Repair of physeal fractures of the tuber olecranon in the horse, using a tension band method.

This study details the use of a tension band method to treat fractures of the tuber olecranon in four horses, demonstrating positive postoperative outcomes for the horses in question.

Methodology

• The research focuses on the treatment of physeal fractures of the tuber olecranon in horses. Physeal fractures are ones that occur at the growth plate of a bone, in this case, the tuber olecranon, which comprises part of a horse’s elbow.
• The tuber olecranon fractures in these four horses were treated using a surgical technique known as the tension band method. This method involves holding the bone fragments together by applying pressure (tension) from the convex side of the bend, using an applied implant. This implements the belief that tension is typically applied on the convex side of a bent or curved structure.
• The tension band consisted of a cortical bone screw and a Steinmann pin, which were placed through the proximal fragment into the distal parent bone, running parallel to the palmar border of the olecranon. The palmar border pertains to the side of the elbow facing towards the rear of the horse.
• The tension band was placed on the dorsal side of the Steinmann pin. The dorsal side, in this case, refers to the back or upper side of the forearm when the horse is standing naturally. It was then anchored in a hole drilled through the ulnar shaft, 10 cm distal to the tuber olecranon.

Postoperative Outcomes

• Following surgery, the horses appeared to recover well. Out of the four, two became pasture sound, meaning they were able to move comfortably in a pasture environment without showing signs of pain or lameness.
• Another horse began working under saddle after recovery, illustrating that the creature did not just return to baseline functionality, but was also able to withstand the additional burden of a rider.
• The fourth horse showed no signs of lameness five months after the surgery was undertaken, signifying a successful long-term outcome.
• These findings suggest that the tension band method could be an effective way of treating physeal fractures of the tuber olecranon in horses.