title: In vitro mechanical evaluation and comparison of two crimping devices for securing monofilament nylon and multifilament polyethylene for use in extracapsular stabilization of the canine stifle.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the tensile strength and stiffness of non-absorbable suture loops created with two types of crimping devices.
  
  
  METHODS
  Loops of monofilament nylon leader line (MN) of 18 kg, 36 kg, and 45 kg multifilament polyethylene (MP) with a crimp and MP with a crimp and knot were mechanically tested to failure in quasistatic tensile loading after being created with either a wave pattern crimp device or three applications of a single crimp device. Each testing group consisted of five samples. Tensile loading to failure at a rate of 9.5 mm/s was used. Failure was defined as a sudden drop in the recorded force.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All suture materials failed by breaking near the crimp tube with both crimp devices, with exception of the MP without knot, which slipped through the crimp tube using both devices. Sutures secured with the wave pattern crimping device were significantly stronger with a higher load yield, maximum load, displacement yield, failure displacement, and maximum displacement than the single crimp device. Loops of MP suture crimped by either device plus the addition of a surgeon's knot resulted in a significantly stronger construct than unknotted crimped MP constructs. Crimped MP combined with knot were significantly stiffer, but not stronger, than crimped 45 kg MN.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Performing extra- capsular repair for ruptured cranial cruciate ligaments with the wave pattern crimp system may result in lower failure rates due to the construct being significantly stronger than the single crimp system.
authors: MedVet Medical and Cancer Centers for Pets, Cincinnati, OH, USA. kmaritato@medvetohio.com
authors: K C
authors: KC
authors: Maritato
authors: M D
authors: MD
authors: Barnhart
authors: A J
authors: AJ
authors: Kazanovicz
authors: S J
authors: SJ
authors: Naber
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001864:Bone Wires / Q000592:standards / Q000662:veterinary; D004285:Dogs; D008422:Materials Testing; D009757:Nylons; D020959:Polyethylene; D013264:Stifle / Q000601:surgery*; D053831:Surgical Fixation Devices / Q000662:veterinary*; D053832:Surgical Tape / Q000662:veterinary; D053441:Suture Anchors / Q000662:veterinary*
chemical_list: D009757:Nylons; D020959:Polyethylene