Locking compression plates for pancarpal arthrodesis in a Thoroughbred filly.
OBJECTIVE
To report treatment of a comminuted ulnar carpal (UC) bone fracture associated with carpal instability by pancarpal arthrodesis using 2 locking compression plates (LCP).


METHODS
Case report.


METHODS
A 2-year-old Thoroughbred filly.


METHODS
An UC fracture and luxation of the proximal row of carpal bones was diagnosed radiographically. Pancarpal arthrodesis was performed with 2 LCP positioned dorsolaterally and dorsomedially and centered over the carpus through a single skin incision. The filly was maintained in a full limb cast for 15 days, followed by a tube cast for 14 days, and subsequently a full limb bandage with caudal splint for 21 days.


RESULTS
Two LCP provided appropriate carpal stability resulting in a pasture sound horse 6 months after surgery. The filly was discharged from the hospital 63 days after surgery, walking well with only a slight mechanical lameness.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of 2 LCP applied on the dorsomedial and dorsolateral aspect of the carpus can provide carpal stability for pancarpal arthrodesis.


CONCLUSIONS
Excellent stability of the carpal joints can be achieved with 2 LCP.
Carpenter
Ryan S
RS
Department of Clinical Sciences, James L. Voss Teaching Hospital, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA. ryan.carpenter@colostate.edu
Goodrich
Laurie R
LR
Baxter
Gary M
GM
Joyce
Jolynn
J
Wallis
Tyson W
TW
D000818:Animals; D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D001860:Bone Plates / Q000662:veterinary*; D002348:Carpal Bones / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D002350:Carpus, Animal / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary; D006736:Horses / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D016896:Treatment Outcome