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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2004; 17(03): 136-140
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1632801
Original Research
Schattauer GmbH

Pull-out strength of orthopaedic screws in polymethylmethacrylate filled medullary cavities of foal third metacarpal bones

G. A. Sod
1   Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
,
G. S. Martin
2   Sawtooth Equine Service, Bellevue, ID, USA
,
M. S. Gill
1   Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 08 September 2003

Accepted 22 January 2004

Publication Date:
08 February 2018 (online)

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Summary

The purpose of this study was to determine the in vitro pull-out force and strength of 4.5-mm and 5.5-mm cortical screws inserted in the diaphysis of foal third metacarpal bones with and without polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) filling the medullary cavity. Filling the medullary cavity with PMMA significantly increased the pull-out force of 4.5-mm screws by 2.0-fold, and 5.5-mm screws by 2.2-fold, compared to controls (p < 0.001). Also the mean pull-out strength per mm of bones filled with PMMA was significantly greater (p < 0.001) than empty control bones. Our results suggest that filling the medullary cavity with PMMA at sites of greater stress, such as the ends of the plate and near the fracture site, may result in a more stable internal fixation.

Keywords

Pull-out strength - cortical screws - polymethylmethacrylate - foal - third metacarpal
 

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