Locking Compression Plate Fixation of Equine Tarsal Subluxations.

This research article focuses on the study and examination of tarsal subluxations in horses and ponies treated with the Locking Compression Plate (LCP) method at an institution from 2011 to 2013 and its resulting outcomes.

Research Methodology

• The researchers performed a retrospective case review of all the horses and ponies diagnosed with tarsal subluxations, which were treated with the Locking Compression Plate (LCP) fixation method.
• The data was collected from the medical records of the afflicted animals, which included all the radiographic and CT (Computed Tomography) studies carried out.
• For results verification, a long-term follow-up examination was performed. This included interviewing the owners and conducting clinical and radiographic examinations for all the cases.

Findings and Results

• The investigation resulted in diagnoses of tarsometatarsal subluxations in three horses and proximal intertarsal subluxations in two ponies.
• CT examinations exposed the complex joint injuries, which revealed a mixture of avulsion fragments and compression injuries on the opposite side of the joint from the subluxation.
• The Locking Compression Plate was applied to the plantarolateral or medial side of the animal’s limb.
• All the horses and ponies survived and were discharged from the hospital.
• However, short-term complications were observed in some cases, with one instance of mild laminitis and two instances of peroneus tertius rupture.
• At the time of the long-term follow-up, while the two ponies were sound and used as intended, all the horses displayed mild to moderate lameness at the trot and were used only for pleasure riding.
• Radiographic signs of osteoarthritis developed in the affected joint by subluxation in all cases, and it was also seen in the adjacent small tarsal joints in two horses and one pony.

Conclusion

• The process of LCP fixation of the tarsal subluxations resulted in stable fixation and facilitated adequate healing.
• The researchers concluded that subluxation of the small tarsal joints represents a complex injury and that osteoarthritis commonly develops in the affected and adjacent joints.