Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the deflection distance, deflection angle and
pre-loading sub-bandage pressure of a transverse, mid-metacarpal fracture in an equine
cadaver limb when loaded in bending while stabilized with either a Robert Jones Bandage
(RJB) or a single-stack bandage (SS), each containing two orthogonal splints.
Study Design In an ex vivo experimental study, forelimb pairs from eight horses were collected,
and one forelimb from each pair was assigned to either the SS or RJB groups. A transverse
osteotomy was performed at the midpoint of the metacarpus. After bandaging, the limbs
were loaded in bending. Pre-loading sub-bandage pressure, pre- and post-loading radiographs
and post-loading deflection distance measurements were taken. Dorsopalmar radiographs
were used to measure the loaded deflection angle.
Results There was no significant difference between RJB and SS constructs in change in deflection
angle (10.7 ± 3.0 degrees vs. 9.8 ± 2.6 degrees; p = 0.5) or deflection distance (13.1 ± 2.6 cm vs. 11.4 ± 3.1 cm; p = 0.2). Sub-bandage pressures were significantly greater for the SS than the RJB
both dorsally and laterally.
Conclusion The SS splint construct resists bending forces similarly to the RJB splint construct
in an ex vivo transverse, metacarpal fracture model. The SS splint construct may be a useful alternative
to the RJB splint construct in field situations for metacarpal fracture stabilization.
Keywords
horse - bandage - splint - fracture - Robert Jones
