ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Fractures involving the proximal one-third of the splint bone are relatively rare and are challenging to treat. A variety of management techniques have been reported in the literature. The aim of this retrospective case series was to describe the clinical presentation and evaluate the efficacy of bioabsorbable polylactic acid screws in internal fixation of proximal fractures of the 2nd and 4th metacarpal and metatarsal bones in horses. METHODS: The medical records, diagnostic images and outcome of all horses diagnosed with a proximal fracture of the splint bones and treated with partial resection and internal fixation of the proximal stump using bioabsorbable polylactic acid screws between 2014 and 2015 were reviewed. RESULTS: Eight horses met the inclusion criteria. The results showed that there were no complications encountered during screw placement or postoperatively. Six horses returned to full work 3 months after the operation and two horses remained mildly lame. On follow-up radiographs 12 months postoperatively (n = 2) the screws were not completely absorbed. The screws resulted in a cone-shaped radiolucency, which was progressively replaced from the outer margins by bone sclerosis. CONCLUSION: The use of bioabsorbable screws for fixation of proximal fractures of the splint bone appears to be a safe and feasible technique and may offer several advantages over the use of traditional metallic implants.
Subject(s)
Bone Screws , Fracture Fixation, Internal/veterinary , Fractures, Bone/veterinary , Horses/surgery , Metacarpal Bones/surgery , Metatarsal Bones/surgery , Absorbable Implants , Animals , Female , Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods , Fractures, Bone/diagnostic imaging , Fractures, Bone/surgery , Germany , Horses/injuries , Male , Metacarpal Bones/injuries , Metatarsal Bones/injuries , Retrospective Studies , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Clinical experience has suggested that foaling rates following colic surgery in the pregnant mare are influenced by days of gestation. This premise has not been supported in previous studies. We also aimed to determine the effects of other potential influencing factors. OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of age of gestation on foaling rates in pregnant mares following colic surgery and evaluate the relationships between other factors and foaling rates. METHODS: Medical records of Thoroughbred mares, which had colic surgery performed from 1993 to 2007 at the Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, were reviewed. Mares identified in the record as pregnant or bred within the previous 15 days were included in this study. Age of the mare, date of surgery, gestational age, duration of colic at admission, packed cell volume at admission, surgical diagnosis, duration of general anaesthesia, intraoperative hypotension, intraoperative hypoxaemia and post operative signs of endotoxaemia were recorded. A mare was considered to have a live foal if that foal was registered with the North American Jockey Club. RESULTS: Of the 228 mares, where pregnancy had been confirmed, 152 (66.7%) had a live foal registered after surgery. Mares bred <40 days before surgery had a lower foaling rate compared with mares undergoing surgery ≥40 days after breeding: 48.7% vs. 69.8% (odds ratio [OR] = 0.41 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.20-0.83], P = 0.012). Foaling rate was also influenced by mare's age (P = 0.008) and duration of colic signs before surgery (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The prognosis for a live foal after colic surgery in the pregnant Thoroughbred mare is significantly better if the mare is ≤15 years of age and ≥40 days of gestation. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: The results of this study are useful for clinicians offering a prognosis for a live foal following colic surgery in pregnant mares.
