is this OK?

No. Microfactures of bone are occurring. In most cases, this means the bone into which you are inserting the anchor is soft and may not be strong enough for an anchor, screw or any other orthopedic devise. Consider alternative methods. If you still wish to use a bone anchor, cleave the insertion shaft at the break point with a pin cutter.

When I am inserting the bone anchor, the insertion shaft breaks off before I completely sink the anchor. What can I do to avoid this?

First, make sure you are pre-drilling the hole with a 3.2mm drill bit. Second, use the "Application in dense cortical bone" insertion technique. This gets the anchor started after which it should screw in easily. Third, make sure you are inserting the anchor without undue wobble to your pin chuck.

I used the suture anchor as directed and surgery went well. However the suture broke at the anchor prematurely. What went wrong?

The anchor will hold the suture at near its tensile strength for thousands of cycles. Once the force on the suture nears its tensile strength, it will usually break at the spindle. Use a larger tensile strength suture. If the largest is being used, support the area with a splint if possible and limit activity. In cruciate ligament repair, make sure your anchor points are at the center of motion so the knee moves freely while limiting drawer.

Setting Standards in Veterinary Orthopedics