Use of locking compression plates in ulnar fractures of 18 horses.
Authors: Jacobs Carrie C, Levine David G, Richardson Dean W
Journal: Veterinary surgery : VS
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Locking Compression Plates for Equine Ulnar Fractures Ulnar fractures in horses present a surgical challenge, yet limited data exist on modern fixation methods and their outcomes. Jacobs and colleagues reviewed 18 cases treated with locking compression plate (LCP) fixation—15 involving isolated ulnar fractures and 3 with concurrent proximal radial involvement—tracking complications and long-term function over 13–120 months post-operatively. All horses initially survived to discharge; however, post-operative complications emerged in 5 animals (28%), comprising incisional infection (22%), implant-associated infection (11%), and colic (6%), with 83% ultimately returning to their intended use and 17% requiring euthanasia. These results suggest LCP fixation offers reliable healing potential for ulnar fractures, though practitioners should remain vigilant for infection-related complications and counsel owners that roughly one in five horses may not achieve functional recovery despite successful fracture union. The favourable soundness rate supports LCP as a legitimate internal fixation option when conservative management is contraindicated, particularly where anatomical reduction and stable fixation are priorities.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Locking compression plates are a reliable surgical option for ulnar fractures in horses, with good long-term soundness outcomes (83%)
- •Post-operative infection is a notable complication risk (incisional 22%, implant-associated 11%) requiring careful surgical technique and monitoring
- •Most horses can return to their intended use after LCP repair, though some cases may result in euthanasia for complications unrelated to the fracture repair itself
Key Findings
- •All 18 horses were discharged from hospital following locking compression plate fixation of ulnar fractures
- •Complications occurred in 5 horses (28%): incisional infection in 4 horses (22%), implant-associated infection in 2 horses (11%), and colic in 1 horse (6%)
- •83% of horses (15/18) returned to soundness for their intended purpose at follow-up of 13-120 months