Mechanical evaluation of two crimp clamp systems for extracapsular stabilization of the cranial cruciate ligament-deficient canine stifle.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the mechanical properties and interoperator variabilities of 2 crimp clamp systems for extracapsular, fabello-tibial, nylon loop stabilization of the cranial cruciate ligament-deficient stifle in dogs.


METHODS
In vitro mechanical testing.


METHODS
Three operators with different grip strengths each secured 20 standardized nylon loops using stainless-steel crimp clamps: 10 using a Veterinary Instrumentation system (45 kg [100 lb] test nylon leader line, 12 mm crimp clamps) and 10 using a Securos system (36 kg [80 lb] test nylon leader line, 36 kg [80 lb] crimp clamps). Loops were tensile loaded to failure in a materials testing machine.


RESULTS
Mean ultimate load and mean stiffness were significantly higher for the Securos (336.9 N, 60.6 N/mm) than for the Veterinary Instrumentation system (113.8 N, 37.0 N/mm). For both systems, ultimate load was subject to interoperator variability.


CONCLUSIONS
The Securos loops were significantly stronger and stiffer than the Veterinary Instrumentation loops for all operators, but significant differences between operators for ultimate load existed for both systems.


CONCLUSIONS
Securos fabello-tibial sutures will withstand greater loads than Veterinary Instrumentation sutures and this is particularly true for sutures created by surgeons with reduced grip strength. It may be necessary to use more than 1 Veterinary Instrumentation suture to match the ultimate load and stiffness of a Securos suture.
Moores
Andrew P
AP
Departments of Veterinary Clinical Science and Veterinary Basic Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK. amoores@rvc.ac.uk
Beck
Alison L
AL
Jespers
Karin J M
KJ
Halfacree
Zoë
Z
Wilson
Alan M
AM
D000818:Animals; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000601:surgery*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D013264:Stifle / Q000601:surgery*; D013525:Surgical Instruments / Q000662:veterinary*