Standing surgical repair of propagating metacarpal and metatarsal condylar fractures in racehorses.
BACKGROUND
Repair of spiral and long diaphyseal metacarpal and metatarsal fractures under anaesthesia can be problematic and associated with a high incidence of complications, including fracture propagation necessitating euthanasia.


OBJECTIVE
To report on a practical repair technique for which general anaesthesia is not required.


METHODS
Thirteen racehorses with a spiral/propagating condylar fracture had the fracture repaired using local anaesthesia and sedation, without the need for general anaesthetic.


RESULTS
Ten of the horses returned to training and 8 raced again. Two horses were retired directly to stud. One horse had propagation of the fracture 3 days post surgery, and was subjected to euthanasia.


CONCLUSIONS
Results achieved were comparable to those gained using standard repair techniques under general anaesthesia. The described technique removes the need for general anaesthesia for repair of selected condylar fractures.
Russell
T M
TM
Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital, Shepparton, Victoria, Australia.
Maclean
A A
AA
D000772:Anesthesia, Local / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D001863:Bone Screws / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D006736:Horses / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D050279:Metacarpal Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D008682:Metatarsal Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D010805:Physical Conditioning, Animal / Q000502:physiology; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013177:Sports; D016896:Treatment Outcome