Anchor Polymers in Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery: From Bioabsorbable Materials to Advanced Biocomposites—A Comprehensive Review

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery has undergone significant evolution over the past decades, particularly in the materials used for suture anchors. The transition from metallic to bioabsorbable polymer anchors has revolutionized soft tissue-to-bone repair procedures, offering distinct advantages in terms of biocompatibility, imaging compatibility, and reduced complications. This comprehensive review examines the current state-of-the-art in anchor polymers used in arthroscopic shoulder surgery, including bioabsorbable polymers such as polyglycolic acid (PGA), poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), and their biocomposite formula-tions with beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) and calcium sulfate (CS). Additionally, we explore the role of biostable polymers like polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and emerging technologies in anchor design. The review synthesizes clinical outcomes, degradation kinetics, biocompatibility profiles, and mechanical properties of various anchor polymer systems. We also discuss the challenges associated with each mate-rial type, including osteolysis, cyst formation, premature degradation, and poor os-seointegration. Recent advances in biocomposite anchors demonstrate promising solutions to address these limitations, offering controlled degradation rates and en-hanced osteoconductivity. This review provides clinicians and researchers with a comprehensive understanding of anchor polymer technologies, their clinical appli-cations, and future directions in arthroscopic shoulder surgery.