Internal Fixation of Cervical Fractures in Three Horses.

Summary

# Internal Fixation of Cervical Fractures in Horses Three horses presenting with acute cervical trauma—characterised by neck stiffness, pain, and ataxia—underwent surgical stabilisation for displaced vertebral fractures involving C2 and C4. Radiographic assessment revealed fracture patterns ranging from oblique fractures of the caudal vertebral bodies to transverse fractures extending into the vertebral canal, necessitating different surgical approaches: the first horse was treated with a 14-hole dynamic compression plate (DCP) and cancellous screws with fusion, whilst the second and third horses received 5-hole locking compression plates (LCP) with 5 mm locking screws applied ventrally. All three horses achieved complete bony union with minimal postoperative complications and returned to full functional activity. These findings demonstrate that ventral plate fixation is a viable treatment option for carefully selected cervical fracture cases, with the LCP offering particular advantages in load sharing and biomechanical stability that may reduce complications compared to traditional DCP techniques. For equine practitioners, this case series suggests that internal fixation should be considered in acute cervical fractures where neurological deterioration or non-union risk is present, though appropriate case selection and surgical expertise remain critical to achieving the favourable outcomes documented here.

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Key Findings

• •Three horses with cervical fractures (C2 and C4 locations) treated with ventral plate fixation showed complete fracture healing
• •All horses returned to full activity following internal fixation with minimal complications
• •Locking compression plates (LCP) with locking screws were preferred over dynamic compression plates for cervical vertebral stabilization

Conditions Studied