Use of tension band wires in horses with fractures of the ulna: 22 cases (1980-1992).

The research paper explores the treatment of ulnar fractures in horses using tension band wires either alone or combined with pins or cortical bone screws. It studied 22 horses aged between 2 weeks to 12 years and weighing 68-477 kg over a period of 12 years (1980-1992).

Study Method

• The study involved the treatment of 22 horses suffering from ulnar fractures. These injuries were classified according to the Donecker and Bramlage ulnar fracture classification system, consisting of types 1-a, 1-b, 2, 3, 4 and 5 fractures.
• The treatment options ranged from using tension band wires alone or in combination with unthreaded pins or cortical bone screws. Some horses required additional intervention where 4.5-mm cortical bone screws were used to aid the reduction of comminuted or oblique fractures.
• Long-term monitoring was performed on 17 of the 22 horses to assess the effectiveness and outcome of the treatment procedure.

Results and Observations

• Fractures successfully healed in 18 out of the 22 treated horses, demonstrating a promising 82% success rate for the treatments.
• Complications were reported in four horses leading to euthanization. The complications were diverse, including catastrophic failure of fixation during recovery from general anesthesia in one foal, septic arthritis, hyperextension of the contralateral metacarpophalangeal joint in a foal, and wound infection causing partial disruption of repair in two horses.
• Nonfatal complications developed in six horses. These included incision infection, partial wound dehiscence, carpal contraction, and several other conditions related to the implanted devices and the reaction of the body to these devices.

Conclusion

• The use of tension band wires, either alone or in combination with pins or cortical bone screws, shows potential effectiveness in the treatment of ulnar fractures in horses. However, the significant complication rate suggests that careful selection of the most suitable method is necessary for each individual horse and fracture, and that more research is needed to decrease the risk of complications.