Treatment of a comminuted frontal-plane fracture of the distal phalanx in a horse.

This study outlines a successful treatment method for a complex type of fracture in a horse’s distal phalanx using a hoof case to reduce stress and heel pads to limit fracture distraction. The results showed complete healing in 4 months, with the horse returning to full health after 7 months.

Summary of the Research

• The paper revolves around a successful treatment method for a complex type of fracture – a comminuted frontal plane fracture – in a horse’s distal phalanx. The distal phalanx is the horse’s lowermost bone in the digit, and these kinds of fractures can lead to serious complications if not treated correctly.
• The fracture in the study was particularly severe, having occurred through the solar canal – an area of the hoof close to where the deep digital flexor tendon, which allows the horse to flex its digit, inserts into the bone.

Treatment Method

• In this study, a hoof cast was used to manage the fracture. This cast worked to reduce bending and tensile stresses on the weaker, solar surface of the hoof. This is achieved by limiting the expansion of the hoof wall when the horse puts weight on it.
• To further aid healing, the heel of the horse was elevated using 3 degrees wedge pads within the hoof cast. This was done to lessen the distraction at the site of the fracture caused by the pull of the deep digital flexor tendon.
• During the course of treatment, two casts were used over a period of four months.

Observations and Results

• Four months after the injury, complete radiographic healing of the fracture was observed. Radiographic healing refers to the fracture’s appearance under x-ray examination, illustrating that the bone fragments had realigned and rejoined.
• Despite the horse showing signs of lameness – a limp or irregularity in the gait – at four months, the owner reported that the horse was sound seven months after the injury, indicating its recovery to pre-injury health.
• Upon reexamination 12 months post-injury, the horse’s foot appeared clinically normal, and there were no signs of lameness.