Use of a bone plate for repair of proximal physeal fractures of the tibia in two foals.

This research article discusses the successful use of a dynamic compression plate in fixing the proximal tibial fractures in two young horses. This technique not only helped the fractures heal but also corrected a minor deformity in the limb and allowed normal growth post-treatment.

Research methodology and procedure

• The article focuses on two cases of 1-month-old foals with Salter-Harris type II proximal tibial fractures. These are fractures that occur at the end of long bones in children and adolescents where growth occurs, making them a significant concern for potential long-term complications.
• These fractures were repaired using a dynamic compression plate, which is a method generally employed for the fixation of fractures in orthopaedic surgery. This plate provides stability to the broken bone during the healing process.
• Specifically, in these cases, the plate was placed on the medial aspect of the tibia (the side facing the other leg), and a single cancellous bone screw was used to reduce the displacement of the proximal fragment.

Results and observations

• The plate successfully provided fixation during the healing phase, functioning as a transphyseal bridge, which is a temporary, artificial growth plate.
• This bridge resulted in a disparity in growth, which interestingly helped correct a slight lateral angulation – a small bend or curve – of the limb.
• Once the plate was removed following the fracture’s healing, the growth of the limb was observed to be normal, demonstrating the effectiveness and reversibility of this technique.

Conclusion from the research

• This research concludes that the method of using a dynamic compression plate for repairing Salter-Harris type II proximal tibial fractures in young horses is not only effective for stabilizing and repairing the fracture but also beneficial in correcting minor limb deformities.
• It also shows that this procedure does not negatively affect the normal growth of the limb after the treatment, making it a promising method for similar cases.