Lag screw fixation of avulsion fractures of the second phalanx in the horse.

This study investigates the use of a surgical technique, specifically lag screw fixation, for treating specific fractures in horses’ feet. The method was applied to reining Quarter Horses and resulted in successful recovery, allowing the horses to return to competitive and non-competitive functions within 7 to 11 months.

Understanding Key Concepts

• In medical terms, an avulsion fracture refers to a kind of injury where a small piece of bone is torn off by the pull of a tendon or ligament. In this study, such fractures are investigated in the second phalanx of horses, which are structural components of the horse’s foot.
• A lag screw fixation is a surgical technique commonly used to stabilize fractures. Here, an ASIF cortex screw is employed. ASIF stands for Association for the Study of Internal Fixation, which is a specific design used for this surgical procedure. The screw is inserted directly into the fracture, helping to realign the bone fragments and promoting healing.
• The three patients in this study are all reining Quarter Horses. A ‘reining’ horse is one that participates in western riding where the rider guides the horse through a precise pattern of movements and the Quarter Horse is a breed known for their speed and agility.

Findings of the Study

• The post-operative progress of the horses is tracked in this study. Two horses were able to return to competitive reining within 9 and 11 months post-surgery. The other horse was back to non-competitive activities, such as pleasure class showing, at 7 months after surgery.
• The study thus provides evidence that this procedure could successfully repair avulsion fractures of the second phalanx in horses, enabling them to regain their pre-injury function.

Significance of the Study

• The study supports the use of ASIF cortex screw for lag screw fixation in treating avulsion fractures of the second phalanx in horses. It provides veterinarians with a potential treatment method that has been proven successful in returning horses to their pre-injury performance, which could be beneficial in sports medicine for horses.
• This research also contributes to the growing body of knowledge concerning bone healing and fracture management in horses, which can help inform future studies exploring other treatment options and methods.