Use of a modified transfixation pin cast for treatment of comminuted phalangeal fractures in horses.
Abstract: To (1) report a modified transfixation pin cast technique, using dorsal recumbency for fracture reduction, distal positioning of the pins in the epiphysis and distal metaphysis, and a hybrid cast, combining plaster of Paris (POP) and fiberglass casting, and (2) report outcome in 11 adult horses. Methods: Case series. Methods: Adult horses (n = 11) with comminuted phalangeal fractures. Methods: Horses were anesthetized and positioned in dorsal recumbency. The phalangeal fracture was reduced by limb traction using a cable attached to the hoof. Screw fixation in lag fashion of fracture fragments was performed when possible. Transfixation casting was performed using two 6.3 mm positive profile centrally threaded pins with the 1st pin placed in the epiphysis of the metacarpus/tarsus at the center of, or slightly proximal to, the condylar fossa and the 2nd one 3-4 cm proximal. A hybrid cast was applied. Results: Forelimbs were involved in 9 horses and the hind limb in 2. Pins were maintained for a minimum of 6 weeks. No pin loosening was observed at the time of removal (6-8 weeks). A pony fractured the distal aspect of the metacarpus at the proximal pin. Nine horses survived (82%); none of the horses developed septic arthritis despite the distal location of the distal pin, close to the fetlock joint. Conclusions: This modified transfixation pin casting technique was associated with good pin longevity and could reduce the risk of secondary pin hole fractures and pin loosening.
© Copyright 2013 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
Publication Date: 2013-11-15 PubMed ID: 24236530DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-950X.2013.12075.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research paper reports on a modified technique for treating comminuted phalangeal fractures in horses using a transfixation pin cast. The technique was used on 11 adult horses, and resulted in a high survival rate with minimal complications.
Methods
- The researchers studied 11 adult horses – all of which had comminuted phalangeal fractures – using a case series methodology.
- Each horse was anesthetized and placed in a dorsal recumbent position.
- Their phalangeal fractures were reduced using limb traction with a cable attached to the hoof, with screw fixation of fracture fragments carried out where possible.
- The researchers performed transfixation casting using two 6.3 mm positive profile centrally threaded pins. The first pin was placed in the epiphysis of the metacarpus/tarsus at the center of or slightly proximal to the condylar fossa, while the second pin was inserted around 3-4 cm higher.
- They applied a hybrid cast composed of plaster of Paris and fiberglass.
Results
- The majority of the cases involved the horse’s forelimbs (9 out of 11 cases).
- The researchers reported that the pins remained secure for a minimum of 6 weeks without loosening.
- One pony experienced a fracture in the distal aspect of the metacarpus at the proximal pin.
- Despite the distal location of the distal pin – close to the fetlock joint – none of the horses developed septic arthritis.
- Of the 11 horses treated, 9 survived (an 82% survival rate).
Conclusions
- The researchers found that the modified transfixation pin casting technique showed good pin longevity.
- They also suggested that the technique could reduce the risk of secondary pin hole fractures and pin loosening.
Implications and Further Research
- This study provides promising evidence on the effectiveness of this modified technique in treating comminuted phalangeal fractures in horses.
- Future research could further validate these findings and explore the technique’s applicability to other types of equine fractures.
Cite This Article
APA
Rossignol F, Vitte A, Boening J.
(2013).
Use of a modified transfixation pin cast for treatment of comminuted phalangeal fractures in horses.
Vet Surg, 43(1), 66-72.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-950X.2013.12075.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Clinique équine de Grosbois, Boissy Saint Léger, France.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Bone Nails / veterinary
- Casts, Surgical / veterinary
- Female
- Fracture Fixation, Internal / instrumentation
- Fracture Fixation, Internal / methods
- Fracture Fixation, Internal / veterinary
- Fractures, Bone / surgery
- Fractures, Bone / veterinary
- Horse Diseases / surgery
- Horses / surgery
- Male
- Toe Phalanges / surgery
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Turek B, Jankowski K, Pawlikowski M, Jasiński T, Domino M. Innovative approach in the treatment of comminuted proximal phalanx fractures in horses based on biomechanical modelling. Sci Rep 2025 Apr 19;15(1):13562.
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