title: Mechanical comparison of median sternotomy closure in dogs using polydioxanone and wire sutures.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the mechanical properties of two different materials for canine median sternotomy closure.
  
  
  METHODS
  In vitro biomechanical study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve canine cadaveric entire sternum and portion of associated ribs and musculature.
  
  
  METHODS
  Median sternotomy leaving the manubrium intact was closed using polydioxanone and stainless steel wire in a figure of eight pattern. Constructs were loaded in a servohydraulic material testing system and displacement was compared at loads of 125, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350 and 400 N, and at failure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Displacement at loads up to 400 N and failure did not show any statistical difference between the polydioxanone and the stainless steel wire. However, the loading forces to create failure of the construct were superior for the stainless steel. Polydioxanone and stainless steel wire had the same response to distractive forces for loads applied up to 400 N.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study cannot recommend the use of polydioxanone over wires but suggests that polydioxanone can potentially be an alternative for primary median sternotomy closure in selected patients.
authors: School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU.
authors: J A
authors: JA
authors: Gines
authors: E J
authors: EJ
authors: Friend
authors: M A
authors: MA
authors: Vives
authors: W J
authors: WJ
authors: Browne
authors: J F
authors: JF
authors: Tarlton
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Chanoit
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001864:Bone Wires; D002102:Cadaver; D004285:Dogs / Q000601:surgery*; D008422:Materials Testing / Q000662:veterinary; D016687:Polydioxanone; D013193:Stainless Steel; D056346:Sternotomy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D013249:Sternum / Q000601:surgery; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000662:veterinary*
chemical_list: D013193:Stainless Steel; D016687:Polydioxanone