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Scientific reports2025; 15(1); 13562; doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-95577-8

Innovative approach in the treatment of comminuted proximal phalanx fractures in horses based on biomechanical modelling.

Abstract: Proximal phalanx (P1) fractures in horses are relatively common, and present significant treatment challenges, especially when the fractures are comminuted or infected. An innovative treatment approach includes attaching an external fixator to the third metacarpal bone (MC III), the healthy bone above fracture, to offload the injured P1 and protect it from load-bearing forces, particularly during post-surgical standing up. This study aims to develop the favourable mathematical and numerical models for screws configuration in this external fixator. Nine configurations (I-IX), varying in screw alignment and number, were investigated based on the experimental data from computed tomography and simulations of compression tests. Cortical and trabecular tissues were modelled as a nonlinear viscoelastic continuum, with material constants identified through uniaxial compression and stress relaxation tests. The best attachment of the external fixator was analysed in terms of stresses and strains in both trabecular and cortical bone, as well as stresses in screws. Configuration II (1 diaphysis screw, 4 distal metaphysis screws at 7°) and III (1 diaphysis screw, 4 distal metaphysis screws at 14°) were identified as mostly biomechanically favourable. This external stabilization approach could potentially reduce the rate of post-surgical failure often leading to horse euthanasia.
© 2025. The Author(s).
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Publication Date: 2025-04-19 PubMed ID: 40253474PubMed Central: PMC12009373DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-95577-8Google Scholar: Lookup
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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 presents a new method for treating comminuted proximal phalanx fractures in horses using an external fixator attached to the third metacarpal bone, and analyzes different configurations of screw placement for optimal effectiveness.

Objective of the Research

  • The primary aim of this study was to develop mathematical and numerical models for the optimal configuration of screws in an external fixator— a device used for stabilization— when treating fractures of the proximal phalanx (P1) in horses.

Methods Used in the Research

  • The team tested nine different configurations, varying in screw alignment and number, using experimental data derived from computed tomography scans and compression tests.
  • The researchers modelled cortical and trabecular (spongy) bone tissues as a nonlinear viscoelastic continuum. This basically means they tried to imitate the behavior of these types of bones, which aren’t rigid, but somewhat flexible and respond to stress over time, much like a viscous fluid would.
  • Material constants for the modeled bone were then identified through uniaxial compression and stress relaxation tests— these are essentially means of gauging the mechanical properties of the bone.

Evaluation and Analysis

  • The effectiveness of the various configurations of the external fixator attachment was analysed based on the stress and strain in both types of bone, as well as the stress in the screws.
  • The researchers pointed out configuration II (1 diaphysis screw, 4 distal metaphysis screws angled at 7°) and III (1 diaphysis screw, 4 distal metaphysis screws angled at 14°) as mostly mechanically advantageous.

Outcome and Implication of the Research

  • This innovative method of external stabilization could potentially decrease the number of post-surgical failures, which often leads to euthanasia in horses.
  • The study provides valuable insights in understanding the best surgical procedures for treating equine fractures and could contribute to improved animal welfare through less invasive and more effective treatments.

Cite This Article

APA
Turek B, Jankowski K, Pawlikowski M, Jasiński T, Domino M. (2025). Innovative approach in the treatment of comminuted proximal phalanx fractures in horses based on biomechanical modelling. Sci Rep, 15(1), 13562. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-95577-8

Publication

Scientific reports
ISSN: 2045-2322
NlmUniqueID: 101563288
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 15
Issue: 1
Pages: 13562
PII: 13562

Researcher Affiliations

Turek, Bernard
  • Department of Large Animal Diseases and Clinic, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS - SGGW), Nowoursynowska 166, 02-787, Warszawa, Poland.
Jankowski, Krzysztof
  • Institute of Mechanics and Printing, Warsaw University of Technology, ul. Narbutta 85, 02-524, Warszawa, Poland.
Pawlikowski, Marek
  • Institute of Mechanics and Printing, Warsaw University of Technology, ul. Narbutta 85, 02-524, Warszawa, Poland. marek.pawlikowski@pw.edu.pl.
Jasiński, Tomasz
  • Department of Large Animal Diseases and Clinic, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS - SGGW), Nowoursynowska 166, 02-787, Warszawa, Poland.
Domino, Małgorzata
  • Department of Large Animal Diseases and Clinic, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS - SGGW), Nowoursynowska 166, 02-787, Warszawa, Poland. malgorzata_domino@sggw.edu.pl.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Horses / injuries
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Fractures, Comminuted / veterinary
  • Fractures, Comminuted / surgery
  • Fractures, Comminuted / diagnostic imaging
  • Bone Screws / veterinary
  • External Fixators / veterinary
  • Fractures, Bone / veterinary
  • Fractures, Bone / surgery
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Metacarpal Bones / surgery

Grant Funding

  • PSP 504/04496/1101/45.01000 / Warsaw University of Technology within Excellence Initiative: Research University (IDUB) programme
  • PSP 504/04496/1101/45.01000 / Warsaw University of Technology within Excellence Initiative: Research University (IDUB) programme
  • PSP 504/04496/1101/45.01000 / Warsaw University of Technology within Excellence Initiative: Research University (IDUB) programme
  • PSP 504/04496/1101/45.01000 / Warsaw University of Technology within Excellence Initiative: Research University (IDUB) programme
  • PSP 504/04496/1101/45.01000 / Warsaw University of Technology within Excellence Initiative: Research University (IDUB) programme

Conflict of Interest Statement

Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

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