Comparison of Two Bandage Splint Constructs in an Ex Vivo Equine Metacarpal Fracture Model.

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;  = 0.5) or deflection distance (13.1 ± 2.6 cm vs. 11.4 ± 3.1 cm;  = 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 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.