Clinical Biomechanics
Volume 25, Issue 2 , Pages 173-176, February 2010

Temporal changes in the tensile strength of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene cable embedded in muscle tissue

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijyo, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan

Received 22 May 2009; accepted 20 October 2009. published online 23 November 2009.

Abstract 

Background

Wires and cables have been used extensively for spinal sublaminar wiring, but damages to the spinal cord due to compression by metal wires have been reported. We have used more flexible ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene cable (Tekmilon tape) instead of metal wires since 1999 and have obtained good clinical outcomes. Although the initial strength of Tekmilon tape is equivalent to metal wires, the temporal changes in the strength of Tekmilon tape in the body should be investigated to show that sufficient strength is maintained over time until bone union is complete.

Methods

Tekmilon tape was embedded into the paravertebral muscle of 10-week-old male Japanese white rabbits. Samples were embedded for 0, 1, 3, 6 or 12months. At the end of each period, sequential straight tensile strength and sequential knot-pull tensile strength were measured.

Findings

The initial strength of Tekmilon tape in muscle tissue was maintained over time, with 92% straight tensile strength and 104% knot-pull tensile strength at 6months, and values of 77% and 100% at 12months, respectively. Since single knot is clinically relevant, it is very important that the knot-pull tensile strength did not decrease over a 12-month period. This suggests that temporal changes in the tensile strength of Tekmilon tape are negligible at 1 year.

Interpretation

Tekmilon tape maintains sufficient strength in vivo until bone union has occurred. It is useful for sublaminar wiring instead of metal materials due to its flexibility and strength and may reduce the risk of neurological damage.

Keywords: Tekmilon tape (ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene cable), Temporal changes, Sublaminar wiring

To access this article, please choose from the options below

Login to an existing account or Register a new account.

  • Purchase this article for 31.50 USD (You must login/register to purchase this article)

    Online access for 24 hours. The PDF version can be downloaded as your permanent record.

  • Subscribe to this title

    Get unlimited online access to this article and all other articles in this title 24/7 for one year.

  • Claim access now

    For current subscribers with Society Membership or Account Number.

  • Visit SciVerse ScienceDirect to see if you have access via your institution.
 

PII: S0268-0033(09)00246-0

doi:10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2009.10.007

Clinical Biomechanics
Volume 25, Issue 2 , Pages 173-176, February 2010