External fixation

Transfixation cast technique for arthrodesis of the distal interphalangeal joint of horses

Authors: J. L. Easter, J. Schumacher, J. P. Watkins

Journal: Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology

Surgical arthrodesis of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint by transfixation casting was used to salvage a three-year-old filly and a yearling filly that were chronically lame because of infection of the DIP joint for breeding. Unlike previously described techniques for arthrodesis of the DIP joint, the technique used did not require insertion of implants across the joint, which may have contributed to the successful outcome.

Category: Equine - External fixation

In vitro comparison of two centrally threaded, positive-profile transfixation pin designs for use in third metacarpal bones in horses

Authors: Kirstin A. Bubeck, Dr med vet; José M. García-Lopez, VMD; Thomas M. Jenei, DVM; Louise S. Maranda, DVM, PhD

Journal: American Journal of Veterinary Research

Objective—To compare heat generation during insertion, pullout strength, and associated microdamage between a self-tapping positive profile transfixation pin (STTP) and nontapping positive profile transfixation pin (NTTP).

Sample Population—30 pairs of third metacarpal bones (MC3s) from adult equine cadavers.

Category: Equine - External fixation

Bending Characteristics of Polymethylmethacrylate Columns, Connecting Bars of Carbon Fiber, Titanium, and Stainless Steel Used in External Skeletal Fixation and an Acrylic Interface

Authors: Pierre M. Amsellem, DV, MS, Diplomate ACVS , Erick L. Egger, DVM, Diplomate ACVS , and Daniel L. Wilson, Doct Vet, BS

Journal: Veterinary Surgery

Objective: To (1) mechanically evaluate polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) columns of various sizes and compare them to connecting bar materials (carbon fiber composite, titanium, stainless steel) and (2) compare the properties of an intact PMMA column to those of an acrylic interface.

Study Design: Experimental mechanical study.

Sample Population: Experiment 1: 6 groups of 6 specimens each; experiment 2: 2 groups of 12 specimens each.

Methods: All specimens were tested in 3-point bending. Stiffness, yield strength, and ultimate strength values were calculated for each specimen.

Category: External fixation

In Vitro Mechanical Evaluation of a Novel Pin–Sleeve System for External Fixation of Distal Limb Fractures in Horses: A Proof of Concept Study

Authors: Stefano Brianza, DVM, PhD, Eng 1 , Vittoria Brighenti, Eng 1 , Ludovic Boure, DVM, MSc, DES, Diplomate ACVS & ECVS 1 , Victor Sprenger, Eng, PhD 1 , Simon Pearce, BVSc, PhD 1 , and Karsten Schwieger, Eng, PhD 1

Journal: Veterinary Surgery

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a novel pin–sleeve cast (PSC) system for external fixation of distal limb fractures in horses and to compare it with the transfixation pin cast (TPC) system.

Study Design: Experimental.

Sample Population: One bone substitute each was used for the TPC and PSC systems. The PSC was tested in 4 configurations characterized by different pin preloads.

Category: Equine - External fixation

In Vitro Comparison of a Novel External Fixator and Traditional Full-Limb Transfixation Pin Cast in Horses

Authors: James N. Nutt, VMD, Diplomate ACVS 1 , Louise L. Southwood, BVSc, PhD, Diplomate ACVS & ACVECC 1 , Yvonne A. Elce, DVM, Diplomate ACVS 1 , and David M. Nunamaker, VMD, Diplomate ACVS 1

Journal: Veterinary Surgery

Objective: To compare the mechanical properties and failure modes of a standardized short oblique distal radial metaphyseal osteotomy stabilized using either a transfixation pin cast (TPC), a modular-sidebar external skeletal fixator (ESF), or a solid-sidebar ESF (modular- or solid-ESF, respectively) using static or cyclic axial loading to failure.

Study Design: In vitro study.

Animals: Equine cadaver forelimbs.

Category: Equine - External fixation

Treatment of a Periarticular Tibial Fracture in a Foal with a Hybrid External Fixator

Authors: ROBERTA FERRO DE GODOY, DScVM , RICHARD R. FILGUEIRAS, MS , LÍLIAN A. GONTIJO, DVM , FÁBIO HENRIQUE BEZERRA XIMENES, DVM , LIANA VILLELA DE GOUVÊA, DVM , CRISTIANE DA SILVA PEREIRA, DVM , RICARDO M. ALMEIDA, MS , CECI RIBEIRO LEITE, DVM

Journal: Veterinary Surgery

Objective—To report repair of a right proximal tibial Salter-Harris type II fracture in a foal with a hybrid external fixator (HEF).

Study Design—Case report.

Animals—A 5-month-old male foal.

Methods—After open surgical reduction, an HEF built with wires, 2 half-rings, 3 half-threaded connecting rods, and Schanz pins was used to stabilize the fracture.

Results—Immediately after surgery, the foal had relatively good weight bearing. The HEF was removed at 60 days after radiographic confirmation of healing.

Category: Equine - External fixation - Traumatology

Distal limb cast sores in horses: Risk factors and early detection using thermography

Authors: Levet, T.; Martens, A.; Devisscher, L.; Duchateau, L.; Bogaert, L.; Vlaminck, L.

Journal: Equine Veterinary Journal

Reasons for performing study: There is a lack of evidence-based data on the prevalence, outcome and risk factors of distal limb cast sores, and no objective tool has been described for the early detection of cast sores.

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence, location, outcome and risk factors of cast sores after application of a distal limb cast and to determine whether static thermography of the cast is a valuable tool for the assessment of sores.

Category: Equine - External fixation - Traumatology

A Tapered-Sleeve Transcortical Pin External Skeletal Fixation Device for Use in Horses: Development, Application, and Experience

Authors: DAVID M. NUNAMAKER, VMD, Diplomate ACVS and RONALD A. NASH, VMD

Journal: Veterinary Surgery

Objective—To report development, configuration, application, and results of a tapered-sleeve transcortical pin external skeletal fixation device (TSP ESFD) for use on fractures of the distal aspect of the equine limb. Study Design—Optimization analysis of a TSP ESFD was carried out with mechanical testing and review of clinical case outcomes. Animals—Cadaveric adult third metacarpal bones (MC3) for mechanical testing; horses (n=7) with severely comminuted proximal (6; P1) or second (1) phalanx fractures.

Category: Equine - External fixation