Use of transfixation pin casts to treat adult horses with comminuted phalangeal fractures: 20 cases (1993-2003).

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.