Surgical fixation of proximal splint bone fractures in horses using a 3.5-mm LCP: A case series

IF 1.1 4区农林科学 Q3 VETERINARY SCIENCES

Equine Veterinary Education Pub Date : 2026-07-02 Epub Date: 2026-03-26 DOI:10.1111/eve.70088

E.-M. Kruse, S. Tettke, A. Noguera Cender

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Proximal fractures of the small metacarpal/metatarsal bones (splint bones) in horses are less frequent but clinically challenging due to their close association with adjacent joints, ligamentous attachments and the suspensory apparatus. These fractures are frequently comminuted, may involve open wounds and are associated with a risk of joint instability, chronic lameness and poor athletic outcome. Several treatment options have been described.

Objectives

To describe the surgical technique and clinical outcome of horses with proximal splint bone fractures treated using a 3.5-mm narrow locking compression plate (LCP).

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Medical records of horses undergoing internal fixation of proximal splint bone fractures using a 3.5-mm narrow LCP were reviewed. Data collected included signalment, fracture configuration, imaging findings, surgical technique, postoperative management, complications and short- as well as long-term outcome. Outcome was assessed through clinical re-examination at the clinic and follow-up communication with owners and referring veterinarians.

Results

Seven horses with proximal lateral splint bone fractures were included. Four fractures were open at presentation. Stable fracture fixation was achieved in all cases. No major intra-operative or early postoperative complications occurred. All horses returned to their intended level of activity within 4–18 months (median 9 months). Implant removal was required in two horses due to persistent lameness, which resolved following additional surgical intervention.

Main Limitations

The retrospective nature of the study; low case number, no direct comparison with other treatment modalities like conservative versus surgical or between surgical options.

Conclusions

The use of a 3.5-mm narrow LCP plate provides a stable fracture fixation for proximal splint bone fractures with no major complications observed, even in open fractures and allowed a return to full function for the cases included in this study.

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使用3.5 mm LCP手术固定马近端夹板骨折：一个病例系列

马的小掌骨/跖骨（夹板骨）近端骨折不太常见，但临床具有挑战性，因为它们与邻近关节、韧带附着物和悬吊装置密切相关。这些骨折经常粉碎性，可能涉及开放性伤口，并伴有关节不稳定、慢性跛行和运动成绩差的风险。已经描述了几种治疗方案。目的探讨3.5 mm窄锁定加压钢板（LCP）治疗马近端夹板骨折的手术方法和临床效果。研究设计回顾性病例系列。方法回顾性分析使用3.5 mm窄LCP内固定马匹近端夹板骨折的临床资料。收集的数据包括信号、骨折形态、影像学表现、手术技术、术后处理、并发症以及短期和长期结果。通过在诊所进行临床复查，并与饲主和转介兽医进行随访沟通，评估结果。结果7匹马近侧夹板骨折。4例骨折在就诊时开放性。所有病例均获得稳定的骨折固定。术中及术后早期未发生重大并发症。所有马在4-18个月内（中位9个月）恢复到预期的活动水平。由于持续的跛行，两匹马需要移除植入物，这在额外的手术干预后得到解决。本研究的回顾性；病例数低，没有直接比较其他治疗方式，如保守与手术或手术选择之间。结论：3.5 mm窄LCP钢板为近端夹板骨折提供了稳定的骨折固定，即使在开放性骨折中也没有观察到主要并发症，并允许本研究中包括的病例恢复完全功能。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Equine Veterinary Education 农林科学-兽医学

CiteScore

2.40

自引率

22.20%

发文量

132

审稿时长

18-36 weeks

期刊介绍： Equine Veterinary Education (EVE) is the official journal of post-graduate education of both the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP). Equine Veterinary Education is a monthly, peer-reviewed, subscription-based journal, integrating clinical research papers, review articles and case reports from international sources, covering all aspects of medicine and surgery relating to equids. These papers facilitate the dissemination and implementation of new ideas and techniques relating to clinical veterinary practice, with the ultimate aim of promoting best practice. New developments are placed in perspective, encompassing new concepts and peer commentary. The target audience is veterinarians primarily engaged in the practise of equine medicine and surgery. The educational value of a submitted article is one of the most important criteria that are assessed when deciding whether to accept it for publication. Articles do not necessarily need to contain original or novel information but we welcome submission of this material. The educational value of an article may relate to articles published with it (e.g. a Case Report may not have direct educational value but an associated Clinical Commentary or Review Article published alongside it will enhance the educational value).