The Sliding, Interlocking “8-2-Alpha Knot” for Arthroscopic Surgery

Abstract

We describe a sliding knot that is ideally lockable by transforming the original simple figure-of-8 configuration into a true interlocking, low-profile knot with an α-α configuration that creates strong primary knot security when tying is finished. Reversed half-hitches on alternating posts for secondary knot security can be added, but to save surgical time, these are not obligatory. Three simple knot-tying methods are presented; the choice of which to use is based on the surgeon's preference. Pulling the loop limb simultaneously on both sides of the knot could trigger premature knot flipping. Therefore, the loop limb should not be over-tensioned while sliding down the knot; the knot should always be “pulled” down, rather than “pushed” down, onto the target tissues. Because all loops would be disassembled after the post limb is removed from the knot, a salvage procedure is proposed to save the suture from unintentional premature locking.