Biomechanical Evaluation of Cemented Femoral Stem Constructs with Single and Double Cerclage Stabilization of Proximal Fissures in Canine Cadaveric Femora.

Double-loop cerclage provides superior reinforcement for proximal femoral fissures during cemented THR.

This biomechanical study evaluated cerclage wiring techniques for stabilizing proximal femoral fissures during cemented total hip replacement in dogs. Fifty-four femora from German Shepherd Dogs and Labrador Retrievers were implanted with cemented femoral stems and divided into three groups: intact, single-loop cerclage, and double-loop cerclage. Specimens underwent destructive mechanical testing including axial compression, three-point bending, and axial torsion. Results demonstrated that intact constructs had superior mechanical performance. Among fissure-stabilized constructs, double-loop cerclage consistently outperformed single-loop fixation across all mechanical parameters, including stiffness, yield load, maximum load, deformation tolerance, and torsional strength. Breed-related differences were noted, with German Shepherds showing greater absolute strength and Labradors demonstrating enhanced deformation capacity. The findings support double-loop cerclage as the most reliable intraoperative strategy for reinforcing proximal femoral fissures during cemented THR, providing meaningful mechanical protection despite remaining biomechanically inferior to intact constructs.

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