Suspensory Apparatus Prosthesis in the Horse Part 1: In Vitro Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties of equine suspensory apparatus preparations and three braided synthetic prostheses were evaluated in vitro. Force versus displacement plots and failure modes were recorded from single load-to-failure testing in 18 cadaver limbs before and after replacement of each suspensory apparatus with a prosthesis. Mean load at failure, energy to failure, and stiffness values of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) prostheses were lower than those of the suspensory apparatus and aramid prosthesis. The PTFE prosthesis failed by elongation or rupture of the prosthesis. Mechanical properties of the aramid prosthesis with collar augmentation were not significantly different from the suspensory apparatus. The main site of failure in both aramid prostheses was at the screw fixation to bone.