Comparison of 2 equine transfixation pin casts and the effects of pin removal.
OBJECTIVE
To (1) compare strain on the dorsal aspect of the proximal phalanx (P1) between 2 types of transfixation pin casts (TPC) and (2) evaluate the change in strain as the pins are removed.


METHODS
Experimental.


METHODS
Equine cadaver forelimbs (n = 10 pair).


METHODS
Each limb of a pair was assigned to 1 of 2 TPC constructs. Construct 1 consisted of a TPC with 2 positive profile, centrally threaded pins placed in the distal aspect of the third metacarpus (MC3) and construct 2 had 4 smooth Steinmann pins placed similarly. A strain gauge was mounted on P1 and axial compression (444.8-5337.9 N) applied. One forelimb of each pair was tested as a control with no construct in place. The 2 TPC groups were retested after removal of 1 proximal (n = 5 limbs) or distal (n = 5) pin from construct 1, and 2 proximal (n = 5) or distal (n = 5) pins from construct 2. Limb specimens were retested after all pins had been removed.


RESULTS
There was a significant decrease in strain between both TPC constructs and the non-casted control at all loads except 444.8 N. There was no significant difference in strain reduction between the 2 TPC constructs. After proximal pin removal there was a 7% (construct 1) and 10% (construct 2) increase in strain. When distal pins were removed there was a 0.5% (construct 1) and 1% (construct 2) increase in strain. The difference between proximal and distal pin removal was only statistically different from each other at high loads.


CONCLUSIONS
Both constructs provided equivalent reduction in strain. Removal of the proximal pin(s) increased the strain.
Department of Large Animal Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia.
Jarred M
JM
Williams
Yvonne A
YA
Elce
Alan S
AS
Litsky
D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001858:Bone Nails / Q000662:veterinary*; D002102:Cadaver; D002370:Casts, Surgical / Q000662:veterinary*; D006736:Horses