Comparison of Cerclage Wire Placement in Relation to a Neutralization Plate: A Mechanical and Histological Study

R. L. Willer; P. D. Schwarz; Barbara E. Powers; M. E. Histand

doi:10.1055/s-0038-1633235

Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Table of Contents

Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 1990; 3(03): 90-96
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1633235

Original Research

Schattauer GmbH

Comparison of Cerclage Wire Placement in Relation to a Neutralization Plate: A Mechanical and Histological Study

R. L. Willer

¹From the Departments of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA

,

P. D. Schwarz

¹From the Departments of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA

,

Barbara E. Powers

²From the Radiology and Radiation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA

,

M. E. Histand

³From the Mechanical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA

› Author Affiliations

Abstract

Summary

An oblique femoral osteotomy model was created to determine if placement of cerclage wires, in relation to a neutralization plate (under vs over), affects bone healing and mechanical strength. In phase I of the study, femora of five skeletally mature mixed breed dogs were stabilized with a neutralization plate and three cerclage wires. One femur from each dog had the cerclage wires placed under the plate and the opposite femur had the cerclage wires placed over the plate. One dog was eliminated from the study due to nonunion. At eight weeks, the osteotomy sites were subjected to a torsional load and studied histologically. In phase II, 40 pairs of femora were used to determine whether cerclage wire placement and size affected the mechanical strength of the bone-plate model when torsional loads were applied. Within the limits explored in this study, placement of cerclage wires under the plate resulted in an osteotomy which was more resistant to torsional loads and was more advanced histologically towards bone healing. Cerclage wires placed under the plate appeared to provide improved osteotomy stabilization. Cerclage wire size did not significantly influence the mechanical strength of the bone-plate model.

The comparison of cerclage wire placement in relation to a neutralization plate, using an oblique femoral osteotomy model, is discussed. Resistance to torsional loads was greater in eight week healed osteotomies when the cerclage wires had been placed under versus over a neutralization plate.

Key words

Cerclage wires - Oblique osteotomy - Neutralization plate

Full Text

References

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