Arthrodesis of the equine proximal interphalangeal joint: biomechanical and finite elements study of the occurrence of stress riser in different forms of proximal screw application in locking compression plate

• Grant number: 21/07105-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Effective date (Start): February 01, 2022
• Effective date (End): July 10, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Animal Clinics and Surgery
• Principal Investigator: André Luis do Valle de Zoppa
• Grantee: Anderson Fernando de Souza
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 22/13143-3 - Arthrodesis of the equine proximal interphalangeal joint: biomechanical and finite elements study of the occurrence of stress riser in different forms of proximal screw application in locking compression plate, BE.EP.DD

Abstract

Several techniques have been described for performing surgical arthrodesis in the proximal interphalangeal joint in horses, and currently, the use of a 3-hole locking compression plate, associated with transarticular screws, is the recommended technique. However, stress distribution, formation of stress risers and associated bone defects have not been evaluated in controlled studies. This project aims to describe the biomechanical characteristics of proximal interphalangeal arthrodesis in horses, through biomechanical tests of axial compression and extensometry in anatomical specimens, using a 3-hole 4.5mm locking compression plate, in combination with two cortical transarticular screws 5.5mm, and identify the occurrence of failures associated with different ways of applying the proximal screw. Computed tomography will be performed before and after the tests to evaluate the anatomical part and the type of failure that occurred. The distribution of stresses and the occurrence of stress risers will be analyzed by the finite element method, simulating the conditions of the biomechanical and ankylosis test, combined with the presence or absence of implants. The results of this work can support the choice of which type of screw (cortical or locking) and anchorage (unicortical or bicortical) to use in the proximal hole of the locking plate, as long as this is not a critical factor for the formation of stress risers. Thus, having a construction with the greatest possible stability - consequently greater comfort and less convalescence for the patient - with the lowest possible risk of failure. In addition to being able to generate information for the discussion of the need or not to remove implants after bone consolidation. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

DE SOUZA, ANDERSON FERNANDO; PARETSIS, NICOLE FIDALGO; DE ZOPPA, ANDRE LUIS DO VALLE. Proximal Interphalangeal Arthrodesis in Horses: A Meta-Analysis of Retrospective Studies. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, v. 122, p. 11-pg., 2023-01-31. (21/07105-9)