Development and preclinical testing of a new tension-band device for the spine: the Loop system

  • Matthew D. Garner
  • Steven J. Wolfe
  • Stephen D. Kuslich
Conference paper

Abstract

Wire sutures, cerclage constructs, and tension bands have been used for many years in orthopedic surgery. Spinous process and sublam-inar wires and other strands or cables are used in the spine to re-establish stability of the posterior spinal ligament complex. Rigid monofilament wires often fail due to weakening created during twisting or wrapping. Stronger metal cables do not conform well to bony surfaces. Polyethylene cables have higher fatigue strength than metal cables. The Loop cable is a pliable, radiolucent, polyethylene braid. Creep of the Loop/locking clip construct is similar to metal cable constructs using crimps. Both systems have less creep than knotted polyethylene cable constructs.

Keywords

Tension band Spinous process Sublaminar wires Polyethylene cable Creep Fatigue strength 
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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2004

Authors and Affiliations

  • Matthew D. Garner
    • 1
  • Steven J. Wolfe
    • 1
  • Stephen D. Kuslich
    • 1
    • 2
  1. 1.SpineologyStillwaterUSA
  2. 2.St. Croix OrthopedicsStillwaterUSA

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