Summary
Six different double loop configurations which could be applied to the lateral fabella
suture (LFS) technique were subjected to in vitro mechanical testing. Three double loop, single strand and three double loop, double
strand configurations were tested. The strongest configuration, with a significantly
higher mean ultimate load and load at yield, was the interlocking loop configuration.
This is a novel configuration which has not previously been reported. The three double
loop, single strand configurations all had higher mean ultimate loads than the double
loop, double strand configurations. The double strand group with uneven loop length
performed very poorly, with significantly lower mean stiffness and ultimate load than
all of the single strand groups. This group also developed unacceptably high levels
of elongation during high level cyclic loading.
Keywords
Cranial cruciate ligament - double loop - Securos® - crimp tubes - Mechanical testing