Comparison of 2 equine transfixation pin casts and the effects of pin removal

Jarred M Williams, Yvonne A Elce, Alan S Litsky

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

OBJECTIVE: To (1) compare strain on the dorsal aspect of the proximal phalanx (P1) between 2 types of transfixation pin casts (TPC) and (2) evaluate the change in strain as the pins are removed.

STUDY DESIGN: Experimental.

ANIMALS: Equine cadaver forelimbs (n = 10 pair).

METHODS: Each limb of a pair was assigned to 1 of 2 TPC constructs. Construct 1 consisted of a TPC with 2 positive profile, centrally threaded pins placed in the distal aspect of the third metacarpus (MC3) and construct 2 had 4 smooth Steinmann pins placed similarly. A strain gauge was mounted on P1 and axial compression (444.8-5337.9 N) applied. One forelimb of each pair was tested as a control with no construct in place. The 2 TPC groups were retested after removal of 1 proximal (n = 5 limbs) or distal (n = 5) pin from construct 1, and 2 proximal (n = 5) or distal (n = 5) pins from construct 2. Limb specimens were retested after all pins had been removed.

RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in strain between both TPC constructs and the non-casted control at all loads except 444.8 N. There was no significant difference in strain reduction between the 2 TPC constructs. After proximal pin removal there was a 7% (construct 1) and 10% (construct 2) increase in strain. When distal pins were removed there was a 0.5% (construct 1) and 1% (construct 2) increase in strain. The difference between proximal and distal pin removal was only statistically different from each other at high loads.

CONCLUSION: Both constructs provided equivalent reduction in strain. Removal of the proximal pin(s) increased the strain.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)430-6
Number of pages7
JournalVeterinary Surgery
Volume43
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2014

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • Animals
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Bone Nails
  • Cadaver
  • Casts, Surgical
  • Horses

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