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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Tension-band wiring and lag screw fixation of a transverse, comminuted fracture of a patella in a horse.

Journal:
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Year:
1992
Authors:
Hunt, R J et al.
Affiliation:
Department of Large Animal Medicine · United States
Species:
horse

Plain-English summary

A horse had a serious break in its kneecap, which was fixed with a special surgical technique that involved wiring and screws. Some small pieces of the kneecap were also removed during the surgery. After 10 weeks, the fracture was healing well, and there were no problems from the surgery. Four months later, the horse was able to trot normally, and by eight months after the surgery, it was back to enjoying pleasure rides. Overall, the treatment was successful.

Abstract

A transverse, comminuted fracture of the patella was treated surgically by combining tension-band wiring and lag-screw fixation in a horse. Partial patellectomy or smaller detached fragments of the patella was performed. Satisfactory healing of the fracture was evident 10 weeks after surgery, and there were no complications. Implants were not removed. The horse was sound at a trot 4 months after surgery and was used for pleasure riding 8 months later.

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Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1568930/