title: Evaluation of the accuracy of a veterinary dynamometric wire tensioner.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of a commonly used veterinary wire tensioner.
  
  
  METHODS
  Wire tension was measured using a load cell after each of five tensioners were used to tension each of six wires to the 66, 84, and 118 mm ring settings in an adjustable custom testing fixture. Each tensioner then experienced simulated aging and testing was repeated. Percentage error was calculated for each ring size, before and after tensioner aging. Measured tension values were compared to manufacturer reported tension values for each ring size using a one-sample two-way t-test; p <0.05 was considered significant.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared to the manufacturer reported values, measured wire tension values were significantly lower for 66 mm and 84 mm rings and significantly higher for 118 mm rings, before and after simulated aging. Mean wire tension values did not significantly differ between individual wire tensioners.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The tensioners tested achieved significantly different wire tension values than those reported by the manufacturer. This discrepancy could lead to under-tensioning and allowing excessive movement at a fracture site or over-tensioning, leading to wire breakage. We recommend tensioning wires at least to the recommended line on the device for 66 mm and 84 mm rings and at most to the recommended line for 118 mm rings. Further studies are needed to evaluate other veterinary wire tensioners and to develop a calibration method for these devices in practice.
authors: C M
authors: CM
authors: Gauthier
authors: K
authors: K
authors: McGilvray
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Myrick
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Duerr
authors: Ross Palmer, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVS, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States, Phone: +1 970 297 4461, Fax: +1 970 297 1254, E-mail: Ross.Palmer@colostate.edu.
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Palmer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D016267:External Fixators / Q000662:veterinary*; D008422:Materials Testing / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D008954:Models, Biological; D013997:Time Factors
keywords: Wire tensioner; biomechanics; external skeletal fixator; tension