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Comparison of Computer Assisted Surgery with Conventional Technique for Treatment of Abaxial Distal Phalanx Fractures in Horses: An In Vitro Study
Author(s) -
ROSSOL MELANIE,
GYGAX DIEGO,
ANDRITZKYWAAS JULIANE,
ZHENG GUOYAN,
LISCHER CHRISTOPH J.,
ZHANG XUAN,
AUER JOERG A.
Publication year - 2008
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 - 10.1111/j.1532-950x.2007.00346.x
Subject(s) - cadaveric spasm , medicine , proximal phalanx , lag screw , phalanx , orthodontics , osteosynthesis , surgery , anatomy , internal fixation
Objective— To (1) evaluate and compare computer‐assisted surgery (CAS) with conventional screw insertion (conventional osteosynthesis [COS]) for treatment of equine abaxial distal phalanx fractures; (2) compare planned screw position with actual postoperative position; and (3) determine preferred screw insertion direction. Study design— Experimental study. Sample population— Cadaveric equine limbs (n=32). Methods— In 8 specimens each, a 4.5 mm cortex bone screw was inserted in lag fashion in dorsopalmar (plantar) direction using CAS or COS. In 2 other groups of 8, the screws were inserted in opposite direction. Precision of CAS was determined by comparison of planned and actual screw position. Preferred screw direction was also assessed for CAS and COS. Results— In 4 of 6 direct comparisons, screw positioning was significantly better with CAS. Results of precision analysis for screw position were similar to studies published in human medicine. None of evaluated criteria identified a preferred direction for screw insertion. Conclusion— For abaxial fractures of the distal phalanx, superior precision in screw position is achieved with CAS technique compared with COS technique. Clinical Relevance— Abaxial fractures of the distal phalanx lend themselves to computer‐assisted implantation of 1 screw in a dorsopalmar (plantar) direction. Because of the complex anatomic relationships, and our results, we discourage use of COS technique for repair of this fracture type.