Clinical evaluation of the locking compression plate for fetlock arthrodesis in six thoroughbred racehorses.
Authors: Carpenter Ryan S, Galuppo Larry D, Simpson Edwin L, Dowd Joseph P
Journal: Veterinary surgery : VS
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Locking Compression Plate Arthrodesis for Catastrophic Fetlock Injuries in Racehorses When the suspensory apparatus fails catastrophically in a racehorse, salvage options are severely limited; this 2008 retrospective case review examined whether locking compression plate (LCP) arthrodesis could provide a viable alternative to conventional techniques, potentially preserving horses for breeding purposes after career-ending injuries. Six Thoroughbreds underwent LCP-stabilised fetlock fusion between 2004 and 2006, with detailed documentation of preoperative status, surgical parameters including implant selection and cost, and postoperative complications tracked over the recovery period. Four horses (67%) achieved sufficient soundness for breeding within 12 months, whilst two required euthanasia—one at 16 days and one at 68 days—due to secondary proximal interphalangeal joint luxation; notably, no complications arose from the implant application itself. Whilst the LCP technique delivered adequate fetlock stability with complication profiles comparable to earlier arthrodesis methods, the financial burden of approximately three times the cost of limited contact dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP) systems with cortical screws warrants careful case selection and client discussion. For practitioners managing catastrophic suspensory injuries, the LCP represents a technically sound option that significantly improves salvage rates for breeding stock, though conventional plating remains a cost-effective alternative when budget constraints are paramount.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Locking compression plates can achieve adequate fetlock stability after catastrophic suspensory apparatus injury and should be considered as a viable surgical option for breeding soundness
- •Success rate is moderate (67%) with complications including post-operative proximal interphalangeal joint luxation; consider financial constraints as LCP costs 3× more than alternative plate systems
- •This technique offers a higher-stability alternative to conventional dynamic compression plates for selected cases, but requires careful post-operative management and realistic owner expectations regarding breeding versus racing soundness
Key Findings
- •4 of 6 horses (67%) were sound for breeding purposes within one year post-operatively
- •2 of 6 horses (33%) were euthanatized due to proximal interphalangeal joint luxation at 16 and 68 days post-operatively
- •No surgical complications were associated with locking compression plate application
- •Locking compression plates cost approximately 3 times more than limited contact dynamic compression plates with cortical screws