Internal fixation of a fractured axis in an adult horse.

The research article discusses a surgical procedure employed for treating a broken neck bone (the axis) in a 7-year old Warmblood gelding using a dynamic compression plate (DCP). The successful surgery was performed under anesthesia, guided by fluoroscopy, and led to an impressive recovery and a return to the previous activity level of the horse.

Background

• The ‘axis’ is the second cervical vertebral bone in horses and fracturing it can cause serious health problems and impair function.
• Warmblood gelding is a neutered male horse breed that is known to be active and work-driven, so a fracture in such a crucial bone could limit their quality of life considerably.

Method

• The horse was put under anesthesia and positioned in sternal recumbency, i.e., laid on its chest.
• A dynamic compression plate (DCP) was used to treat the fracture. DCP is a type of hardware used in orthopedic surgeries to stabilize and compress fractures.
• The surgery involved reducing the fracture or realigning the broken bone in the horse’s neck. The complete fracture in the cranial third of the axis was then stabilized using a 7-hole 4.5 mm DCP.
• Fluoroscopy, an imaging technique that utilizes X-rays to obtain real-time moving images, was used to facilitate optimal positioning of the plate and the screw length during surgery. This led to accurate imaging and precise surgical execution.
• The horse was monitored during recovery from anesthesia in a pool. Fluid recovery is considered beneficial for anesthetized animals as it reduces pressure on their joints and eases mobility.

Results

• The horse showed an excellent recovery sign following the surgery.
• It was able to return to its previous activity level, emphasizing the success and efficiency of the surgery.

Conclusions

• The study concludes that internal fixation of a fractured axis in this adult horse using a DCP showed promising results.
• The plate fixation surgery has been highlighted as an effective treatment to improve neck flexibility shortly after surgery and allows for normal weight-bearing of the head and neck.
• This surgical procedure could therefore be considered an effective solution to restore the quality of life in horses that have suffered an axis fracture.