Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026
A Reliable and Reproducible Critical-Sized Segmental Femoral Defect Model in Rats Stabilized with a Custom External Fixator
Published on: March 24, 2019
Computed tomography to identify preoperative guidelines for internal fixation of the distal sesamoid bone in horses:
Roland Perrin1, Thomas Launois, Laurent Brogniez
1Clinique Equine Desbrosse, St. Lambert-des-Bois, France.
Objective:
To assess the reliability of computed tomography (CT) to identify the direction of implant insertion for cortical screws along the longitudinal axis of intact (nonfractured) distal sesamoid bones.
Study Design:
In vitro study.
Sample Population:
Cadaveric paired equine forelimbs (n=16).
Methods:
Insertion of a cortical screw in lag fashion along the longitudinal axis of intact (nonfractured) distal sesamoid bones was evaluated in 2 groups (3.5 and 4.5 mm) of 8 paired limbs. In each group, the direction of the distal sesamoid bone was determined by CT (Equine XTC 3000 pQCT scanner). Screw placement was verified by specimen dissection. Implant direction was considered satisfactory if the entire screw length was within the distal sesamoid bone and not damaging the articular or flexural surfaces.
Results:
In our sample and according to our criteria, the proportion of satisfactory direction of screws was 0.63 (5/8) for 4.5 mm implants, and 0.87 (7/8) for 3.5 mm implants.
Conclusions:
CT is a useful imaging modality to identify anatomic landmarks for insertion of a 3.5 mm cortical screw in the distal sesamoid bone.
