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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol
DOI: 10.1055/a-2655-0004
Original Research

In Silico Analysis of Stress Distribution in Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Arthrodesis in Horses Using a Locking Compression Plate

Anderson Fernando de Souza 
1   Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
,
César Augusto Martins Pereira
2   Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
,
Ivan Onone Gialain
3   Department of Biomaterials and Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
,
Josete Barbosa Cruz Meira
3   Department of Biomaterials and Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
,
Rafael Yague Ballester
3   Department of Biomaterials and Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
,
André Luis do Valle De Zoppa
1   Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
› Author Affiliations
Funding This study was supported by the São Paulo Research Foundation, grant number 2021/07105-9.
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Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to compare the stress distribution in proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis with locking compression plate in horses based on the type and method of screw implantation in the proximal hole and partial or total removal of implants after fusion.

Study Design

Finite element analysis.

Methods

Proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis was simulated using a 3-hole, 4.5-mm narrow locking compression plate combined with two 5.5-mm transarticular screws. Models were created according to the type (cortex or locking) and method of implantation (uni- or bicortical) of the screw in the proximal hole of the locking compression plate. Four conditions were simulated: Immediate postoperative, ankylosis, ankylosis with partial removal (transarticular screws remaining) and ankylosis with no implants. An axial load of 8,700 N was applied, and the major principal stresses in the bones and von Mises stress in the implants were evaluated.

Results

Cortical screws in the proximal hole better distributed the stresses, reducing their concentration along the diaphysis of the proximal phalanx in the postoperative condition. Stress distribution did not differ between partial and total implant removal. High stresses were observed in the implants, especially when locking screws were used, with a reduction observed after ankylosis simulation.

Conclusion

A cortex screw in the proximal hole reduces stress concentration in the proximal phalanx. Retaining the transarticular screws after ankylosis did not alter the stress pattern in the bone.

Keywords

equine - proximal interphalangeal joint - ankylosis - finite element analysis - locking compression plate

Note

The limited abstract of this study was presented as a poster at the XXIV Conferência Anual ABRAVEQ on July 4–6, 2024, at Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.


Authors' Contribution

A.F.de S. contributed to the conception of the study and study design, collected data; drafted, revised and approved the submitted manuscript. C.A.M.P. contributed to the conception of the study, obtained strain gage data to validate finite element models results and approved the submitted manuscript. I.O.G. contributed to the conception of the study and study design, collected data; and revised and approved the submitted manuscript. J.B.C.M., R.Y.B., and A.L.de V. de Z. contributed to the conception of the study and study design, collected data; drafted, revised and approved the submitted manuscript. All authors provided a critical review of the manuscript and endorse the final version.


Supplementary Material



Publication History

Received: 02 December 2024

Accepted: 14 July 2025

Article published online:
24 July 2025

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