Editorial Commentary: Innovations in Anchor Design—Are Patients Really Benefiting?

Vented open-architecture suture anchors provide theoretical benefits over traditional screw-in solid anchors to include improved osseous ingrowth, elution of marrow elements to enhance biology at the repair site, and easier revision because of reduced anchor material. However, there is no evidence that open-architecture anchors result in improvements in patient-reported outcomes or early cytokine and marrow element release into the subacromial space compared with traditional screw-in solid anchors. Although innovation and evaluation of new technologies are paramount to surgical progress, decisions on implant use should be based on factors including cost, impact on revision, and surgeon familiarity because frequently, clinical differences based on patient-reported outcomes are not appreciated between anchor types or designs.