Sterilization can influence the mechanical properties of elastic ligatures used for mandibulomaxillary immobilization. The aim of this study was to compare different sterilization protocols (ethylene oxide, autoclave irradiation, plasma sterilization, povidone--iodine for 24 hours and 70/100 isopropyl alcohol for 24 hours) of three elastomers (natural rubber, silicone rubber, and polyurethane). Three mechanical variables were assessed in a testing machine: breaking strength, tensile strength and tensile strength after a 24-hour load (material fatigue). Natural rubber was most susceptible to mechanical alteration by sterilization and lost 46/100 of its breaking strength and 43/100 of its tensile strength after autoclaving. Polyurethane was more resistant (multiple comparison, Tukey-Kramer), but polyurethane ligatures stuck together after autoclaving. The protocols for low-temperature sterilization, ethylene oxide, irradiation, and plasma were superior to autoclaving and the disinfecting solutions. These data suggest that polyurethane sterilized with ethylene oxide is the material of choice.
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