title: Internal fixation of a fractured axis in an adult horse.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report internal fixation of a fractured axis with a dynamic compression plate (DCP).
  
  
  METHODS
  Case report.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 7-year-old Warmblood gelding.
  
  
  METHODS
  Surgery was performed under anesthesia in sternal recumbency. After fracture reduction the complete transverse fracture in the cranial third of the axis was stabilized with a 7-hole 4.5 mm DCP. Optimal positioning of the plate and the length of the screws were facilitated by fluoroscopy. Recovery from anesthesia was supervised in a pool.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The horse had an excellent outcome and returned to its previous activity level.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Surgical treatment with fracture reduction and plate fixation enables normal bearing of the head and neck and improves neck flexibility soon after surgery.
authors.affiliation: Equine Department Vetsuisse-Faculty Zurich, Section of Surgery, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gygax
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fürst
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Picek
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kummer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001368:Axis, Cervical Vertebra / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D001860:Bone Plates / Q000662:veterinary*; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D006736:Horses / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D016103:Spinal Fractures / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*