Comparison of 2 equine transfixation pin casts and the effects of pin removal.
Abstract: 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. Methods: Experimental. Methods: 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. Conclusions: Both constructs provided equivalent reduction in strain. Removal of the proximal pin(s) increased the strain.
© Copyright 2014 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
Publication Date: 2014-04-07 PubMed ID: 24708523DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-950X.2014.12182.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research compared two types of transfixation pin casts (TPC) used in equine orthopedics, focusing on the strain they placed on the proximal phalanx (P1) of horse limbs during compression, and how strain changed when pins were removed. The results showed that both types of TPC significantly reduced strain on P1 compared to a control without a cast, but there was no major difference between the two TPC types. Removal of pins did increase strain, with removal of proximal pins causing a higher increase than removal of distal pins.
Research Methodology
- The research was experimental in nature and made use of equine cadaver forelimbs, totalling 10 pairs.
- Each limb within a pair was subjected to one of two TPC constructs—construct 1, which featured 2 positive profile, centrally threaded pins located in the distal part of the third metacarpus (MC3), and construct 2, where 4 smooth Steinmann pins were placed similarly.
- A strain gauge was mounted on P1 and axial compression was applied ranging from 444.8-5337.9 N.
- One forelimb from each pair served as a control and was tested without any construct.
- The two TPC groups were tested again after removal of one proximal or distal pin from construct 1, and two proximal or distal pins from construct 2. All limbs were tested after all pins were removed.
Results of the Study
- The study revealed significant decrease in strain for both TPC constructs compared with non-casted controls at all load levels, excluding 444.8 N.
- There was no significant change in strain reduction between the two TPC constructs tested.
- When proximal pins were removed, strain was increased by 7% in construct 1 and 10% in construct 2. When distal pins were removed, the strain increased by 0.5% in construct 1 and 1% in construct 2.
- A significant difference between proximal and distal pin removal was only detectable at high loads.
Conclusions and Implications
- The study concluded that both types of TPC provided equivalent reduction in strain on the P1 of equine limbs.
- The removal of proximal pins resulted in a higher increase in strain compared to the removal of distal pins, providing a potentially important perspective for veterinarians when considering pin removal during equine orthopedic treatment.
Cite This Article
APA
Williams JM, Elce YA, Litsky AS.
(2014).
Comparison of 2 equine transfixation pin casts and the effects of pin removal.
Vet Surg, 43(4), 430-436.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-950X.2014.12182.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Large Animal Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Biomechanical Phenomena
- Bone Nails / veterinary
- Cadaver
- Casts, Surgical / veterinary
- Horses
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Lozier JW, Niehaus AJ, Muir A, Lakritz J. Short- and long-term success of transfixation pin casts used to stabilize long bone fractures in ruminants.. Can Vet J 2018 Jun;59(6):635-641.
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