Conservative management of minimally displaced radial fractures in three horses.
Abstract: Minimally displaced, spiral, radial fractures were diagnosed in three adult horses. Two horses had open fractures and in one horse the fracture was closed. A diagnosis was made on radiographs taken 24 h, 5, and 9 days after the fracture. There was minimal displacement of the fracture fragments despite the considerable time which had elapsed between fracture and diagnosis and an unfavourable prognosis with internal fixation, so conservative therapy was the preferred method of treatment. One horse developed a sequestrum and draining sinus, which was treated surgically under general anaesthesia 3 months after diagnosis of the fracture. Other complications were minimal and transient. Two horses were being used for pleasure riding 12 months after fracture and one horse was pasture sound at 8 months.
Publication Date: 2002-08-16 PubMed ID: 12180878DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2002.tb12832.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This study focuses on the conservative treatment of minimally displaced radial fractures in three horses, demonstrating that conservative treatment can successfully result in sound functionality of horses after recovery.
About the Research and Subjects
- The research investigated the successful management of minimally displaced radial fractures in three adult horses. Radial fractures are a significant type of injury in horses and require immediate attention to prevent further complications.
Diagnosis Process
- The fractures under consideration were minimally displaced and spiral in nature, and were diagnosed using radiographs. Radiographs are a typical diagnostic tool used in veterinary medicine to evaluate bone fractures.
- The fractures were diagnosed at different intervals after the occurrence, i.e., 24 hours, 5 days, and 9 days, demonstrating the durability of the fractures over time.
- Two out of three horses had open fractures, only one was closed.
Treatment Decisions
- Despite the considerable time between the fracture occurrence and diagnosis, the displacement of the fracture fragments remained minimal. This led to the decision to adopt conservative therapy as the preferred treatment method, particularly due to an unfavorable prognosis with internal fixation that could cause further complications.
Complications and Post-Treatment Outcomes
- One horse developed a sequestrum and draining sinus as a complication three months after the fracture diagnosis. This was treated surgically under general anesthesia.
- The other complications were described as minimal and transient, indicating that the conservative treatment approach did not cause extensive adverse effects.
- Twelve months post-fracture, two horses were used for pleasure riding, suggesting a successful recovery in terms of functionality. The third horse was able to walk properly on pasture sound at 8 months.
In conclusion, the research shows that minimally displaced radial fractures in horses can be managed conservatively, depending on the nature and severity of the fracture, leading to positive recovery outcomes.
Cite This Article
APA
Matthews S, Dart AJ, Dowling BA, Hodgson DR.
(2002).
Conservative management of minimally displaced radial fractures in three horses.
Aust Vet J, 80(1-2), 44-47.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.2002.tb12832.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- University Veterinary Centre, Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, The University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Fracture Fixation / methods
- Fracture Fixation / veterinary
- Horses / injuries
- Lameness, Animal / etiology
- Male
- Radius Fractures / complications
- Radius Fractures / therapy
- Radius Fractures / veterinary
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