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An In Vitro Biomechanical Investigation of an MP35N Intramedullary Interlocking Nail System for Repair of Third Metacarpal Fractures in Adult Horses
Author(s) -
Galuppo Larry D.,
Stover Susan M.,
Aldridge Amanda,
Hewes Christina,
Taylor Kenneth T.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
veterinary surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.652
H-Index - 79
eISSN - 1532-950X
pISSN - 0161-3499
DOI - 10.1053/jvet.2002.32400
Subject(s) - intramedullary rod , interlocking , cadaveric spasm , medicine , universal testing machine , biomechanics , metacarpal bones , fixation (population genetics) , bending , compression (physics) , torsion (gastropod) , orthodontics , cadaver , materials testing , biomedical engineering , anatomy , composite material , materials science , ultimate tensile strength , structural engineering , population , environmental health , engineering
Objective— To compare monotonic mechanical properties of gap‐ostectomized third metacarpal bones (MC3) stabilized with an MP35N interlocking nail system with contralateral intact bones. Animals or sample population— Twenty‐four pairs of cadaveric equine MC3s. Methods— Third metacarpal bones were divided into 4 mechanical testing groups (6 pairs per group): compression, palmarodorsal (PD) and mediolateral (ML) 4‐point bending, and torsion. One MC3 from each pair was randomly selected as an intact specimen, and the contralateral gap ostectomized bone was stabilized with a 4‐hole, 14‐mm‐diameter, 250‐mm‐long, MP35N intramedullary nail, and four, 7‐mm‐diameter, 60‐mm‐long MP35N interlocking screws (constructs). Mechanical testing properties were compared between intact specimens and constructs with a paired t test (significance set at P < .05 ). Results— Intact specimens were significantly stronger and stiffer than constructs in all testing modes except PD bending. Constructs achieved mean yield strengths that were 57% (compression), 81% (PD bending), 68% (ML bending), and 78% (torque) of intact specimens. Constructs achieved mean stiffnesses that were 53% (compression), 58% (PD bending), 41% (ML bending), and 47% (torque) of intact specimens. Conclusion— Monotonic yield mechanical properties of MP35N intramedullary interlocking nail‐stabilized, gap‐ostectomized MC3 were lower than those of paired intact bones but exceeded reported in vivo loads for dorsopalmar bending and compression and estimated in vivo torsional loads. Clinical relevance— Considering the benefits associated with intramedullary interlocking nail fixation of fractures, this system should be considered for use for repair of MC3 fractures with applicable fracture configurations.