Holding Power of Orthopedic Screws in Equine Third Metacarpal and Metatarsal Bones: Part I. Foal Bone

The holding power of orthopedic screws in the third metacarpal and metatarsal cadaver bones of foals that were aged from 1 to 14 days was tested. Comparative trials between screws inserted at the same site in contralateral bones from the same foal were performed to compare the holding power of 5.5 mm cortical and 6.5 mm cancellous screws in the metaphysis, and the holding power of 5.5 and 4.5 mm cortical screws in the diaphysis. A MTS servohydraulic tensile testing machine was used to perform screw pullouts at a displacement rate of 19 mm/sec. There was no significant difference between maximum holding power of 5.5 mm cortical screws and 6.5 mm cancellous screws in the metaphysis when expressed as kg per mm of bone width at the screw insertion site (p = 0.097) or as kg per mm of screw thread engaged in the bone (p = 0.17). There was no significant difference in holding power of 5.5 and 6.5 mm screws in the proximal versus distal metaphysis (p = 0.10). The 5.5 mm screws had significantly greater holding power than the 4.5 mm screws in the diaphysis (p = 0.0097). Fixation failure at screw pullout was always due to bone shear. In internal fixation in foal bone, the 5.5 mm screws may be a suitable alternative to 6.5 mm screws in the metaphysis. Use of 5.5 mm rather than 4.5 mm screws is recommended in the diaphysis because of greater holding power.