Locking compression plates for pancarpal arthrodesis in a Thoroughbred filly.
Authors: Carpenter Ryan S, Goodrich Laurie R, Baxter Gary M, Joyce Jolynn, Wallis Tyson W
Journal: Veterinary surgery : VS
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Locking Compression Plates for Pancarpal Arthrodesis A comminuted ulnar carpal fracture with concurrent luxation of the proximal carpal row presents a challenging surgical problem in young athletic horses, where salvage of athletic function is often prioritised over limb preservation alone. This case report describes treatment of a 2-year-old Thoroughbred filly using pancarpal arthrodesis stabilised by two locking compression plates (LCP) positioned on the dorsomedial and dorsolateral aspects of the carpus through a single surgical approach. Following 15 days in a full limb cast, 14 days in a tube cast, and 21 days in a bandage with caudal splint, the filly achieved pasture soundness by six months post-operatively and was discharged 63 days after surgery with only mild mechanical lameness. The dual-plate construct provided sufficient rigidity to permit functional fusion without catastrophic complications, suggesting that LCP offer a viable alternative to traditional screw-based arthrodesis in complex carpal injuries where multi-planar stability is required. For practitioners managing severe carpal fractures with instability, this technique merits consideration as it combines the biomechanical advantages of locking plate technology with anatomical positioning that resists both dorsopalmar and mediolateral forces—particularly valuable in young horses where longevity of the repair is paramount.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Dual locking compression plate fixation is a viable surgical option for severe carpal fractures with instability that might otherwise be considered catastrophic
- •Post-operative immobilization protocol (15 days full cast, 14 days tube cast, 21 days bandage with splint) should be followed for optimal healing with this fixation method
- •Young athletic horses can return to pasture soundness following pancarpal arthrodesis, though mechanical lameness may persist—manage owner expectations accordingly
Key Findings
- •Pancarpal arthrodesis using two locking compression plates (LCP) positioned dorsolaterally and dorsomedially achieved excellent carpal joint stability in a 2-year-old Thoroughbred filly
- •The filly achieved pasture soundness by 6 months post-operatively and was discharged from hospital at 63 days with only slight mechanical lameness
- •Dual LCP application provides superior carpal stability for managing comminuted fractures with instability compared to single-plate constructs