title: Strength of cerclage fixation systems: a biomechanical study.
abstract: This study examined the load to failure ratio and stiffness of eight different cerclage techniques commonly used in the clinical management of fractures. For a single-loop cerclage, titanium cable was the strongest, while stainless steel wire secured with a commercial tightener was the weakest (P < 0.05). When a single-loop configuration is necessary (i.e. trochanteric attachment) a cable system is superior to cerclage wiring. A double-wrap of either cable or wire was considerably stronger than any single-wrap cerclage technique and stronger than two cerclage wires (P < 0.05).
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Vermont, Burlington, USA.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Incavo
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Difazio
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wilder