In vitro comparison of two techniques for suture prosthesis placement in the muscular process of the equine arytenoid cartilage.
OBJECTIVE
To compare in vitro the load necessary for a partial and complete rupture of the muscular process arytenoid cartilage when a suture prosthesis is positioned by a bone trocar versus a trocar point needle and to compare failure mode.


METHODS
Experimental using cadaver specimens.


METHODS
Larynges from 18 Thoroughbred race horses, aged 2-20 years.


METHODS
Arytenoid cartilages were separated randomly into 2 groups: group 1-suture prosthesis inserted directly through the muscular process using a curved trocar point needle and group 2-suture passed through a hole predrilled with a 3 mm bone trocar. Distracting force (constant rate, 1 mm/s) was applied to the suture until failure of the muscular process. Partial failure load, maximum load at complete failure, and force-time curve were recorded. Each arytenoid cartilage was examined, radiographed, and classified as having a linear or curved failure plane.


RESULTS
No significant differences in mechanical test variables were detected. Failure mode followed the fissures occurring at the beginning of failure and then followed the tension axis. Significantly more linear failures occurred in group 2 (trocar) and more curved failures occurred in group 1 (needle).


CONCLUSIONS
Use of a bone trocar for tunneling through the muscular process may reduce fissure formation.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of bone trocar to create a hole in the muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage for suture passage in laryngoplasty may reduce fissure formation and decrease the risk of cartilage failure from suture pullout.
Rossignol
Fabrice
F
Clinique de Grosbois, Domaine de Grosbois, Boissy Saint Léger, France. fabrice.rossignol@worldonline.fr
Perrin
Roland
R
Desbrosse
Francis
F
Elie
Caroline
C
D000818:Animals; D001193:Arytenoid Cartilage / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002102:Cadaver; D006736:Horses / Q000601:surgery*; D009339:Needles / Q000662:veterinary; D012421:Rupture / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000662:veterinary*; D013537:Sutures / Q000662:veterinary*; D013718:Tensile Strength