The accuracy of fine wire tensioners: a comparison of five tensioners used in hybrid and ring external fixation.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the accuracy of 5 commonly available fine wire tensioners used in hybrid and ring external fixation.


METHODS
A laboratory investigation.


METHODS
The testing of 5 commonly available tensioners was performed with a servohydraulic test frame (MTS Bionix 858, Minneapolis, MN).


METHODS
The real wire tension data of each tensioner provided by the MTS were compared with corresponding nominal values. The percent error for each tensioner was calculated. Clinical ease of usage of the wire tensioners was also evaluated.


RESULTS
The EBI tensioner was the most accurate (-0.17% to 0.09% error). The Smith and Nephew tensioner had a -13.97% to -8.61% error, the How medica tensioner a -12.48% to -10.86% error, and the Synthes tensioner a -0.2% to 24.28% error. The DePuyACE tensioner was the least accurate, with errors ranging from -36.76% to -30.92%. The Howmedica tensioner was the easiest to use, followed by the Smith and Nephew tensioner, the DePuyACE tensioner, the Synthes tensioner, and the EBI tensioner.


CONCLUSIONS
Most commonly available tensioners tend to undertension. Future efforts should focus on the development of wire tensioners that combine accuracy and ease of usage.
Roberts
Craig S
CS
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA. craig.roberts@louisville.edu
Antoci
Valentin
V
Antoci
Valentin
V
Voor
Michael J
MJ
D001864:Bone Wires; D019245:Compressive Strength; D004867:Equipment Design; D004869:Equipment Safety; D016267:External Fixators; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013718:Tensile Strength