Mechanical evaluation of hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization of nylon lines used for extra-articular stabilization of the canine stifle joint.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effects of hydrogen peroxide gas plasma (HPGP) and ethylene oxide (EO) sterilizations on the mechanical properties of nylon lines used for stabilization of the canine stifle. Secondarily, to compare the performance of crimped and knotted lines.


METHODS
In vitro mechanical evaluation.


METHODS
Nonsterilized, EO- and HPGP-sterilized specimens of 36.3 kg test nylon leader line (NLL) and 57.8 kg test nylon fishing line (NFL).


METHODS
Single strands and looped specimens of NLL or NFL were positioned on a material testing machine. To create looped specimens, NLL were crimped using the Securos system, and NFL were knotted, as used clinically. Elongation (%) and ultimate load (N) variables were studied.


RESULTS
Elongation and ultimate load of NLL groups were not significantly different between EO and HPGP. For NFL, HPGP sterilization led to slightly greater elongation than EO in loops only. Ultimate load of NFL single strands was not significantly different between EO and HPGP, but was higher after HPGP compared with EO in NFL loops. All NLL groups had less elongation and ultimate load than NFL.


CONCLUSIONS
The effects of HPGP on NLL compared positively to EO, making HPGP an attractive alternative. As HPGP led to a slightly greater elongation of NFL than EO, the latter could be favored to sterilize NFL. Crimped NLL minimized elongation better than knotted NFL.


CONCLUSIONS
Sterilization with HPGP seems a good alternative to EO for NLL. EO may be a better choice for NFL; however, it is difficult to judge the clinical relevance of this result. Crimped NLL minimizes elongation and may help reducing the recurrence of stifle instability postoperatively.
Gatineau
Matthieu
M
Companion Animal Research Group, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada.
Huneault
Louis
L
Lussier
Bertrand
B
Lefevre-Lavoie
Josiane
J
D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D004285:Dogs / Q000601:surgery; D005027:Ethylene Oxide; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary; D008422:Materials Testing / Q000662:veterinary; D009757:Nylons; D013242:Sterilization / Q000379:methods*; D013264:Stifle / Q000601:surgery*; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000662:veterinary; D013537:Sutures / Q000662:veterinary*; D013718:Tensile Strength
D009757:Nylons; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide; D005027:Ethylene Oxide