Complete excision of a fractured fourth metatarsal bone in eight horses.

The research discusses a surgical treatment method for severe fractures in the fourth metatarsal bone (Mt IV) in horses. The treatment involves total removal of the affected bone and infection control, and its efficacy was observed in eight horses.

Objective of the Research

The paper aims to investigate and evaluate the effectiveness of complete bone removal procedure for treating open comminuted fractures in the fourth metatarsal bone of horses. The study aims to offer an alternative treatment method for severe fractures that do not respond to conservative therapies.

Research Methodology

• The study involved eight horses that experienced proximal open comminuted fractures of the fourth metatarsal bone.
• All the horses underwent complete removal of the affected bone supplemented with antimicrobial therapy.
• Among the subjects, two horses presented with concurrent septic arthritis in the tarsocrural or distal tarsal articulations. These horses were also included in the study.
• Another five horses had radiographic evidence of osteomyelitis, a bone infection, and sequestration or death of the bone tissue in the affected area.

Findings of the Research

• Post-treatment, five horses returned to their normal athletic performance, signifying the treatment’s effectiveness for them.
• However, the two horses with septic arthritis continued to show signs of residual lameness, though they were fit enough for pasturing.
• One horse was lost to follow-up, hence the outcomes for this subject could not be documented.

Conclusion of the Research

The study concludes that the complete removal of the affected bone seems to be a viable treatment option for open comminuted fractures in horses’ proximal one-third Mt IV regions, especially when more traditional treatment methods prove inefficient. However, further research is recommended for a better understanding of the long-term effects and outcomes of this treatment.