Outcome of lag-screw treatment of incomplete fractures of the frontal plane of the radial facet of the third carpal bone in horses.

This study investigates the results of using lag-screw treatment for incomplete, non-displaced fractures in the radial facet of the third carpal bone in horses. The research found that horses treated this way showed promising prognosis for future racing performance, with minimal difference in racing performance when compared to horses without such fractures.

Research Methodology

• The study focused on 13 horses diagnosed with Incomplete Non-displaced Fractures (INFR) in the radial facet of the third carpal bone (C3) between December 1999 and January 2005.
• The treatment applied was the placement of a lag screw across the fracture under arthroscopic guidance.
• For comparison, the researchers sought five horses in each case that were not known to have INFR. These horses were matched for sire, age and sex.
• Pre- and post-operative racing performance data were collected from a commercial online database and analyzed.

Key Findings

• Out of 16 identified INFR in the 13 horses, radiographic evidence of healing fracture lines, observable 2-4 months after surgery, was seen in 69% of the fractures.
• 85% of the cases returned to racing after a median recovery period ranging from 149 to 681 days.
• The treatment was found to be successful in 69% of the cases, with the horses still in training or retired for reasons other than lameness localised to the middle carpal joint at the end of the study period.
• Only 46% of the cases had raced before the injury. Comparing the pre- and post-operative racing abilities of five cases, 60% performed better post-operation than they had before.
• There was no significant difference in racing longevity or ability post-surgery between patients and the matched (control) horses.

Conclusion

• Post-operatively, the research revealed little difference in the racing performance between horses diagnosed with INFR that had a lag screw placed across the fracture line and horses without INFR, when matched for sire, age, and sex.
• In conclusion, horses diagnosed with INFR of C3 and treated with a lag screw across the fracture showed a promising prognosis for future racing performance.