Use of a modified transfixation pin cast for treatment of comminuted phalangeal fractures in horses. Issue 1 (15th November 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rossignol, Fabrice; Vitte, Amélie; Boening, Josef
• Is Part Of: Veterinary surgery. Volume 43:Issue 1(2014)
• Page Start: 66
• Page End: 72
• Publication Date: 2013-11-15
• Subjects: Veterinary surgery -- Periodicals; Veterinary Medicine -- Periodicals; Surgery -- Periodicals; Societies, Medical -- Periodicals; 636.0897
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-950X.2013.12075.x
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0161-3499

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="vsu12075-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Objectives</title> <p>To (1) report a modified transfixation pin cast technique, using dorsal recumbency for fracture reduction, distal positioning of the pins in the epiphysis and distal metaphysis, and a hybrid cast, combining plaster of Paris (POP) and fiberglass casting, and (2) report outcome in 11 adult horses.</p> </sec> <sec id="vsu12075-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Study Design</title> <p>Case series.</p> </sec> <sec id="vsu12075-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Animals</title> <p>Adult horses (n = 11) with comminuted phalangeal fractures.</p> </sec> <sec id="vsu12075-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>Horses were anesthetized and positioned in dorsal recumbency. The phalangeal fracture was reduced by limb traction using a cable attached to the hoof. Screw fixation in lag fashion of fracture fragments was performed when possible. Transfixation casting was performed using two 6.3 mm positive profile centrally threaded pins with the 1st pin placed in the epiphysis of the metacarpus/tarsus at the center of, or slightly proximal to, the condylar fossa and the 2nd one 3–4 cm proximal. A hybrid cast was applied.</p> </sec> <sec id="vsu12075-sec-0005" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Forelimbs were involved in 9 horses and the hind limb in 2. Pins were maintained for a minimum of 6 weeks. No pin loosening was observed at the time of removal (6–8 weeks). A pony fractured the distal aspect of the metacarpus at the proximal pin. Nine horses survived (82%); none of the horses developed septic arthritis despite the distal location of the distal pin, close to the fetlock joint.</p> </sec> <sec id="vsu12075-sec-0006" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>This modified transfixation pin casting technique was associated with good pin longevity and could reduce the risk of secondary pin hole fractures and pin loosening.</p> </sec> </abstract>