Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of unilateral mid-body proximal sesamoid bone (PSB) fractures, to determine factors associated with the outcome of horses after surgical repair, and to describe a technique for arthroscopically assisted screw fixation in lag fashion.
STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series.
ANIMALS: Horses (n=25) with unilateral mid-body PSB fracture.
METHODS: Medical records (1996-2006), radiographs, and arthroscopic videos of horses with surgically repaired unilateral mid-body PSB fractures were reviewed. Retrieved data included signalment, affected limb and PSB, fracture characteristics, and surgical technique. Outcome was established by radiographic assessment of healing and race records; categorical data were analyzed using Fisher's Exact test.
RESULTS: Medial forelimb PSBs were most commonly affected (80%). Surgical technique and degree of reduction were significantly associated with outcome; 44% of horses with screw repair and none of the horses with wire fixation raced (P=.047). Factors that may have influenced this outcome were differences in fracture reduction (improved reduction in 22% wire repairs and 88% screw repairs, P=.002) and use of external coaptation (22% wire repair and 88% lag screw repair, P=.002). None of the horses with unimproved reduction raced after surgery.
CONCLUSIONS: Only 28% of horses with mid-body PSB fractures raced after surgery. Compared with wire fixation, screw fixation in lag fashion resulted in good reduction and is seemingly a superior repair technique.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: For mid-body PSB fractures, arthroscopically assisted screw fixation in lag fashion and external coaptation for anesthesia recovery and initial support provides the best likelihood of return to athletic use.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 771-80 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Veterinary Surgery |
Volume | 37 |
Issue number | 8 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Dec 2008 |
Keywords
- Animals
- Arthroscopy
- Biomechanical Phenomena
- Bone Screws
- Bone Wires
- Female
- Forelimb
- Fracture Fixation
- Horses
- Male
- Radiography
- Retrospective Studies
- Sesamoid Bones
- Sports
- Treatment Outcome
- Journal Article