Constructs and methods for repairing a tendon with a reduced risk of reinjury
A tendon repair suture tape comprising a flat braid of elastic, absorbable fibers and high strength fibers, the tape being at least 1 mm wide and 2 cm long, and less than 0.2 mm high. The suture tape includes at least 4 absorbable fibers and at least 4 high strength fibers. Further, the suture tape is capable of being stretched at least 10% from its shortest length to the length at which it breaks, presents an increasing resistance to further stretching as it is stretched, and is capable of withstanding a load of at least 260 Newtons before breaking.
1. A tendon repair suture tape, comprising:
(a) a flat braid of elastic, absorbable fibers and high strength fibers;
(b) said tape being at least 1 mm wide and 2 cm long and less than 0.2 mm high;
(c) including at least 2 absorbable fibers and 4 high strength fibers;
(d) capable of being stretched at least 10% from its shortest length to the length at which said suture tape breaks, and presenting an increasing resistance to further stretching as it is stretched; and
(e) capable of withstanding a load of at least 260 Newtons, before breaking.
2. The suture tape of claim 1 , wherein said absorbable fibers are made of polybutylene succinate.
3. The suture tape of claim 1 , wherein said high strength fibers are made of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene.
4. The suture tape of claim 1 , wherein said tape is at least 2 mm wide.
5. The suture tape of claim 1 , wherein said tape is capable of being stretched between 12% and 20% from its shortest length to the length at which said tape breaks.
6. The suture tape of claim 1 , being a 16 fiber braid, of which at least two fibers are of absorbable material.