Evaluation of four interfragmentary Kirschner wire configurations as a component of screw/wire/polymethylmethacrylate fixation for acetabular fractures in dogs

The biomechanical contribution of the interfragmentary Kirschner wire as a component of composite fixation for acetabular fracture repair was subjecti vely and objectively evaluated. Acetabular osteotomies were repaired using the screw/wire/polymethylmethacrylate (SWP) composite fixation with or with out one of three configurations of Kirschner wire in 32 hemipelves obtained from 16 dogs. Reduction, assessed objectively and subjectively, was unaffe cted by Kirschner wire placement. Hemipelves repaired with Kirschner wire(s ) were subjectively more stable prior to application of polymethylmethacryl ate when manually assessed in multiple planes. Consistent incremental incre ases in stiffness, yield load, and maximum load sustained that were observe d during biomechanical testing were not significant, with the exception tha t hemipelves repaired with two Kirschner wires had significantly greater yi eld loads than hemipelves repaired without Kirschner wires. The subjective results of this study support the use of at least one interfragmentary Kirs chner wire to maintain reduction prior to polymethylmethacrylate applicatio n; however, fracture configuration and location may dictate the number and pattern of interfragmentary Kirschner wires used to maintain reduction prio r to application of the polymethylmethacrylate. The objective results and o bservations made during biomechanical testing suggest that use of one or mo re interfragmentary Kirschner wires may enhance stability after polymethylm ethacrylate application.