The surgical treatment of fractures of the olecranon in the horse.

The research is a review of treatment methods for olecranon fractures in horses, with additional documentation of four cases where open reduction and fixation with Venable’s plate was used for treatment. The study highlights a successful recovery in all four cases, indicating the effectiveness of the applied method.

Objective of the Research

The aim of the study is to inform and educate about the different methods for treating olecranon fractures in horses. It specifically investigates and details the technique of open reduction and fixation using Venable’s heavy-duty plate to treat this type of fracture. The discussion of four case studies, their treatment, and outcomes forms a critical part of the research.

Methodology and Outcomes

• The study reviews various techniques for treating olecranon fractures and proceeds to consider four particular cases where Venable’s plate was used for the treatment.
• The application of Venable’s plate helps to stabilize the fracture and aid in the healing process.
• Three out of the four cases involved an oblique fracture through the semilunar notch, an injury that was further complicated in one case by a fracture of the radial head.
• The fracture of the radial head in one of the horses was treated with open reduction and fixation using a lag screw.
• The fourth case had a different type of fracture, which was further complicated by a fracture of the anconeal process. The fractured anconeal process was removed to facilitate healing.
• The research reports successful healing of fractures in all the cases within a span of 10 weeks. Furthermore, the plates were removed in all four cases after recovery.

Findings

• The research indicates the effectiveness of using Venable’s plate and open reduction for treating olecranon fractures in horses. It affirms the method by outlining successful recovery in all four case studies.
• Post-recovery soundness in all the horses over a follow-up period stretched between 10 to 26 months further backs the merits of this method.
• The research suggests that complications arising from additional fractures can be resolved by combining the primary treatment method with techniques like lag screw fixation.