Use of computed tomography in standing position to identify guidelines for screw insertion in the distal phalanx of horses: an ex vivo study.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the precision of radiography and computed tomography (CT) preoperatively in the standing position for identification of guidelines for screw insertion in the distal phalanx, and to identify whether standing CT might improve operative time compared with preoperative radiographic planning.


METHODS
Experimental ex vivo study.


METHODS
Cadaveric equine thoracic limb pairs (n=10).


METHODS
Insertion of a 4.5 mm cortex screw in lag fashion into an intact distal phalanx was evaluated in 2 groups (n=10) of cadaveric equine thoracic limbs. In 1 group, the site, direction, and length of the implant were determined by radiography, and in the other group, by CT. Accuracy of screw placement was verified by specimen dissection. Outcomes were (1) absence of penetration of the articular surface, the solar surface, or the semilunar canal (2) appropriate length and direction of the screw. Surgical time was also measured.


RESULTS
No screw penetrated the articular surface, the solar surface, or the semilunar canal in either group. CT was more accurate to identify guidelines for screw insertion (U=23.50, P=.049). With CT, surgical time (mean, 7.7 minutes) was significantly shorter (U=0.000, P=.000) than with radiography (mean, 12.7 minutes).


CONCLUSIONS
Standing CT can be used to accurately determine anatomic landmarks for screw insertion in lag fashion in sagittal fractures of the distal phalanx.


CONCLUSIONS
This study has a clear clinical relevance for improved internal fixation of sagittal fractures of the distal phalanx.
Vandeweerd
Jean-Michel E
JM
Clinique Equine Desbrosse, 18 rue des champs, Saint-Lambert-des-Bois, France. jmvdw@hotmail.fr
Perrin
Roland
R
Launois
Thomas
T
Brogniez
Laurent
L
Clegg
Peter D
PD
Desbrosse
Francis G
FG
D000818:Animals; D001863:Bone Screws / Q000662:veterinary*; D002102:Cadaver; D005552:Forelimb / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D006736:Horses / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D011187:Posture; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D014463:Ultrasonography