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Journal of equine science2019; 30(1); 7-12; doi: 10.1294/jes.30.7

A Thoroughbred racehorse with a unicortical palmar lateral condylar fracture returned to training 14 days after surgery: a hypothesis on the role of a single bone screw on crack propagation.

Abstract: A 2-year-old Thoroughbred racehorse had LF lameness that began post high-speed exercise and persisted for two days before the horse once again became sound. Diagnostic analgesia localized the lameness to the LF distal metacarpus, and a standing MRI identified a unicortical condylar fracture. A single 5.5 mm cortical screw was placed in lag fashion. The horse began hand walking at 14 days, racetrack jogging at 30 days, and racing at 5 months after the day of surgery. Placement of a single lag screw ahead of the tip of the crack in unicortical condylar fracture may be useful for reducing the recovery period for horses returning to training and racing.
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Publication Date: 2019-04-03 PubMed ID: 30944541PubMed Central: PMC6445752DOI: 10.1294/jes.30.7Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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The study discusses a case where a 2-year-old Thoroughbred racehorse, following a unicortical condylar fracture, was able to return to training just 14 days post-surgery owing to the placement of a single bone screw. The possible role of a single lag screw in reducing the recovery period for such injuries is also hypothesized.

Case Background and Diagnosis

  • The Thoroughbred racehorse, post a rigorous high-speed exercise session, developed front left foot (LF) lameness which persisted for two days before the horse returned to normalcy.
  • Through diagnostic analgesia, the lameness was localized to the LF distal metacarpus – the portion of a horse’s front limb between the carpal joint and pastern.
  • A standing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed on the horse, which led to the identification of a unicortical condylar fracture. This type of fracture occurs in the distal condyles of the third metacarpal or metatarsal bones and affects only one cortex of the bone.

Surgical Intervention and Recovery

  • The surgical treatment incorporated the placement of a 5.5 mm cortical screw in lag fashion. By placing the screw in this manner, fracture compression was promoted which potentially enhances bone healing.
  • Post the surgical operation, the horse began hand walking within 14 days, a significantly reduced recovery period compared to typical cases.
  • The horse resumed racetrack jogging after 30 days and was back to racing 5 months subsequent to the operation.

Hypothesis and Implication

  • The researchers hypothesize that the positioning of a single lag screw ahead of the fracture tip in unicortical condylar fractures might be instrumental in shortening recovery periods for horses in training and racing.
  • If this hypothesis holds true, it could potentially improve treatment methods as well as reduce the lay-off period for racing horses suffering from similar injuries.

Cite This Article

APA
Brown HR, Peloso JG, Werner WC, Mecholsky JJ, Cohen ND, Vogler JB. (2019). A Thoroughbred racehorse with a unicortical palmar lateral condylar fracture returned to training 14 days after surgery: a hypothesis on the role of a single bone screw on crack propagation. J Equine Sci, 30(1), 7-12. https://doi.org/10.1294/jes.30.7

Publication

Journal of equine science
ISSN: 1340-3516
NlmUniqueID: 9503751
Country: Japan
Language: English
Volume: 30
Issue: 1
Pages: 7-12

Researcher Affiliations

Brown, Holly R
  • Equine Medicine & Surgery, LA 71111, U.S.A.
Peloso, John G
  • Equine Medical Center of Ocala, FL 34482, U.S.A.
Werner, Will Clay-
  • Equine Medicine & Surgery, Texas 79549, U.S.A.
Mecholsky, John J
  • Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, FL 32611, U.S.A.
Cohen, Noah D
  • College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, TX 77801, U.S.A.
Vogler, James B
  • The Orthopedic Institute, FL 32607, U.S.A.

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