In Vitro Biomechanical Comparison of Equine Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Arthrodesis Techniques: Prototype Equine Spoon Plate Versus Axially Positioned Dynamic Compression Plate and Two Abaxial Transarticular Cortical Screws Inserted in Lag Fashion

Abstract

In vitro results support further evaluation of ESP for PIP joint arthrodesis in horses. Its specific design may provide increased stability without need for external coaptation support.

An In Vitro Biomechanical Comparison of Equine Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Arthrodesis Techniques: Two Parallel Transarticular Headless Tapered Variable Pitch Screws Versus Two Parallel Transarticular AO Cortical Bone Screws Inserted in Lag Fashion

“…Full limb preparations, intact from the mid-humerus distally, were used to more closely simulate the in vivo mechanical loading environment, as in previous studies. 17,21 The number of cycles to failure under axial compression for the AO-TLS fixation was significantly greater compared with the AP-TS fixation. In cyclic fatigue testing, under axial compression, the axial load was chosen to represent an axial load placed on MC3 during walking (7.52 kN for a weight range of 450-550 kg) 22 and is consistent with previous studies.…”

In VitroBiomechanical Comparison of a 4.5 mm Narrow Locking Compression Plate Construct Versus a 4.5 mm Limited Contact Dynamic Compression Plate Construct for Arthrodesis of the Equine Proximal Interphalangeal Joint

“…The PIP joint is a high load, low motion joint that is amenable to arthrodesis and is generally regarded as having a good prognosis for return to function using the currently favored combined plate and transarticular screw techniques . The addition of a dorsally placed bone plate in combination with the transarticular screws results in a substantial increase in stability across the dorsal aspect of the PIP joint . Greater stability may enhance the potential for a horse to return to athletic function in a shorter period of time.…”

“…Greater stability may enhance the potential for a horse to return to athletic function in a shorter period of time. Furthermore, greater stability should lead to improved postoperative comfort and less morbidity …”

“…1,3,7,8 The addition of a dorsally placed bone plate in combination with the transarticular screws results in a substantial increase in stability across the dorsal aspect of the PIP joint. 5,9 Greater stability may enhance the potential for a horse to return to athletic function in a shorter period of time. Furthermore, greater stability should lead to improved postoperative comfort and less morbidity.…”

“…Furthermore, greater stability should lead to improved postoperative comfort and less morbidity. [9][10][11] The fixed angle construct produced by the locking compression plate (LCP) and locking head screw (LHS) technology has been reported to be stronger than conventional nonlocking plates. 12 Because of the superior biomechanics of the LCP compared to dynamic compression plates (DCP) and LC-DCP it has been embraced by equine surgeons to repair a broad range of fractures and perform arthrodeses.…”