Cancellous bone screws for repair of proximal growth plate fractures of the tibia in foals.

This research studied how surgical screws can successfully treat puppies with fractures on the upper part of the bone in their hind legs.

Research Objective

The goal of the research was to carry out surgical treatment for proximal growth plate fractures of the tibia in foals — equivalently baby horses. The researchers wanted to understand the efficacy of using cancellous bone screws as fixation for these fractures.

Methods

The research was conducted on four foals that had experienced proximal growth plate fractures of the tibia. The methods used for the surgery included:

• A medial approach was utilized in three cases, meaning the surgery was performed from the inner side of the leg.
• In the fourth case, a lateral approach was used where the surgery was conducted from the outer side of the leg.
• Cancellous screws and washers were used for bone screw fixation. These screws are particularly designed for porous bone tissue.
• In three cases, the screw shaft crossed over the growth part of the upper tibia bone but it didn’t have negative effects.

Results

The research yielded encouraging results:

• All the foals had a quick recovery and the appearance of the healed leg looked normal.
• 8 to 18 months after the surgery, all horses were able to walk, trot, and canter normally.

Conclusions

The research concluded that cancellous bone screw fixation is an effective surgical treatment for foals with proximal growth plate fractures of the tibia, as evidenced by a full return to regular locomotion and minimal aesthetic disturbance from the surgery.