Repair of fractures of the distal aspect of the radius in two horses.

The research explores the treatment of distal radius fractures in two horses through open reduction and interfragmentary compression using lag screws. One horse was successfully treated and was fit for riding 32 months post-surgery, while the other developed laminitis in the unaffected limb leading to euthanasia 5 weeks post-surgery.

Objective and Method of the Study

• This study aimed at providing a deeper understanding of fracture repair processes in horses concerning the distal aspect of the radius using open reduction and interfragmentary compression.
• The researchers employed two clinical case studies involving two horses suffering from different kinds of fractures.
• In both cases, the researchers utilised screws placed in a lag fashion for interfragmentary compression, a method well-known for promoting osteosynthesis, i.e., the formation of new bone tissue between fractured bone ends.

Findings and Conclusion

• In the first case, the horse had an oblique fracture of the medial aspect of the distal radius’s epiphysis. This horse recovered well from the surgical intervention and was sound for riding after 32 months, indicating the procedure’s success.
• The second horse, however, had an open spiral comminuted fracture with medial displacement of the distal radial fragment. This refers to a severe fracture type where the bone shatters into multiple pieces.
• Following the surgery, the second horse developed laminitis in the opposite limb. Laminitis is a severe and painful condition in horses where the laminae – tissues that attach the hoof wall to the pedal (coffin) bone within the horse’s hoof – become inflamed.
• Unable to recover from this subsequent condition, the second horse was euthanised five weeks after surgery.
• In conclusion, the research demonstrated that the use of lag screws in repairing distal radius fractures could have varying degrees of success determined by the nature of the fracture and the patient’s overall health condition.