Dynamic compression plate (DCP) fixation of propagating medial condylar fractures of the third metacarpal/metatarsal bone in 30 racehorses: retrospective analysis (1990-2005).
Abstract: An in-depth review of dynamic compression plate (DCP) fixation of propagating medial condyle fractures of the third metacarpus or metatarsus has not been previously reported. Objective: To describe the technique, evaluate short-term outcome and long-term race performance of racehorses that underwent DCP fixation for repair of propagating or spiralling medial condylar fractures of the third metacarpal (McIII) or metatarsal (MtIII) bone. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: The surgical case records of 30 horses with propagating fractures of the medial condyle of McIII or MtIII were reviewed. Medical information included: age, breed, sex, presentation, how injury occurred (racing or training), surgical treatment and post operative complications. Racing information included: starts, top 3 placing and career earnings. Results: Long propagating fractures of the medial condyle of Mc/tIII were identified in 23 Thoroughbred (TB) and 7 Standardbred (STB) racehorses. The fracture spiralled proximally in 22 of 30 cases (73%). Standardbreds had a higher propensity for hindlimb involvement (71%), whereas TBs tended to have more front limb involvement (61%). Twelve of 30 (40%) horses raced post surgery. Career earnings were significantly lower for TB horses with medial condylar fractures; $34,916 when compared with the national average of $60,841 (P≤0.03). Overall, horses having DCP fixation for medial condylar fractures had less starts post surgery (3.1 TBs and 5.8 STBs) compared with the national average (7 TBs and 17.3 STBs) and decreased lifetime starts 13.4 (TBs) compared with 17.3 nationally. Conclusions: Propagating medial condyle fractures can be repaired with plate fixation to potentially lessen the risk of catastrophic fracture destabilisation and return to racing can be expected in 40% of horses. Further prospective studies are warranted comparing lag screw fixation with DCP fixation for repair of severe medial condylar fractures of the metacarpus/metatarsus.
© 2013 The Authors. Equine Veterinary Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of EVJ Ltd.
Publication Date: 2014-01-07 PubMed ID: 24028774DOI: 10.1111/evj.12184Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The paper revolves around a retrospective analysis studying the use of dynamic compression plate (DCP) fixation to repair propagating or spiralling fractures in the medial condyle of the third metacarpal/metatarsal bone in 30 racehorses. It focuses on the surgical technique used, the immediate results and long-term race performance post-surgery.
Methods and Sample
- The researchers carried out a retrospective review of 30 racehorses that had propagating fractures in the medial condyle of their third metacarpal (McIII) or metatarsal (MtIII) bone.
- Information gathered from medical records included age, breed, sex, how and when the injury occurred, surgical treatment details and any post-operative complications.
- Performance information included the number of starts, top 3 placing, and the career earnings of the horses.
Findings
- 23 Thoroughbreds (TB) and 7 Standardbreds (STB) had identifiable fractures in the medial condyle of their McIII or MtIII.
- Most fractures spiralled upwards (noticed in 22 out of 30 cases, approximately 73%).
- Standardbred horses were more likely to have hindlimb injuries (71%) while Thoroughbred horses mostly had front limb injuries (61%).
- 12 out of 30 horses (40%) raced post-surgery.
- Thoroughbreds with medial condylar fractures had significantly lower career earnings of $34,916 in comparison to the national average of $60,841.
- The horses that underwent DCP fixation for medial condylar fractures made fewer starts post-surgery when compared with the national average, and had fewer lifetime starts overall.
Conclusions and Further Research
- The study concludes that DCP fixation can potentially lessen the risk of catastrophic fracture destabilisation in medial condyle fractures and can allow up to 40% of horses to return to racing post-surgery.
- The researchers appreciated the need for more detailed prospective studies that compare lag screw fixation with dynamic compression plate (DCP) fixation in treating similar severe medial condylar fractures.
Cite This Article
APA
Goodrich LR, Nixon AJ, Conway JD, Morley PS, Bladon BM, Hogan PM.
(2014).
Dynamic compression plate (DCP) fixation of propagating medial condylar fractures of the third metacarpal/metatarsal bone in 30 racehorses: retrospective analysis (1990-2005).
Equine Vet J, 46(6), 695-700.
https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.12184 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Bone Plates / veterinary
- Female
- Forelimb / surgery
- Fractures, Bone / surgery
- Fractures, Bone / veterinary
- Hindlimb / surgery
- Horse Diseases / surgery
- Horses
- Male
- Retrospective Studies
- Running
- Sports / economics
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Dias IR, Maia LM, Quaresma M, Cotovio M, Silva FC. Laterally applied single bone plate option for fixation of complete diaphyseal fracture of a third metatarsal bone in a circus work pony.. Open Vet J 2021 Oct-Dec;11(4):645-650.
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