An in vitro biomechanical investigation of an intramedullary nailing technique for repair of third metacarpal and metatarsal fractures in neonates and foals

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a dorsoproximal extra-articular approach for insertion of 8.25-mm, solid-titanium, intramedullary (IM) interlocking nails into ostectomized foal third metacarpal (MC3) and third metatarsal (MT3) bones; to compare the monotonic mechanical properties of IM nail constructs with paired intact bones; and to determine the effects of age, body weight, fore- or hindlimb, and left or right limb on the mechanical testing variables. ANIMAL OR SAMPLE POPULATION: Twenty bone pairs (10 MC3, 10 MT3) collected from 10 foals of various weights and ages. METHODS: One bone from each pair was randomly selected to be ostectomized and stabilized using an 8.25-mm, solid-titanium IM nail, and four 3.7-mm titanium interlocking screws (construct). Constructs and contralateral intact bone specimens were tested in axial compression and palmaro-/plantarodorsal (PD) 4-point bending. Monotonic mechanical properties were compared between intact specimens and constructs with an ANOVA; significance was set at P <.05. RESULTS: Nail insertion caused bone failure in 6 MC3 and 2 MT3. In general, mean mechanical testing values indicated that intact specimens were significantly stronger and stiffer than constructs for all age and weight ranges when tested in compression and PD 4-point bending (P <.05). Bone strength and stiffness of intact specimens tested in compression and bending tended to increase linearly with age and weight. CONCLUSION: IM interlocking nail fixation of gap-ostectomized MC3 and MT3 with 8.25-mm IM nails and 3.7-mm interlocking screws did not achieve sufficient strength or stiffness to be recommended as the sole means of repair for comminuted MC3 and MT3 fractures in young foals. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: IM interlocking nail fixation of foal cannon bone fractures may be useful to decrease soft-tissue disruption at the fracture site; however, there is a risk of bone failure associated with extra-articular insertion. This method should be combined with other forms of external coaptation for added stability in axial compression and PD bending.