System overview
The Trans-Articular Screws Aiming Device is a 3D-printed aiming device that guides the drilling of two trans-articular screws during proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint arthrodesis, used with a 3-hole LCP plate and intraoperative imaging.
Two sizes are available: Large, for horses under 550 kg, and Small, for smaller horses such as Arabians, Quarter Horses or Thoroughbreds.
Advantages: accurate, reproducible screw placement with predefined trajectories (45° angle, 8° divergence); position adjustable before final fixation; follows the standard AO technique; the size can be confirmed intraoperatively with a dorsopalmar radiograph.
Limitations: the device must be correctly centred and sized relative to P1; radiographic checks are required at each stage; for horses over 600 kg, the 4TASAD is recommended.
The 4 Trans-Articular Screws Aiming Device is a 3D-printed aiming device that guides the drilling of four trans-articular screws during PIP joint arthrodesis, used with a 3-hole LCP plate and intraoperative imaging. It is recommended for large horses over 600 kg, such as large warmbloods or draft horses.
Advantages: four trans-articular screws for large horses; predefined trajectories (46° and 48° angles, 4° divergence); position adjustable before final fixation; same clinical indication as the Large TASAD, leaving the choice to the surgeon.
Limitations: more hardware than the 2-screw version; the skin and tendon incision may need to be enlarged; precise radiographic control is required.