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Segmental ostectomy of the second and fourth metacarpal and metatarsal bones in horses: 17 cases (1993-2002).
Abstract: To determine clinical findings in and outcome of horses with fractures of the second or fourth metacarpal or metatarsal bone that underwent segmental ostectomy, leaving the proximal and distal portions of the bone undisturbed. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 17 horses. Methods: Medical records were reviewed, and information on signalment, affected bone, lesion type, surgical procedure, amount of bone removed, and surgical and postsurgical complications was obtained. Follow-up information was obtained through telephone conversations with owners, trainers, and referring veterinarians. Results: One horse had a fracture involving the distal third of the second metacarpal bone; 13 had fractures involving the middle third of the second metacarpal bone (n = 4), fourth metacarpal bone (5), or fourth metatarsal bone (4); and 3 had fractures involving the proximal third of the second (2) or fourth (1) metacarpal bone. Affected portions of the bones were surgically resected, leaving the proximal and distal portions undisturbed. All horses returned to previous performance levels without evidence of lameness. Cosmetic results were good to excellent. Conclusions: Results suggest that horses with a complicated injury of the proximal, middle, or distal portion of the second or fourth metacarpal or metatarsal bone may be successfully treated by means of segmental ostectomy of the abnormal portion of the bone.
Publication Date: 2004-01-23 PubMed ID: 14736073DOI: 10.2460/javma.2004.224.271Google Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
Summary
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The study investigates the outcomes of horses with fractures in their second or fourth metacarpal or metatarsal bones, treated through a procedure called segmental ostectomy. The results suggest that horses can recover well from this type of surgery, with all horses returning to their previous levels of activity and performance after the operation.
Objective and Methodology
- The study aims at understanding the clinical findings and outcomes of horses suffering from fractures of the second or fourth metacarpal or metatarsal bones, treated by segmental ostectomy. Segmental ostectomy is a surgical procedure where a portion of the bone is removed, while leaving the rest of the bone undisturbed.
- This is a retrospective case series which examines the medical records of 17 horses that underwent the procedure.
- The researchers obtained information on the specific details of each case, including the affected bone, type of lesion, surgical procedure carried out, amount of bone removed, as well as any pre- and post-surgery complications.
- Follow-up information was obtained through phone calls with the horse owners, trainers, and referring veterinarians.
Results
- The study found a variety in the location and type of fractures on the metacarpal and metatarsal bones – 1 horse had a fracture in the distal third of the second metacarpal bone, 13 had fractures in the middle third of the second or fourth metacarpal bone, and 3 had fractures in the proximal third of these bones.
- The affected parts of the bones were surgically removed through segmental ostectomy, with the rest of the bone left intact.
- The results were favorable; all the horses returned to their previous performance levels without any indication of lameness, and the cosmetic results were either good or excellent.
Conclusion
- The findings of the study suggest that horse fractures in the proximal, middle or distal third of the second or fourth metacarpal or metatarsal bone can be successfully treated by segmental ostectomy.
- This significantly improves recovery prospects and reduces complications, allowing the horses to return to their previous levels of performance, without experiencing lameness.
Cite This Article
APA
Jenson PW, Gaughan EM, Lillich JD, Bryant JE.
(2004).
Segmental ostectomy of the second and fourth metacarpal and metatarsal bones in horses: 17 cases (1993-2002).
J Am Vet Med Assoc, 224(2), 271-274.
https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.2004.224.271 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Fractures, Bone / surgery
- Fractures, Bone / veterinary
- Horses / injuries
- Horses / surgery
- Male
- Metacarpal Bones / injuries
- Metacarpal Bones / surgery
- Metatarsal Bones / injuries
- Metatarsal Bones / surgery
- Postoperative Complications / veterinary
- Retrospective Studies
- Treatment Outcome
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Grzeskowiak RM, Alghazali KM, Hecht S, Donnell RL, Doherty TJ, Smith CK, Anderson DE, Biris AS, Adair HS. Influence of a novel scaffold composed of polyurethane, hydroxyapatite, and decellularized bone particles on the healing of fourth metacarpal defects in mares. Vet Surg 2021 Jul;50(5):1117-1127.
- Melly V, Ortved KF, Stewart HL, Stefanovski D, Richardson DW, Bubeck KA, Hogan PM, García-López JM. Plate fixation of small metacarpal and metatarsal bone fractures in 27 horses. Vet Surg 2025 Nov;54(8):1537-1548.
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