Arthroscopic knot-tying techniques

The techniques of arthroscopic knot-tying have been introduced and refined over the last decade for the purpose of providing orthopaedic surgeons with a reliable means of securing arthroscopic capsular, labral, and tendon repairs within the shoulder. Arthroscopic knots can be broadly characterized as either sliding or nonsliding knots. Although many surgeons prefer sliding knots for their ease of use, the ability to tie nonsliding knots should also be mastered, as each type of knot has specific advantages and disadvantages when used for shoulder repair surgery. Understanding the principals of arthroscopic knot-tying and learning to tie secure knots with knot pushers, is essential for surgeons who intend to treat their patients’ shoulder injuries using minimally invasive, arthroscopic repair techniques. Several fundamental considerations important to successful knot-tying are discussed within this article followed by a presentation of the steps required to tie several different arthroscopic knots.