Assessment of stiffness and strength of 4 different implants available for equine fracture treatment: a study on a 20 degrees oblique long-bone fracture model using a bone substitute.
Authors: Florin Marion, Arzdorf Michael, Linke Berend, Auer Joerg A
Journal: Veterinary surgery : VS
Summary
# Editorial Summary Selecting the optimal implant for equine long-bone fractures requires understanding how different fixation systems perform under the loading conditions horses experience post-operatively. Marion and colleagues compared four commonly used stabilisation methods—dynamic compression plates (DCP), limited contact-DCPlates (LC-DCP), locking compression plates (LCP), and clamp-rod internal fixators (CRIF)—by subjecting double-plated constructs to 4-point bending tests on bone substitute material modelled as 20-degree oblique mid-shaft fractures. Locking compression plate constructs demonstrated superior biomechanical performance, yielding the highest yield strength (409 Nm), greatest stiffness under high loads, and minimal angular displacement at the fracture site, whilst CRIF exhibited concerning inadequacy with the lowest yield strength (117 Nm) and excessive motion. Although DCP, LC-DCP, and LCP constructs all provided sufficient stability to manage single-cycle post-operative loads, the authors cautioned against CRIF use in large equine bones due to excessive deformation and movement at the fracture line. For practitioners selecting fixation implants, these findings suggest that locking plate technology offers biomechanical advantages over conventional plating systems, though clinical factors such as surgeon familiarity, fracture configuration, and bone quality may ultimately influence device selection in individual cases.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •LCP implants are the biomechanically superior choice for equine long-bone fractures, offering best yield strength and load tolerance for post-operative demands
- •DCP and LC-DCP are acceptable alternatives with similar performance to LCP; selection may depend on surgeon preference and cost considerations rather than biomechanical differences
- •CRIF should not be used for large equine long-bone fractures due to inadequate biomechanical properties and excessive interfragmentary motion
Key Findings
- •LCP constructs demonstrated highest yield strength (409 N m) and stiffness under high loads compared to DCP, LC-DCP, and CRIF
- •DCP, LC-DCP, and LCP all provided sufficient biomechanical stability for postoperative single-cycle loads, with no implant failure
- •CRIF showed lowest yield strength (117 N m) and excessive angular displacement at fracture line, raising concerns about its use in large equine bones
- •LCP constructs showed least movement at fracture line and superior performance under high-load conditions