During its conception, Ilizarov advocated a fine wire tension of between 900N and 1200N for circular frame construction. Wire tension can be achieved via a tensioning device or ‘Russian tensioning’ (a fixed wire lengthening around a bolt). There is limited information on the latter technique. This study aimed to explore the tensions achieved via Russian tensioning and report the impact of a second wire on construct tension. A single 160mm stainless-steel ring was constructed, then 1.8mm stainless steel wires secured using a Russian fixation bolt and Russian tensioned with a 2nd bolt. The angle subtended by tensioning using the 2nd bolt was measured using a goniometer. Angles of 45°, 70° and 90° were repeated in triplicates, with wire tension measured using a calibrated tensiometer. A 2nd orthogonal wire was placed on the opposite side and tensioned to the same angle. Tensions of both wires were remeasured and recorded. Statistical comparison using unpaired t-tests was used to compare mean tensions. A value of p<0.05 was considered significant.Introduction
Materials and Methods
