Use of locking compression plates in ulnar fractures of 18 horses.

This study explores the clinical outcomes and complications related to using locking compression plates (LCPs) in treating ulnar fractures in horses. It concludes that LCPs are a feasible method for internal fixation of such fractures, with the majority of horses regaining their soundness.

Methodology

• The study analyzed a retrospective case series of 18 client-owned horses that sustained ulnar fractures. All the fractures were repaired using at least one LCP.
• Out of all the horses, 15 had fractures only in the ulna, while the remaining 3 had fractures in ulna and the proximal radius, a closely connected bone.
• The researchers gathered information from medical records, radiographs, and follow-ups of the horses over a period of between 13 months to 120 months.

Findings

• All 18 horses were successfully discharged from the hospital after their surgeries.
• However, not all cases went without complications. Five of the horses experienced complications, detailed as follows:
  • Four horses (22% of the total) suffered from infections at the incision sites,
  • Two horses (11% of the total) experienced implant-associated infections, which is when the implanted LCP leads to an infection, and
  • One horse (6% of the total) developed colic, a severe, often fluctuating pain in the abdomen that is usually associated with the digestive tract problems.
• During the long-term follow-up, it was noted that out of the 18 horses, 15 (or 83%) were sound, i.e., healthy and able to serve their original purpose.
• Unfortunately, due to various reasons including complications from the original injuries and surgeries, three of the horses (approximately 17%) had to be euthanized.

Conclusions

• Despite some complications, most of which were infection-related, the study concludes that using LCPs is a viable method for the internal fixation of ulnar fractures in horses.
• Most notably, the majority of horses were able to return to their original health status and fulfill their intended purpose, showcasing the potential effectiveness of this treatment method.