Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Use of a dynamic compression plate and a cable cerclage system for repair of a fracture of the radius in a horse.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 2003
- Authors:
- Bolt, David M & Burba, Daniel J
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 9-year-old pregnant Peruvian Paso mare had a serious fracture in her left front leg, which made her very lame. After examining her and taking X-rays, the vets found a complicated break in the bone that needed careful treatment to prevent future joint problems. They used a special plate and cables to fix the bone and kept her in a sling for several hours each day for three weeks to help her heal. Five months later, she gave birth without any issues, and while she showed a little lameness when trotting, it was much improved. Overall, the treatment worked well for stabilizing her fracture.
Abstract
A pregnant 9-year-old Peruvian Paso mare was evaluated because of a fracture involving the left radius. On examination, grade IV/V lameness of the left forelimb was observed; radiography of the limb revealed a longitudinal oblique displaced fracture that extended from the caudal cortex of the radial mid-diaphysis into the humeroradial joint. To minimize the development of degenerative joint disease in the humeroradial joint, repair with internal fixation was recommended. A dynamic compression plate was applied to the cranial aspect of the radius; three 2-mm stainless steel cable cerclages were positioned around the mid- and proximal diaphysis. The horse was maintained in a sling for 8 to 12 hours daily for 3 weeks after surgery. Five months after surgery, the mare had foaled without complications, and grade I/V lameness during trotting only was observed. The combination of 1 dynamic compression plate and cable cerclage may provide satisfactory stabilization of this type of fracture in small to medium-sized horses.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12839070/