title: Mechanical analysis of twelve toggle suture constructs for stabilization of coxofemoral luxations.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the mechanical performance of 12 commonly used toggle suture constructs (TSCs).
  
  
  METHODS
  In vitro biomechanical study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Toggle suture constructs (n = 136).
  
  
  METHODS
  TSC evaluated included #5 OrthoFiber, double strand of 5 Ethibond sutures (polyethylene terephthalate suture), 80 lb monofilament nylon, or #5 FiberWire, combined with Piermattei toggle (3/32" Steinmann pin), modified Piermattei toggle (0.045" Kirschner wire), and 1/8" Securos toggle rod for a total of 12 test groups. Acute and cyclic testing were performed using a servohydraulic testing machine and load at failure and cycles to failure were determined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In acute testing, modified Piermattei TSCs failed by toggle deformation and Piermattei and Securos TSCs failed by suture breakage at the eyelet. Mean failure load of Piermattei-#5 OrthoFiber TSC (1416 ± 74 N) was significantly greater than that of Piermattei-#5 Ethibond (883 ± 38 N); both were significantly greater than all other TSCs. Only the Piermattei TSC with #5 OrthoFiber, #5 Ethibond, and 80 lb monofilament nylon did not fail during cyclic testing.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A combination of the Piermattei toggle and #5 OrthoFiber or #5 Ethibond achieved a higher load at failure than all other groups, and resisted the greatest number of cycles to failure. Long-term mechanical testing of these TSCs are warranted to further define their durability.
authors.affiliation: Orthopedic Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, Foster Hospital for Small Animals, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA.
authors.forename: Shantibhushan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jha
authors.forename: Michael P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Kowaleski
mesh_terms: D001858:Bone Nails; D008422:Materials Testing; D008670:Metals; D009757:Nylons; D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates; D013537:Sutures / Q000662:veterinary*
chemical_list: D008670:Metals; D009757:Nylons; D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates