Arthrodesis of the equine proximal interphalangeal joint: a biomechanical comparison of two 7-hole 3.5-mm broad and two 5-hole 4.5-mm narrow dynamic compression plates.
Abstract: To compare the biomechanical characteristics and mode of failure of two different dynamic compression plate (DCP) techniques for proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) arthrodesis in horses. Methods: Randomized block-design blocking on horse (1-5), method of fixation (two 7-hole, 3.5-mm broad DCP vs two 5-hole, 4.5-mm narrow DCP), side (left, right), and end (front, hind). Constructs were loaded to failure in 3-point bending in a dorsal-to-palmar (plantar) direction. Methods: Ten paired limbs from 5 equine cadavers. Methods: Two 7-hole, 3.5-mm broad dynamic compression plates (bDCP) were used in 1 limb of a pair, and two 5-hole 4.5-mm narrow dynamic compression plates (nDCP) were used on the contralateral limb. Plates were positioned abaxially across the dorsomedial and dorsolateral aspect of the PIPJ. Arthrodesis constructs were loaded (19 mm/s) in 3-point bending in a dorsal-to-palmar (plantar) direction using a materials-testing machine. Composite stiffness, yield point, and maximal bending moment at failure were obtained from bending moment-angular deformation curves. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, X(2) analysis, and Fisher's exact tests; the power of the test was calculated when differences were not significant. Results: There were no significant differences in composite stiffness (P >.05; power = 0.8 @ delta = 21.9%), yield point (P >.05; power = 0.8 @ delta = 34.4%), or maximal bending moment (P >.05; power = 0.8 @ delta = 17.8%) between the two fixation techniques. For bDCP constructs, 11% (15 of 140) of the 3.5-mm screws were damaged; 7 of the screw heads pulled through plates where the plates bent, 1 screw head broke off, and 7 screws were bent or pulled out of the phalanx. For nDCP constructs, 8% (8 of 100) of the 4.5-mm screws were damaged; 1 screw head pulled through a plate, 1 screw head broke off, and 6 screws were bent or pulled out of the phalanx. Conclusions: There were no biomechanical or failure differences between bDCP and nDCP fixation of the PIPJ in horses when evaluated in single-cycle 3-point bending to failure. Conclusions: There is no biomechanical advantage to the use of two 7-hole, 3.5-mm bDCP in equine proximal interphalangeal arthrodesis compared with two 5-hole, 4.5-mm nDCP. Two 5-hole, 4.5-mm nDCP may be easier to place, whereas two 7-hole, 3.5-mm bDCP may provide more versatility in fracture repair.
Copyright 2002 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons
Publication Date: 2002-01-05 PubMed ID: 11778172DOI: 10.1053/jvet.2002.29457Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Comparative Study
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
The research study addresses a comparison between two dynamic compression plate techniques utilized for a specific joint fusion in horses. The study suggests that both techniques offer similar biomechanical characteristics and failure modes, implying that there’s no substantial advantage to using a specific one for such equine surgery.
Methodology
- The research was conducted using ten paired limbs from five equine cadavers, following a randomized block-design plan.
- Both techniques were tested: one limb was subjected to two 7-hole, 3.5-mm broad dynamic compression plates (bDCP), while the contralateral limb was subjected to two 5-hole, 4.5-mm narrow dynamic compression plates (nDCP).
- The plates were placed on the dorsomedial and dorsolateral areas of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ).
- These arthrodesis constructs were then loaded in 3-point bending from the dorsal to the palmar direction at a steady speed of 19mm/s. This was done using a material-testing machine, which helped to measure composite stiffness, yield point, and the maximal bending moment at failure.
- For statistical analysis, the researchers used ANOVA, Chi-square analysis, and Fisher’s exact tests. When there were no significant differences, the test power was calculated.
Results
- The results show that there were no significant differences between the two techniques in terms of composite stiffness, yield point, or maximal bending moment. This suggests both methods perform with equal effectiveness in the context of PIPJ arthrodesis.
- Regarding hardware failure, in bDCP constructs, 15 out of 140 (11%) 3.5-mm screws were damaged, whereas in nDCP constructs, 8 out of 100 (8%) 4.5-mm screws were damaged, with a variety of damages outlined including screws being pulled through plates, broken off, or bent.
Conclusions
- The authors conclude that there are no biomechanical or failure differences between bDCP and nDCP techniques used for the fixation of PIPJ in horses. Hence, neither has a biomechanical advantage over the other in the context of equine proximal interphalangeal arthrodesis.
- Practically, however, two 5-hole, 4.5-mm nDCP might be easier to place than the two 7-hole, 3.5-mm bDCP. Conversely, the latter may offer higher versatility in more complex fracture repairs.
Cite This Article
APA
Watt BC, Edwards RB, Markel MD, McCabe R, Wilson DG.
(2002).
Arthrodesis of the equine proximal interphalangeal joint: a biomechanical comparison of two 7-hole 3.5-mm broad and two 5-hole 4.5-mm narrow dynamic compression plates.
Vet Surg, 31(1), 85-93.
https://doi.org/10.1053/jvet.2002.29457 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Comparative Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Arthrodesis / instrumentation
- Arthrodesis / veterinary
- Biomechanical Phenomena
- Bone Plates / veterinary
- Equipment Design
- Forelimb
- Hindlimb
- Horses / injuries
- Horses / surgery
- Toe Joint / injuries
- Toe Joint / surgery
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Spadari A, Forni G, Del Magno S, Tagliavia C, Canova M, Grandis A, Rinnovati R. The Comparison of Latero-Medial versus Dorso-Palmar/Plantar Drilling for Cartilage Removal in the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint.. Animals (Basel) 2021 Jun 21;11(6).
- Rocconi RA, Carmalt JL, Sampson SN, Elder SH, Gilbert EE. Comparison of limited-contact dynamic compression plate and locking compression plate constructs for proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis in the horse.. Can Vet J 2015 Jun;56(6):615-9.
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
