Surgical repair of skull fractures in four horses using cuttable bone plates.

The research article discusses the surgical treatment of severe skull fractures in horses using bone plates. The study notes that surgery to stabilize the fractures resulted in a successful recovery and good cosmetic outcome for the animals, suggesting bone plates are an effective alternative treatment for these types of injuries.

Research Objectives and Methods

• The study aimed to explore the effectiveness of using cuttable bone plates in repairing severe open facial and orbital rim fractures in horses. A total of four horses with such injuries were referred for this treatment.
• The extent of the injuries was assessed using radiography and endoscopy, although the complete extent only became obvious during the surgery.
• The surgical reduction of the fractures was recommended with an objective to maximize cosmetic and functional outcomes for the animals.

Findings

• Even after surgical debridement and reduction of the fractures, the bone fragments remained unstable and could not be stabilized with interfragmentary wires alone.
• To maintain fracture alignment, 2 mm cuttable bone plates were used. These bone plates stabilized the fractures and provided a framework for bone healing.
• Despite minor complications such as screw migration in three horses which led to the removal of the plate in one, all horses healed well with satisfactory functional and cosmetic outcomes.

Conclusion

• The results of this study suggest that cuttable bone plates are a viable and effective alternative to interfragmentary wiring for the treatment of unstable fractures of facial bones in horses, even in cases where the fractures are open.
• However, potential challenges such as screw migration should be considered when opting for this method of treatment.