Results of plate fixation of type 1b olecranon fractures in 24 horses.
BACKGROUND
Previous olecranon fracture reports contain a small proportion of type 1b fractures, with only a few repaired by tension band plate fixation.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate subject details, history, clinical findings and outcome of type 1b olecranon fractures in a large group of horses treated by tension band plate fixation.


METHODS
Medical records of 77 horses diagnosed with an olecranon fracture were reviewed. Twenty-four horses (31%) were classified as having type 1b olecranon fractures. Clinical details and follow-up results (4-128 months post operatively) were recorded.


RESULTS
Treatment included open reduction and internal fixation using a narrow dynamic compression plate (n = 20), conservative therapy (n = 2) and euthanasia (n = 2). Long-term follow-up was available for 16 plated horses. Four were sound and in training and 9 were sound and performing athletically. Articular surface involvement, comminution, open status or removal of anconeal process fragments did not appear to affect prognosis or soundness.


CONCLUSIONS
Internal plate fixation provides an excellent prognosis for an animal capable of athletic performance.


CONCLUSIONS
Describing tension band plate fixation and results offers a method of fracture repair that will improve the treatment and prognosis for type 1b olecranon fractures.
Swor
T M
TM
Department of Large Animal Medicine & Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA.
Watkins
J P
JP
Bahr
A
A
Honnas
C M
CM
D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001860:Bone Plates / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D006736:Horses / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014458:Ulna Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*