An Ex Vivo Comparison of Stainless Steel Cables to a Non-metallic Polymer Cerclage Cable in an Equine Metacarpophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis Model

Abstract

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare the monotonic tensile strength and fatigue strength of a stainless steel cable (SSC) compared to a human non-metallic polymer cable (NMPC) in an ex vivo metacarpophalangeal joint arthrodesis model lacking a dorsal plate application.

Study Design

An ex vivo experimental biomechanical equine cadaver limb study. Ten metacarpophalangeal joints were collected from five adult Thoroughbred horses, euthanatized for reasons unrelated to orthopaedic disease. Each pair of metacarpophalangeal joints was randomly instrumented with either a 1.7-mm SSC or a NMPC. Each construct was tested in cyclic loading followed by a single cycle to failure in axial compression. Displacement at a target load of 200 N over 500 cycles at 1 Hz was recorded prior to single-cycle to failure testing.

Results

In cyclic testing, the overall movement of the NMPC constructs was more than that of the SSC constructs (p < 0.0001). In single-cycle testing, the maximum load achieved at failure in the SSC constructs was higher compared to the NMPC constructs (p = 0.0002).

Conclusion

The results of this study do not support the use of a NMPC as a palmar/plantar tension band for metacarpophalangeal joint arthrodesis in horses suffering from a suspensory breakdown injury, because the stability of the SSC constructs outweighs the potential benefits and ease of application of the NMPC. However, additional ex vivo studies should be conducted to compare both cable systems with dorsal plate application on the metacarpophalangeal joint.

Keywords

Fetlock arthrodesis - tension band - equine - biomechanical performance of implants

Note

Results were presented at the 2022 American College of Veterinary Surgeons Surgery Summit in Portland, OR.

Authors' Contribution

L.I.M.K. contributed to study design, data collection, manuscript preparation, and review. C-C.L. contributed to statistical analysis and manuscript review. L.M.R. contributed to Study design, data collection, and final manuscript review.

Publication History

Received: 22 August 2024

Accepted: 20 April 2025

Article published online:
09 May 2025

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