Biomechanical properties of celiotomy wounds closed with tape and cyanoacrylate versus intradermal sutures.

OBJECTIVE: To compare cutaneous wound closure with mesh and 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (MOC) vs an intradermal suture pattern (ISP) in terms of time of application and biomechanical properties. SAMPLE POPULATION: Experimental study with 12 female beagle dogs. METHODS: A skin incision was created from the xiphoid to the pubis as part of an ovariohysterectomy; the linea alba and subcutaneous tissue were closed routinely. Half of the skin incision was closed with MOC, and the other half was closed with an ISP. Tissue samples were collected from both sections at days 14 and 28 and tested for ultimate strength and stiffness. RESULTS: Closure with MOC (72.8 ± 14.0 s) was faster than with an ISP (398.4 ± 36.4 s; P = .001). The ultimate load and stiffness increased with time for MOC (P = .005 and P = .005, respectively) and ISP (P < .001 and P < .001, respectively). On day 14, ultimate load and stiffness were greater in wounds closed with MOC compared with ISP (P = .014 and P = .02, respectively). No difference between groups was detected at day 28. CONCLUSION: Cutaneous wound closure with MOC was faster and resulted in superior strength at 14 days compared with closure with an ISP in this healthy population. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Mesh and 2-octyl cyanoacrylate offers an attractive alternative to ISP for skin closure after celiotomy in dogs, especially if surgical/anesthesia time is a concern.

Mechanical properties of isolated loops of nylon leader material, polyethylene cord, and polyethylene tape and mechanical properties of those materials secured to cadaveric canine femurs via lateral femoral fabellae, toggles placed through bone tunnels, or bone anchors.

OBJECTIVE: To determine mechanical properties of various prosthetic materials secured to cadaveric canine femurs via various methods and to compare results with those for isolated loops of prosthetic material. SAMPLE: 80 femurs obtained from cadavers of skeletally mature large-breed dogs. PROCEDURES: 10 femoral constructs in each of 8 groups (single circumfabellar loop of polyethylene cord, double loop of polyethylene tape secured via a bone anchor [BAPT], single or double circumfabellar loops of nylon leader material [CNL] or polyethylene tape [CPT], or single or double loops of polyethylene tape secured via a toggle placed through a bone tunnel [BTPT]) and 10 isolated loops of prosthetic material in each corresponding configuration were tested. Stress relaxation, creep, elongation, load at 3 mm of displacement, stiffness, and peak load at failure were determined. RESULTS: 5 single CNL constructs failed before completion of testing. Double CNL and single circumfabellar polyethylene cord constructs had the lowest loads at 3 mm of displacement. Single and double CPT constructs had the highest stiffness. Double BTPT and CPT constructs had the highest peak loads at failure. Double BTPT, double CPT, and BAPT constructs were mechanically superior on the basis of lower creep and stress relaxation and higher stiffness and load at 3 mm of displacement versus other constructs. Stiffness of femoral constructs was 28% to 69% that of corresponding isolated prosthetic loops. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Double BTPT, double CPT, and BAPT constructs were mechanically superior to other constucts. Mechanical properties and methods of anchorage and securing of free ends of prostheses contributed to mechanical properties of constructs.

In vitro mechanical evaluation and comparison of two crimping devices for securing monofilament nylon and multifilament polyethylene for use in extracapsular stabilization of the canine stifle.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the tensile strength and stiffness of non-absorbable suture loops created with two types of crimping devices. METHODS: Loops of monofilament nylon leader line (MN) of 18 kg, 36 kg, and 45 kg multifilament polyethylene (MP) with a crimp and MP with a crimp and knot were mechanically tested to failure in quasistatic tensile loading after being created with either a wave pattern crimp device or three applications of a single crimp device. Each testing group consisted of five samples. Tensile loading to failure at a rate of 9.5 mm/s was used. Failure was defined as a sudden drop in the recorded force. RESULTS: All suture materials failed by breaking near the crimp tube with both crimp devices, with exception of the MP without knot, which slipped through the crimp tube using both devices. Sutures secured with the wave pattern crimping device were significantly stronger with a higher load yield, maximum load, displacement yield, failure displacement, and maximum displacement than the single crimp device. Loops of MP suture crimped by either device plus the addition of a surgeon's knot resulted in a significantly stronger construct than unknotted crimped MP constructs. Crimped MP combined with knot were significantly stiffer, but not stronger, than crimped 45 kg MN. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Performing extra- capsular repair for ruptured cranial cruciate ligaments with the wave pattern crimp system may result in lower failure rates due to the construct being significantly stronger than the single crimp system.

In vitro biomechanical evaluation and comparison of FiberWire, FiberTape, OrthoFiber, and nylon leader line for potential use during extraarticular stabilization of canine cruciate deficient stifles.

OBJECTIVE: To compare biomechanical properties of 3 new generation polyethylene sutures (FiberTape [FT], FiberWire [FW], and OrthoFiber [OF]) with nylon leader line (NL) for use during extraarticular fixation of cranial cruciate deficient stifles. STUDY DESIGN: In vitro biomechanical testing of suture loops under monotonic tensile and cyclical loading until failure. SAMPLE POPULATION: Constructs of FT, FW, OF, and NL. METHODS: Twenty loops of each of 12 combinations of fixation and suture had monotonic tensile and cyclical loading. Two knotting techniques (square knot [SQ], slip knot [SL]) and a crimp clamp (CR) system were evaluated. Elongation, stiffness, and strength of constructs was tested. The main effects of group, loop material, and their interaction were evaluated. RESULTS: Knotted FT, FW, and OF had less elongation than knotted NL under monotonic tensile and cyclical loading. Under monotonic tensile loading, knotted FT and OF were stiffer than knotted NL. CR FT, CR FW, and CR OF were stiffer than CR NL and CR FT, CR FW, and CR OF were stiffer than knotted FT, FW, and OF. FW and OF knotted loops were weaker than knotted NL. CR FT was stronger than CR NL. CR FT and CR OF were weaker than knotted FT and OF. CONCLUSIONS: Polyethylene sutures are stronger, stiffer and elongate less than nylon leader. Crimping suture alters the biomechanical properties of the loop. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: FW, FT, and OF may perform better in reconstructive procedures, where increased strength and stiffness are considered to be beneficial.

Tension band stabilisation of acetabular physeal fractures in four kittens.

The surgical repair of acetabular physeal fractures in four kittens using a screw and tension band technique is reported. This was an appropriate method for restoring articular congruency and improving pelvic alignment. All cases had an excellent outcome and full limb use following fracture repair. In kittens younger than 12 weeks, there is a possibility of premature fusion of the acetabular bone resulting in development of a deformed, shallow acetabulum and hip subluxation. However, surgery is still justified when there is pelvic canal narrowing to decrease the risk of future defecatory problems. Early implant removal in such young kittens may decrease the severity of deformity caused by premature physeal closure. In kittens of 16 weeks or older, the prognosis is good for normal acetabular development and implant removal is not necessary.