Fatigue Failure of Wire in Orthopaedic Use

Kim, In; Chang, Han; Choi, Kyung Hwan

Abstract

Orthopaedic wire has been used widely as a good internal fixator in cases of fracture, the ligament reconstruction, and for the stabilization of cervical spine. But if it is used inappropriately, a wire can be easy to fail by elongation, untwisting, or breakage. Among them, the most common failure of wire is breakage. To clarify the mechanism and the causes of wire failure, the authors analysed serial roentgenograms and scanning electronmicroscopic findings of broken wire in total 13 cases, which were experienced at the department of orthopaedic surgery, St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic University Medical College From January 1981 to December 1987. The results obtained were as follows :1. The mechanism of wire failure were classified into the 4 types ; minor continual flexing motion in 6 cases, repeated minor back and forth torsion in 1 case, tension failure in 2 cases and combined type in 4 cass. 2. The causes of wire failure were in appropriate use and inadequte application, a lack of s ufficient mechanical strength, micromotion due to inadequate postoperative imm obilization, early mobilization before tissue healing as well as certain injuries to the wire during handling in operation.