A New External Skeletal Fixation Device* That Allows Immediate Full Weightbearing Application in the Horse

Nunamaker, David M.; Richardson, Dean W.; Butterweck, D.M.; Provost, M. T.; Sigafoos, Robert D.

doi:10.1111/j.1532-950x.1986.tb00242.x

Cited by 60 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…Various techniques of fracture fixation have been developed in the last two to three decades for the treatment of long bone fractures in large animals. However, currently available external fixation devices have met with limited success (Bergevin et al., 1977; Hamilton and Tulleners, 1980; Nunamaker et al., 1986). The major drawback in the management of fractures in large animals is the non‐availability of suitable fracture fixation devices and problems associated with post‐operative management and rehabilitation.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Use of a Circular External Skeletal Fixation Device for the Management of Long Bone Osteotomies in Large Ruminants: An Experimental Study

Aithal

Singh

Hoque

et al. 2004

Journal of Veterinary Medicine Series A

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The study was undertaken to evaluate the feasibility of a simple, inexpensive model of circular external fixator (CEF) for use in large ruminants. A simple model of CEF frames consisting of four full rings (13-19 cm diameter, 4 cm wide and 4 mm thick with 18-24 holes) connected by threaded rods (8 mm diameter, 10-15 cm long) and nuts was developed using mild (low carbon) steel and were nickel-plated. In the first phase of the study, three male cow calves were utilized to study the feasibility of application of the fixators in the metatarsus, tibia and radius, in reference of adaptation and tolerance by animals. In the second phase, the fixators were tested in osteotomized bones. Six bull calves of 1.5-2 years of age weighing about 200-250 kg were utilized for this purpose. After preparing the area for aseptic surgery, under xylazine (at 0.1 mg/kg, i.m.)-ketamine (i.v. till effect) general anaesthesia, the test bone (metatarsus, radius and tibia in two animals each) was approached through the medial surface and an osteotomy was created with a saw and chisel at the mid-diaphysis. The pre-constructed 4-ring CEF was mounted on the limb around the test bone in such a way that it formed a cylinder with the axis of the limb at the centre. Each ring was then fixed to the bone with a pair of beaded wires (316 SS) of 3.5 mm diameter. During the post-operative period, the animals were observed for any change in behaviour, tolerance of the fixators, the weight bearing on the test limb, the status of the fixator, and the level of reduction of the osteotomy, alignment and healing at different intervals. The fixation of CEF was easier in the metatarsus and radius than in the tibia. The inner ring diameters found adequate for metatarsus, radius and tibia were 13-15 cm, 15-17 cm and 17-19 cm, respectively. The fixators applied to different bones were well-tolerated, and the animals could lay down, stand and walk freely with the fixator without any problems. All the animals showed good weight bearing in the immediate post-operative period. Weight bearing, however, slightly reduced in the inflammatory period and showed improvement after about 4 weeks. Wire tract infection was seen in all the animals, which was more on proximal wire tracts on lateral aspect of limbs. Circular fixators were well-tolerated by all the animals, and there was no breaking/bending of connecting rods, slotted bolts or the rings at any stage of observation. Slight bowing of some wires was noticed in cases of tibia and radius (in phase II) and bending of some wires was noticed from first week in two animals one each in radius and tibia. Bone fragments were well maintained until healing occurred (appearance of bridging periosteal callus) at 60-70 days. The functional results were good in all but one case of tibia, where a mal-union was recorded. From this study, it can be concluded that CEF are well-tolerated by large ruminants and can be used to treat long bone fractures. The fixator assembly using mild steel is sufficiently strong to maintain fracture fixati...

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Use of a Circular External Skeletal Fixation Device for the Management of Long Bone Osteotomies in Large Ruminants: An Experimental Study

Aithal

Singh

Hoque

et al. 2004

Journal of Veterinary Medicine Series A

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“…With minimal to moderate comminution, fragments are reconstructed by interfragmentary compression using bone screws placed in lag fashion through plates or before application of plates 1,4 . Severely comminuted, open metacarpal fractures not amenable to reduction and plate stabilization have been managed with modifications of transfixation pin casting with variable success 5–9 . Complications include fractures through pin holes, 5 osteomyelitis, 7,8 and cast related complications 7 …”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

An In Vitro Biomechanical Comparison of an Interlocking Nail System and Dynamic Compression Plate Fixation of Ostectomized Equine Third Metacarpal Bones

et al. 1999

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“…We found the casting of the affected limb necessary and sufficient. Transfixation casting (McClure et al, 1996) or an external skeletal fixation device (Nunamaker et al, 1986) was found inadequate, due to the serious traumatisation of the cannon bone. The follow up examination, our decision was proven suitable, as the stabilisation and apposition of the fragments was excellently healed, and without irritation of the fetlock joint and its osteoarthritic degeneration.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sagittal fracture of the proximal phalanx in a horse complicated during induction of anesthesia by complete fragmentation of the bone: a case report

Žert¹,

Mezerova²,

Kabeš³

et al. 2007

Vet. Med. - Czech

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ABSTRACT:The case of a sagittal fracture P1 in the pelvic limb that was complicated during the flexion of the limb by lying down at the beginning of anesthesia, by complete fragmentation of bone is presented. Fragments were not seriously dislocated, but there was no stabile strut between the metatarsophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints. The immediate fixation with lag screws and cast application resulted in complete primary healing and a successful return to training for flat racing. The real danger of complete fragmentation during the induction of anesthesia is documented in this case. For the prevention of such a complication it is recommended to put the horse into recumbence with the affected limb casted. The successful treatment of the comminuted P1 fracture by application of lag screws in the absence of a strut between both joints is described.

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A New External Skeletal Fixation Device* That Allows Immediate Full Weightbearing Application in the Horse

Cited by 60 publications

References 4 publications

The Use of a Circular External Skeletal Fixation Device for the Management of Long Bone Osteotomies in Large Ruminants: An Experimental Study

The Use of a Circular External Skeletal Fixation Device for the Management of Long Bone Osteotomies in Large Ruminants: An Experimental Study

An In Vitro Biomechanical Comparison of an Interlocking Nail System and Dynamic Compression Plate Fixation of Ostectomized Equine Third Metacarpal Bones

Sagittal fracture of the proximal phalanx in a horse complicated during induction of anesthesia by complete fragmentation of the bone: a case report

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