Evaluation of 2 types of external skeletal fixation for repair of experimental tibial fractures in foals.

The research article focuses on studying two different methods of using external skeletal fixation to repair tibial fractures in foals. The study finds the full splint configuration to be more effective and safer compared to the 3-D tent configuration.

Introduction and Research Methodology

• The research began by creating transverse or oblique midshaft tibial osteotomies in 11 foals. An osteotomy is a surgical operation in which a bone is cut to change its length or restore its alignment.
• These surgically induced fractures were then repaired using two different types of external skeletal fixation – full splint and 3-D tent configurations.
• The response and recovery of the foals to these procedures were then monitored and analyzed.

Results and Findings

• In the case of full splint fixator, four out of six foals fully recovered, while two had to be euthanized due to complications arising from the procedure.
• On the other hand, foals on which the 3-D tent configuration was used, couldn’t bear weight on their limbs and ended up suffering from significant secondary fracture disease. These foals had to be euthanized for humane reasons before the scheduled termination of the project.

Conclusion and Recommendations

• Based on the results of the study, the researchers concluded that the full splint configuration is a more effective and viable option for use in foals less than 150 kg. This is specifically advantageous for fractures that are not amenable to other proven methods of repair.
• The researchers recommended against using the 3-D tent configuration as it was found to have severe side-effects leading to complications and subsequent secondary fracture disease.