Comparison of three methods of ulnar fixation in horses.
OBJECTIVE
This study compares the mechanical properties of three methods of equine ulnar fixation: dynamic compression plating, pins and wires tension band, and a prototype grip system.


METHODS
The mechanical properties of dynamic compression plating, pins and wires tension band, and a prototype grip system repair of equine ulnar fractures were evaluated in a cadaveric osteotomy model.


METHODS
Fifteen pairs of the radius and ulna from equine cadavers.


METHODS
The three repair techniques were evaluated to mimic the pull of the triceps brachii muscle in single cycle to failure and in cyclic fatigue loading. Single cycle results were evaluated as the axial and angular displacement. Cyclic fatigue results were evaluated as the number of cycles to failure.


RESULTS
Dynamic compression plate fixation and pins and wires tension band had significantly less axial displacement of the proximal fragment than the grip system (P < .05). No significant difference in angular rotation of the proximal fragment was present between the three techniques. Dynamic compression plating had significantly greater fatigue resistance than the grip system (P < .05). Cyclic failure was characterized by screw loosening or breakage and wire breakage.


CONCLUSIONS
Dynamic compression plates were better than the other techniques at maintaining compression of a transverse ulnar osteotomy at the level of the anconeal process just proximal to the trochlear notch.


CONCLUSIONS
Knowledge of fixation technique mechanical properties is essential for surgeons to select the proper method of fracture repair.
Hanson
P D
PD
Comparative Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA.
Hartwig
H
H
Markel
M D
MD
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D001858:Bone Nails / Q000662:veterinary; D001860:Bone Plates / Q000662:veterinary; D001864:Bone Wires / Q000662:veterinary; D004867:Equipment Design; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D006736:Horses / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D016268:Internal Fixators / Q000662:veterinary*; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary; D011897:Random Allocation; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D014458:Ulna Fractures / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*