title: In vitro evaluation of four methods of attaching transfixation pins into a fiberglass cast for use in horses.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the axial stability provided by 4 methods of attaching transfixation pins into a fiberglass cast.
  
  
  METHODS
  Axial stability of 4 methods of transfixation pin attachment to a fiberglass cast cylinder was determined in vitro. Methods of attachment included simple incorporation of the pins into the cast, placement of a washer and nut on the pin and incorporation into the cast, extension of pins beyond the cast and attachment to a steel halo, and washers within the cast and attachment to a steel halo.
  
  
  METHODS
  A model was designed to simulate a transfixation cast applied to the equine metacarpus. 8 identical constructs were present in each of the 4 groups. 6 fiberglass cylinders were also tested to identify the contribution of the cast cylinder to the overall stability of the transfixation cast.
  
  
  METHODS
  Load-sufficient curves were recorded, and a stiffness modulus was calculated for each treatment group and for a simple fiberglass cylinder without transfixation pins.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There was no significant difference among the 4 methods of attachment. The fiberglass cast material appears to be the major determinant of axial stability.
authors.affiliation: Department of Large Animal Medicine and Surgery, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843-4475, USA.
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: McClure
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Watkins
authors.forename: H A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Hogan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002370:Casts, Surgical / Q000662:veterinary*; D004867:Equipment Design; D016267:External Fixators / Q000662:veterinary*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D005898:Glass; D006734:Horse Diseases; D006736:Horses
chemical_list: C009753:fiberglass