Comparison of computer-assisted surgery with conventional technique for the treatment of axial distal phalanx fractures in horses: an in vitro study.

This research article studies the efficacy of computer-assisted surgery (CAS) in treating axial distal phalanx fractures in horses, indicating that although more time-consuming and costly, CAS offers greater precision compared to traditional methods.

Research Methods

• The researchers conducted an in vitro experimental study. The term “in vitro” refers to an experiment done or observed outside the living organism, generally in a laboratory. In this research, the authors used the body parts of a deceased animal, specifically 32 cadaveric equine limbs, instead of conducting the study on live animals.
• They divided these samples into four groups of eight limbs each. In each group, either one or two screws were inserted perpendicular to an imagined axial fracture of the distal phalanx, known as P3, using either CAS or a conventional technique.
• Different variables were observed during the experiment, including screw insertion time, predetermined screw length, inserted screw length, the fit of the screw, and errors in placement. This systematic approach allowed researchers to compare the two methods effectively.

Research Findings

• The study found that the computer-assisted surgery (CAS) technique took 15-20 minutes longer compared to the conventional technique.
• However, despite the longer time requirement, the CAS technique produced better results in terms of precision in screw length and placement. This indicates that CAS can ensure more accurate surgery than the traditional method.
• Due to the improved precision in screw insertion, the use of two screws becomes a feasible option for the repair of mid-sagittal P3 fractures when using CAS.

Conclusions

• The study concluded that even though CAS is costlier and more time-consuming, it offers higher precision in screw insertion into P3. As a consequence, CAS could potentially yield better clinical outcomes for horses suffering from axial distal phalanx fractures.
• This indicates the potential benefits of incorporating technology into veterinary surgery, especially for complex and precise operations such as treating mid-sagittal articular fractures of the distal phalanx (P3) in horses.