COMPARISON OF CERCLAGE TECHNIQUES USING A HOSE CLAMP VERSUS MONOFILAMENT CERCLAGE WIRE OR CABLE

To assess the compressive force generated by different techniques of c erclage wiring, the compression produced by 6 different cerclage techn iques, including monofilament wires, Dall-Miles cables (Howmedica, Rut herford, NJ), and hose clamps, was measured. Tests were performed on b oth a polysulfone cylinder model and a cadaver bone model. The hose cl amp generated significantly higher compression force than any other ce rclage device tested. Doubled wires produced similar compressive force as the cables. As the hose clamp is the least expensive and produces the maximum compression, it may be advantageous in instances in which maximum compression is desirable as a temporary device, but because it is not implantable, it must be replaced by other techniques prior to wound closure. The Dall-Miles cable is expensive and its compressive f orce can be equaled at lower cost by a doubled wire. The use of a sing le strand of monofilament wire was the least effective.