Use of transfixation pin casts to treat adult horses with comminuted phalangeal fractures: 20 cases (1993-2003).
Abstract: To determine the clinical applications, short and long-term survival, and complications of using transfixation pin casts for treatment of comminuted phalangeal fractures in adult horses. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 20 horses. Methods: Medical records were reviewed to obtain information regarding signalment, fracture location, treatment methods, complications, and short-term survival (discharge from hospital). Long-term follow-up information was obtained via contact with owners or trainers. Results: 12 fractures were in a hind limb, and 8 were in a forelimb. Fourteen fractures occurred in a middle phalanx, and 6 occurred in a proximal phalanx. Eleven fractures were treated with internal fixation combined with transfixation pin casts, and 9 fractures were treated with transfixation pin casts alone. Transfixation pin casts were maintained for a mean of 52 days (median, 49 days; range, 1 to 131 days). Fourteen (70%) horses were discharged from the hospital, whereas 6 (30%) were euthanized during the treatment period. Reasons for euthanasia included secondary fracture of the third metacarpal or metatarsal bone, avascularity of the distal aspect of the limb associated with an open fracture, and displacement of the fracture after transfixation pin cast removal. A significantly greater number of horses was discharged from the hospital when the transfixation pin cast was maintained for > 40 days, compared with those in which the transfixation pin cast was maintained for < 40 days. Conclusions: Results suggested that horses should be maintained in a transfixation pin cast for a minimum of 40 days, as this was associated with an increase in short-term survival without an increased risk of catastrophic failure.
Publication Date: 2006-09-05 PubMed ID: 16948586DOI: 10.2460/javma.229.5.725Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research looks at the effectiveness of using transfixation pin casts for the treatment of complex bone fractures in adult horses. Using a sample of 20 horses, the study finds that horses generally had better results when kept in the transfixation pin cast for more than 40 days.
Research Methodology
- The researchers employed a retrospective case series approach, examining 20 cases of adult horses with fragmented phalangeal fractures.
- Data for the study was gathered over a decade (1993-2003) from medical records, with additional long-term data obtained by contacting horse owners or trainers.
- Fracture locations, treatments, complications, and short-term survival rates (i.e., if the horse was discharged from the hospital) were some of the key areas of focus in the review.
Findings of the Study
- The analysis showed the location of the fractures was more prevalent in the hind limbs (12 cases) compared to the forelimbs (8 cases). The majority of the fractures occurred in the middle phalanx (14 cases).
- Transfixation pin casts were used both solely and in combination with internal fixation. The duration for which these casts were maintained ranged from 1 to 131 days, with an average of 52 days.
- A total of fourteen horses (70%) were discharged from the hospital, showing signs of recovery, while six horses (30%) were put to sleep for reasons such as secondary fractures, non-survivable injuries, or displacement of the fracture after removing the casts.
- Importantly, horses that remained in the transfixation pin cast for over 40 days had significantly higher survival rates than those in which the cast was removed in less than 40 days.
Conclusions of the Research
- The findings suggest that keeping horses in a transfixation pin cast for at least 40 days can increase recovery chances without increasing the risk of catastrophic failure.
- The study provides crucial insights into the aspects of treatment duration and approach for comminuted phalangeal fractures in adult horses, leading to improved short-term survival rates.
Cite This Article
APA
Joyce J, Baxter GM, Sarrafian TL, Stashak TS, Trotter G, Frisbie D.
(2006).
Use of transfixation pin casts to treat adult horses with comminuted phalangeal fractures: 20 cases (1993-2003).
J Am Vet Med Assoc, 229(5), 725-730.
https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.229.5.725 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, 80523-1620, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Casts, Surgical / veterinary
- Female
- Forelimb / injuries
- Forelimb / surgery
- Fracture Fixation, Internal / instrumentation
- Fracture Fixation, Internal / methods
- Fracture Fixation, Internal / veterinary
- Fractures, Comminuted / surgery
- Fractures, Comminuted / veterinary
- Hindlimb / injuries
- Hindlimb / surgery
- Horses / injuries
- Horses / surgery
- Male
- Retrospective Studies
- Survival Rate
- Toes / injuries
- Toes / surgery
- Treatment Outcome
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Lozier JW, Niehaus AJ, Muir A, Lakritz J. Short- and long-term success of transfixation pin casts used to stabilize long bone fractures in ruminants. Can Vet J 2018 Jun;59(6):635-641.
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