SCREW TORQUE AND BONE PLATE FIXATION TO EQUINE CADAVER LONGBONES

This study examined the contribution of variation within and between i ndividual surgeons, their gender and the location of screw application in the bone on the perceived optimal applied screw torque for bone pl ate fixation to equine cadaver longbones. Significant differences were seen within (repetition) and between individuals. When individuals we re grouped according to gender significant differences also arose (mal es applying greater levels of torque than females). The results sugges t, that for mature equine longbone fracture repair the use of a torque -limiting device may be a consideration in order to standardize bone p late fixation.