Objectives: To compare the mechanical properties of monofilament nylon leader and orthopaedic wire for median sternotomy closure in the dog.
Materials and methods: Median sternotomy was performed in 14 canine cadaver sternums with the manubrium intact. The sternotomy was closed with either 80 lb monofilament nylon leader or 20G orthopaedic stainless steel wire in a peristernal figure of 8 pattern. Constructs were loaded in a servohydraulic material testing machine. Load at yield, maximum load, stiffness, displacement and mode of failure were compared between constructs subjected to a single cycle load to failure.
Results: No significant differences were found in load at yield, maximum load, stiffness or displacement between the monofilament nylon leader and the stainless steel wire constructs. No implant failure was evident in the stainless steel wire constructs. Four of the monofilament nylon leader constructs failed by pulling of the nylon through the crimp.
Clinical significance: Monofilament nylon leader is mechanically comparable to stainless steel wire and potentially a suitable alternative for closure of median sternotomy in the dog.
© 2015 British Small Animal Veterinary Association.