Comparing Tension Strength of Loop Cerclage and Twist Cerclage Wire Techniques in a Canine Tibia Gap Model

Introduction: Cerclage wires are a versatile tool utilized in the stabilization of various orthopaedic procedures. The pin and tension band historically has utilized a twist cerclage (TC) wire. The tension strength of TC has been previously evaluated with a simulated tibia gap model; however, loop cerclage (LC) has not been investigated. The goal of this study is to compare the tension strength of LC and TC. Our null hypothesis is there will be no difference between the tension produced by the LC and TC constructs in a simulated canine tibia gap model.

Materials and Methods: Fifty test specimens divided into two groups, 25 TC and 25 LC, were constructed with a figure eight wire pattern on a 3D printed normal canine tibia gap model. Tension was measured and recorded at each ½ twist until construct failure with peak tension recorded. Data was analysed using a Mann–Whitney U test for nonparametric samples with a p-value at ≤ 0.05, with mean and standard deviation reported.

Results: The mean (±SD) peak tension for the TC and LC groups were 171.58 N (±21.58 N) and 323.64 N (±34.45 N), respectively. The peak tension for the LC group was significantly greater relative to the TC group, p < 0.001.

Discussion/Conclusion: The LC constructs were applied with a greater amount of tension prior to failure in comparison to the TC constructs. We rejected our null hypothesis that there would be no difference between the tension produced by the LC and TC constructs in this canine tibia gap model.

Acknowledgment

The implants were provided by DePuy Synthes a Johnson and Johnson MedTech LLC company.

Publication History

Article published online:
15 July 2025