Plate Removal after Internal Fixation of Limb Fractures: A Retrospective Study of Indications and Complications in 48 Horses.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the indications for, and complications of, plate removal surgery in horses that underwent internal fixation of limb fractures. Methods: Medical records of horses presented to our hospital between 1990 and 2015 for the removal of plates after treatment of limb fractures were reviewed. Data collected at the time of initial presentation, including signalment, history, fracture features and treatment and information about the indications, timing and complications of implant removal were reviewed. Results: The most common bones involved were the ulna ( = 19) and third metacarpal and metatarsal bones ( = 14). A total of 63 plates were removed from 48 horses during 53 separate surgeries, and the complication rate was 6/48; six horses had complications related to implant removal, which included persistent infection ( = 1) and refracture ( = 5). Complications related to implant removal were associated with comminuted fractures ( = 0.002), age > 3 years ( = 0.016) and the presence of surgical site infection ( = 0.001). Conclusions: Plate removal after fracture healing is necessary in patients with implant-associated clinical signs. There is a strong relationship between the complication rate and the degree of comminution of the original fracture, increasing age and the presence of surgical site infection. The surgeon must be aware of these risk factors when planning plate removal.
Thieme. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2020-08-16 PubMed ID: 32799311DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1714411Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research studied the reasons for and complications arising from surgical plate removal in horses that previously had limb fractures internally fixed. It found that fracture healing often necessitates plate removal, especially when there are clinical signs associated with the implant. The study also found that complications are more likely with severely fragmented original fractures, older age, and presence of a surgical site infection.
Methods Used in The Study
- The researchers reviewed medical records of horses that were presented at the hospital between 1990 and 2015 for plate removal following limb fracture treatment.
- They analyzed data at the initial presentation, which included horse description, history, the features of the fracture, and the treatment received. They also reviewed data about the reasons, timings, and any complications that came up during plate removal.
Results and Findings
- It was found that the most common bones that had fractures were the ulna and the third metacarpal and metatarsal bones.
- A total of 63 plates were removed from 48 horses across 53 different surgeries. The complication rate stood at 6 out of 48 horses.
- The complications that resulted from implant removal included persistent infection and refracture.
- Such complications were seen to be associated with comminuted (severely fragmented) fractures, horses older than 3 years, and the presence of an infection at the surgical site.
Conclusions Drawn
- The study concluded that plate removal is often necessary after fracture healing in patients that show clinical signs associated with the implant.
- It was inferred that there is a strong relationship between the complication rate and the degree of fragmentation of the original fracture, increasing age of the horse, and presence of surgical site infection.
- Thus, surgeons are advised to be aware of these risk factors when making plans for plate removal.
Cite This Article
APA
Donati B, Fürst AE, Del Chicca F, Jackson MA.
(2020).
Plate Removal after Internal Fixation of Limb Fractures: A Retrospective Study of Indications and Complications in 48 Horses.
Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol, 34(1), 59-67.
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0040-1714411 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Department of Small Animals, Section of Diagnostic Imaging, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Bone Plates
- Device Removal / adverse effects
- Device Removal / veterinary
- Female
- Fracture Fixation, Internal / veterinary
- Fractures, Bone / surgery
- Fractures, Bone / veterinary
- Horse Diseases / surgery
- Horses
- Male
- Metacarpal Bones / surgery
- Metatarsal Bones / surgery
- Retrospective Studies
Conflict of Interest Statement
None declared.
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Ribitsch I, Oreff GL, Jenner F. Regenerative Medicine for Equine Musculoskeletal Diseases.. Animals (Basel) 2021 Jan 19;11(1).
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