Osteostixis for incomplete cortical fracture of the third metacarpal bone. Results in 11 horses.

The research article presents a study on the use of osteostixis, a surgical procedure used in the treatment of incomplete cortical fractures in the third metacarpal bone (McIII) of eleven horses. The results showed that the fractures had healed by the third month post-procedure, with positive outcomes recorded for the majority of the horses.

Methodology

• The study was based on eleven horses found to have acute or chronic incomplete cortical fractures in their left or right third metacarpal bones. These fractures were identified through a physical examination and radiography.
• Each horse underwent a surgical procedure known as osteostixis, where the injured bone was punctured using a surgical drill. Four to eight holes, either 2.7 or 3.5 mm in diameter, were drilled into the fractured bone.

Results

• Post-procedure recovery was monitored and recorded. Radiographic observation confirmed that the fractures had healed by the end of the third month. Furthermore, the drill holes were no longer visible by the end of the seventh month.
• Of the eleven horses involved in the study, nine (approximately 82%) were able to return to racing. The average period from surgery to the first race was approximately nine months.
• Two horses were retired, with one retirement attributed to a surgical complication. However, no cases of the bone refracturing within 24 months of surgery were reported.
• The osteostixis procedure was found to be neither technically difficult to conduct nor did it require a follow-up operation for implant removal.

Conclusion

• The study concludes that osteostixis can be a successful treatment protocol for acute or chronic incomplete cortical fractures of the third metacarpal bone in horses.
• The technique does not require expert-level surgical skills and does not necessitate a second operation for implants removal.