A clinical evaluation of a headless, titanium, variable-pitched, tapered, compression screw for repair of nondisplaced lateral condylar fractures in thoroughbred racehorses.
Authors: Galuppo Larry D, Simpson Edwin L, Greenman Sylvia L, Dowd Joseph P, Ferraro Gregory L, Meagher Dennis M
Journal: Veterinary surgery : VS
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Headless Titanium Compression Screws for Lateral Condylar Fractures in Racehorses Nondisplaced lateral condylar fractures of the metacarpal and metatarsal bones represent a challenging but potentially career-threatening injury in racing Thoroughbreds; this 2006 retrospective review examined whether headless titanium compression screws offered a viable surgical alternative to traditional fixation methods. Between 1999 and 2004, 16 racehorses (11 with third metacarpal and 5 with third metatarsal condylar fractures) underwent surgical repair using Acutrak Equine screws, with preoperative and postoperative performance data analysed alongside complication rates. Notably, no surgical complications occurred, and of the 15 horses that returned to training, 11 (73%) successfully raced within an average of 306 days post-injury with improved earnings per start (£5290 versus £4971 pre-injury); importantly, screw removal was not required in any case. The headless, tapered design prevented impingement on the collateral ligaments and joint capsule of the fetlock, providing adequate fracture stability whilst preserving soft tissue integrity. For equine practitioners, this technique represents a legitimate treatment option with favourable return-to-racing outcomes for carefully selected cases of nondisplaced lateral condylar fractures, though patient selection and fracture characteristics remain critical determinants of success.
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Practical Takeaways
- •The Acutrak Equine screw is a reliable surgical option for nondisplaced lateral condylar fractures in racing Thoroughbreds, with high return-to-racing rates and no surgical complications reported
- •Most horses (73%) returned to competitive racing within 10 months post-injury with maintained or improved performance, making this a viable treatment for athletic horses
- •The headless design avoids joint impingement and eliminates the need for implant removal, simplifying post-operative management
Key Findings
- •11 of 15 horses (73%) returned to racing at a mean of 306±67 days post-operatively with no surgical complications
- •Post-injury earnings per start ($5,290±$8,124) exceeded pre-injury earnings ($4,971±$2,842)
- •Headless tapered compression screw provided adequate stability without impingement on fetlock joint structures
- •Screw removal was not required in any of the 16 horses treated