Clinical evaluation of the locking compression plate for fetlock arthrodesis in six thoroughbred racehorses.
OBJECTIVE
To report use of a locking compression plate (LCP) for fetlock arthrodesis in Thoroughbred racehorses after catastrophic disruption of the suspensory apparatus.


METHODS
Retrospective case study.


METHODS
Racing Thoroughbreds (n=6) with a catastrophic breakdown injury of the suspensory apparatus.


METHODS
Medical records (2004-2006) of horses that had fetlock arthrodesis using an LCP were reviewed. Preoperative recorded variables were: age, gender, affected limb, injury type and occurrence, limb support used and time to surgery. Recorded surgical variables were: implants used and cost, surgery time, and anesthetic recovery method. Postoperative recorded variables included: treatment, physical status, complications, and outcome.


RESULTS
Of 6 Thoroughbred racehorses that had LCP arthrodesis, 4 were sound for breeding purposes the next year and 2 horses were euthanatized (1 at 16 days, 1 at 68 days) because of proximal interphalangeal joint (PIJ) luxation. No surgical complications were associated with implant application. Postoperative complications were similar to those reported for other arthrodesis techniques.


CONCLUSIONS
LCP is a viable option for fetlock arthrodesis in Thoroughbred racehorses after catastrophic suspensory apparatus disruption.


CONCLUSIONS
Adequate fetlock stability can be achieved with an LCP, and although the repair is likely more stable it is approximately 3 times more expensive than using a limited contact dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP) with cortical screws.
Carpenter
Ryan S
RS
Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
Galuppo
Larry D
LD
Simpson
Edwin L
EL
Dowd
Joseph P
JP
D000818:Animals; D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D001860:Bone Plates / Q000662:veterinary*; D001863:Bone Screws / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D006736:Horses / Q000293:injuries*; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013640:Tarsal Joints / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome