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Equine veterinary journal2025; doi: 10.1111/evj.14521

Standing repair of long frontal plane fractures of the proximal phalanx in UK Thoroughbred racehorses: A retrospective analysis of 13 fractures.

Abstract: Sagittal plane fractures of the proximal phalanx (P1) are commonly observed in the UK Thoroughbred racehorse, with the technique and outcome following standing lag screw fixation widely reported. Long frontal plane P1 fractures propagating from the central third of the proximal articular surface occur less frequently, with information concerning repair methods and outcomes currently lacking. Objective: To describe a surgical technique for standing lag screw fixation of long frontal P1 fractures and report on post-operative performance in a UK Thoroughbred population. Methods: Single centre retrospective case series. Methods: Horses with long frontal plane P1 fractures propagating from the central third of the proximal articular surface were identified within Donnington Grove Equine Hospital records. Patient history, fracture location, preoperative diagnostics, surgical rubrics, and follow-up examinations were documented. Pre- and post-operative performance data were collected using an online database. Descriptive data were generated including median and range and percentage success. Results: Eleven horses fulfilled inclusion criteria. Two horses sustained frontal fractures of 2 separate limbs on different occasions for a total aggregate of 13 fractures. All fractures occurred in hindlimbs and were biarticular in two cases, uniarticular and complete in three cases, and incomplete in eight cases. Repair was performed with a median of four screws (range 2-5) and median surgical time was 30 min (18-104 min). Seventy-three per cent (8/11) of horses returned to racing at a median of 356 days (178-728 days); 2 horses had <6 months follow-up. A post-operative complication necessitating removal of the screws at 257 days occurred in one case. Conclusions: Small number of patients fulfilling inclusion criteria. Conclusions: Select long frontal fractures of P1 can be successfully repaired in the standing horse. The post-operative performance data are comparable to that of sagittal P1 fractures, with a good outcome for return to racing. This study provides data on a previously under-reported condition.
© 2025 EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2025-04-30 PubMed ID: 40304061DOI: 10.1111/evj.14521Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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This research paper discusses a surgical method for fixing long frontal plane fractures in the proximal phalanx (P1) of UK Thoroughbred racehorses, and evaluates the post-operative performance of the horses. The study finds the surgical technique to be successful and the post-operation performance of the horses comparable to those with sagittal P1 fractures.

Objective and Methodology

  • The main aim of the research was to discuss a surgical technique used for fixing long frontal P1 fractures in UK Thoroughbred racehorses and to evaluate their performance post-surgery.
  • The study was retrospective, held at a single site, where the horses with the aforementioned fractures were identified using hospital records. The study took into account patient history, fracture location, pre- and post-operative diagnostics and surgical protocols, among other data.
  • Additionally, an online database was used to collect the performance data of the horses before and after operation.

Results

  • The research discovered that out of 13 fractures identified, all occurred in the hind limbs of the horses. Various types of fractures were reported, including two biarticular cases, three uniarticular cases and eight incomplete cases.
  • The repair procedure involved the use of a median of four screws, and a median operation time of 30 minutes.
  • Among the eleven horses that were part of this study, eight of them (or 73%) returned to racing, with a median recovery time period of 356 days.
  • A post-surgery complication was reported in one case, which required the removal of the operation screws at 257 days.

Conclusions

  • While the study found only a small number of patients fitting the criteria, the research concludes that the surgical technique can be successfully used to treat select long frontal fractures of P1 in standing horses.
  • The post-operative performance data of these horses is similar to that of horses with sagittal P1 fractures, indicating a good return-to-racing outcome.
  • This study provides fresh data on these type of long frontal fractures in racehorses, a topic that had not seen much research before.

Cite This Article

APA
Findley JA, Bladon BM, O'Neill HD. (2025). Standing repair of long frontal plane fractures of the proximal phalanx in UK Thoroughbred racehorses: A retrospective analysis of 13 fractures. Equine Vet J. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14521

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English

Researcher Affiliations

Findley, Judith A
  • Donnington Grove Veterinary Group, Newbury, Berkshire, UK.
Bladon, Bruce M
  • Donnington Grove Veterinary Group, Newbury, Berkshire, UK.
O'Neill, Henry D
  • Donnington Grove Veterinary Group, Newbury, Berkshire, UK.

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This article includes 19 references
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