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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2024; 37(06): 263-272
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1787680
Original Research

Mechanical Properties and Failure Mode of Proximal Screw Fixation Technique Using Locking Compression Plate for Proximal Interphalangeal Arthrodesis in Horses: An Ex Vivo Study

Anderson F. de Souza 
1   Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
,
César A.M. Pereira
2   Institute de Orthopedics and Traumatology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
,
Claudio Costa
3   Department of Stomatology, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
,
Anton Fürst
4   Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
,
Jan M. Kümmerle
4   Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
,
André L.V. De Zoppa
1   Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
› Author Affiliations Funding This study was supported by the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) Grants numbers 2022/13143-3 and 2021/07105-9. This study received partial funding from the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)—Finance Code 001 and the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), process number: 132994/2019-4.
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Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to measure the mechanical properties and failure mode of an ex vivo model of proximal interphalangeal arthrodesis in horses with different methods of proximal screw fixation using a locking compression plate.

Study Design Pastern joint arthrodesis with a 3-hole 4.5-mm narrow locking compression plate was performed on 20 forelimbs of equine cadavers, randomized into four groups based on the fixation method and type of proximal screw used: unicortical cortex, bicortical cortex, unicortical locking, bicortical locking. Single-cycle axial compression testing was conducted until failure. The frequency of implant plastic deformation was recorded. Bone failure analysis was performed through computed tomography examinations and fractal analysis.

Results There were no differences in the analysed mechanical variables and fractal dimension among the groups. Transarticular screws showed a higher frequency of deformation (75%) regardless of the group. Both unicortical locking and bicortical locking groups deformed the plate more frequently.

Conclusion The type of screw used in the proximal hole of the locking compression plate and its method of anchoring in the proximal phalanx do not affect the mechanical properties of pastern arthrodesis in equine cadavers subjected to single-cycle axial compression tests until failure.

Keywords

unicortical screw - stress riser - pastern joint - horse - locking compression plate - arthrodesis

Ethical Approval Statement

The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee for Animal Use of FMVZ-USP under protocol number CEUAx No. 8986101019.


Authors' Contribution

A.F.S. and A.L.V.Z. conceived the idea for the article. A.F.S. conducted the surgical procedures. A.F.S. and C.A.M.P. collected and processed the mechanical data. A.F.S. and C.C. collected and processed the fractal analysis data. A.F.S. conducted the statistical analysis. A.F.S., A.L.V.Z., A.F., and J.M.K. analyzed and interpreted the data. A.F.S. and A.L.V.Z. wrote the manuscript. All authors contributed to the critical revision and approval of the final manuscript.


Supplementary Material



Publication History

Received: 18 September 2023

Accepted: 16 May 2024

Article published online:
04 June 2024

© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

 

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