Compression bone plating of a medial condylar fracture of the third metatarsal bone in a Thoroughbred filly.

The study discusses a successful treatment of a fractured third metatarsal bone in a two-year-old thoroughbred filly using compression bone plating. The filly, however, showed noticeable changes in the metatarsus and near the bone plate application site after the procedure, which would likely affect her racing future.

Study Overview

The research focuses on performing a surgical treatment to repair a medial condylar fracture of the third metatarsal bone in a thoroughbred filly. The treatment involved the use of compression bone plating.

Procedure and Results

• The filly was treated successfully through compression bone plating, a procedure designed to stabilize and align the broken bone.
• Post-treatment, during her discharge from the hospital, there was thickening of the metatarsus – the part of the foot in horses between the ankle and toes.
• The filly also presented proliferative changes, indicating an abnormal increase in cells, associated with the site where the bone plate was applied.

Post-Treatment Recommendations

• Given the radiographic abnormalities observed post-surgery, it was recommended that the horse not return to racing.
• Traditional treatments like stall rest or lag screw fixation are recommended, particularly for racehorses, before considering compression bone plating.

Special Considerations

• The use of compression bone plating for treating a medial condylar fracture of the third metatarsal bone is recommended under certain circumstances. For instance, when additional fissure lines are clearly visible on radiographs, this surgical treatment could be considered.
• However, due to the possible long-term complications like proliferative changes and thickening of the metatarsus, the use of this treatment method should remain selective and not a first choice.