Minimally invasive plate fixation of lower limb injury in horses: 32 cases (1999-2003).

This study presents a surgical technique for minimally invasive plate fixation on horses suffering from lower limb injuries. Between 1999 and 2003, researchers recorded and analyzed the effects of the technique, comparing it to conventional methods and found that it has potentially lower complication rates as well as less morbidity and mortality.

Objective and Methodology

• The main objective of the research was to assess the effectiveness of a minimally invasive approach to plate fixation in horses with lower limb injuries, specifically focussing on potential lower complication rates than conventional open techniques.
• The researchers reviewed cases of minimally invasive plate fixation conducted between January 1999 and December 2003.
• They analysed case records, radiographs and race records particularly for horses that suffered distal third metacarpal/metatarsal (Mc/tIII) condylar fractures.
• Any follow-up information for each case was gathered and results were thoroughly analysed. The results for horses that underwent arthrodesis with a traditional open approach during the same period were also evaluated for comparison.

Results

• 32 cases of minimally invasive plate fixation were identified from the research period.
• Among the cases, 22 were incomplete distal Mc/tIII condylar fractures with a spiralling or diaphyseal component, 10 were metacarpophalangeal arthrodeses and 4 were pastern arthrodeses.
• The study found shorter surgery times, lower infection rates and higher survival rates for both types of arthrodesis in the group where minimally invasive technique was applied.
• However, no statistical differences were found when compared with the traditional open surgery approach.
• Spiralling condylar fractures were successfully managed without any catastrophic fracture result.

Conclusions

• Through the research, the study concluded that Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Plate Osteosynthesis (MIPPO) is a viable approach to treating select conditions in equine patients.
• The minimally invasive technique proved effective in managing spiralling condylar fractures and potentially reduces morbidity and mortality rates in equine fracture repair.