Comparison of surgical and nonsurgical treatment of humeral fractures in horses: 22 cases (1980-1989).

This research paper evaluates the treatment of humeral fractures in horses and compares the outcomes of surgical and non-surgical treatments. The study explores 22 case reports spanning from 1980 to 1989.

Objective of the Study

The aim of the study was to compare and evaluate the effectiveness of surgical and nonsurgical treatments for humeral fractures in horses, gauging the ability of the horses to become sound for riding post-treatment.

Research Methodology

• The researchers examined the medical records of 22 horses of ages ranging from 2 to 144 months, with an average age of 25.8 months. All these horses had suffered humeral fractures.
• Among these horses with humeral fractures, ten were treated with stall confinement (nonsurgical method), three underwent surgical treatments and the remaining nine were euthanized at the time of diagnosis.
• The outcomes of both surgical and nonsurgical treatments were investigated, particularly observing the horses’ riding capabilities following recovery.

Key Findings

• Among the ten horses treated nonsurgically with stall confinement, seven were rideable 5 to 12 months after diagnosis. However, one horse had to be euthanized six months post-diagnosis due to laminitis in the limb opposite to the one with the fracture, and two horses were lost to follow-up evaluation.
• Among the three horses that had surgical treatment, two had their fractures repaired using Rush pins and one with lag screws. One of these horses was pasture sound (able to move freely outdoors) 10 months after surgery, although it developed a varus deviation (inward angulation of the distal segment of a bone or joint) in the opposite carpus six weeks post-repair. Another horse had to be euthanized two weeks post-surgery due to implant failure, and the third horse was fit for riding 10 months after surgery.
• Based on the data collected, the researchers concluded that young horses with humeral fractures treated nonsurgically could regain their ability to be sound for riding.

Implications of Study

This research provides crucial insights into the treatment of humeral fractures in horses and reinforces the effectiveness of both surgical and nonsurgical methods. The findings are particularly useful for equine practitioners in making informed decisions about the appropriate treatment approach, considering the horse’s age and overall health, fracture severity, and long-term implications on the horse’s quality of life.