Relative stiffness of 3 bandage/splint constructs for stabilization of equine midmetacarpal fractures.

This research article presents a study on the relative strength of three different bandage/splint constructs used for emergency stabilization of mid-metacarpal fractures in horses. The study attempted to find out the most effective method for such field stabilizations.

Research Methodology

• The study used an experimental model, designed to simulate the forces exerted on a bandage or splint during the stabilization of a complete mid-metacarpal bone fracture, and involved measuring the total deflection of this model in one plane following the application of three different bandage/splint combinations.
• These bandage/splint combinations were: RJB-3 (a classic, three-layered Robert Jones Bandage with the splint placed on the outside of the bandage), RJB-1 (an RJB with the splint placed after the first of three bandage layers), and SS (a single layer full limb bandage with an external splint).
• The study was carried out in a laboratory and did not involve the use of animals for data collection, with the exception of two live horses that were used during the pilot study of the research.
• The researchers applied the different bandages and splints to a model intended to mimic the bending force exerted on a lower forelimb fracture in a horse.

Results of the Study

• The deflection, i.e. the displacement or change, was calculated by taking the difference between the height of the model’s supported free end before a 4.5 kg weight was applied and at the end of the deflection test.
• It was found that there was no significant difference in the amount of deflection between the bandage/splint combinations: the RJB-1 configuration resulted in a deflection of 78 ± 32 mm, the RJB-3 resulted in a deflection of 94 ± 44 mm, and the SS configuration led to a deflection of 93 ± 33 mm.

Conclusions of the Study

• The results of the study concluded that the one-layer bandage with splint (SS) was no different from either RJB configuration in terms of the mean amount of deflection in the simple model of a fracture.
• Therefore, it suggests that any of these methods could potentially be effective for field stabilization of mid-metacarpal fractures in horses. However, further research in actual field conditions may be needed to verify these findings.