Surgical management of complete diaphyseal third metacarpal and metatarsal bone fractures: clinical outcome in 10 mature horses and 11 foals.

The research article focuses on the surgical treatment and outcomes of complete fractures in the third metacarpal (McIII) and third metatarsal (MtIII) bones in mature horses and foals. The authors evaluated the success of an open reduction and internal fixation method (ORIF), finding positive outcomes in both mature horses and foals if certain risk factors like bodyweight and infection were managed.

Methodology

• The study is retrospective in nature, meaning the authors looked at past cases of McIII and MtIII fractures in horses and foals that were treated with an ORIF surgical approach.
• The authors reviewed medical records and follow-ups of the treated animals which were often conducted via radiographs or telephone questionnaires.

Results

• The research study reported that 62% of the horses (3 mature and 10 foals) survived the treatment.
• Out of the animals that survived, 11 horses (2 mature and 9 foals) were fit for their intended activities again after a long-term evaluation period of more than six months. One mature horse remained with a chronic low-grade lameness. Details about one foal were lost because it was sold.
• The most common types of fractures were simple transverse (33.3%) or simple oblique (28.6%) with 71.4% of the fractures being open.
• The pre-operative assessment pointed out that there was inadequate emergency treatment in nearly half of the cases (10 horses).
• For horses with open fractures, the survival rate was significantly different between mature horses (12.5%) and foals (85.7%).
• Post-operative infection was found in 7 horses (4 mature, 3 foals), but it was only successfully managed in 2 foals.
• Fracture instability related to inadequate fracture fixation technique resulted in unsuccessful outcomes in 4 mature horses.

Conclusion

• The authors concluded that factors such as the horse’s age, bodyweight and whether infection occurred are strongly associated with the success or failure of treating complete McIII/MtIII fractures.
• The study concludes that rigid fixation using plates and screws can be successful in treating closed or open, complete diaphyseal McIII/MtIII fractures in mature horses and foals. However, the study identifies major risk factors that can lead to an unsuccessful outcome, including unstable fixation, infection, and a bodyweight exceeding 320 kg.