Diaphyseal fractures of the third metacarpal bone (MC III – metacarpus III) are a major challenge for the veterinarian. Because these bones have minimal soft-tissue coverage, there is a high risk of open fracture and subsequent infection. Among all methods of osteosynthesis used for the treatment of diaphyseal fractures of the MC III in horses, the most popular uses metal plates attached to the bone surface. Unfortunately, there is a fundamental problem associated with plate osteosynthesis, since the attachment of two such plates requires the use of 20-24 screws, which involves substantial tissue trauma and wound closing difficulties. Another important issue is the fact that the fixation is too stiff, which prolongs the time of new bone formation and therefore healing. The most serious complications that occur after this type of surgery are infections and the screws loosening in the bone. They are also the common cause of failure in bone fracture treatment in horses. The duration of surgery is another problem in horses, because osteosynthesis prolongs general anesthesia, which may result in postanaesthetic myositis and circulation disorders. There is also the risk of osteosynthesis break-up when the horse manages to stand up after the first (main) or second (screw removing) surgery. Moreover, plates cannot be applied in the case of open or infected fractures. These difficulties make it necessary to search for better solutions, including the use of external fixators. Their main advantages are the quick insertion of implants and limited tissue trauma associated with it. The removal of implants is easy and does not require general anesthesia. Because of the lack of direct contact with the fixators (except for the pins), the blood supply to bone is not obstructed, which is beneficial for healing. External fixators can be used in the treatment of open fractures, which are often contaminated and infected. So far, no dedicated fixator for the treatment of diaphyseal fractures of MC III in horses is available on the market. The authors of this article have developed a fixator designed specifically for the treatment of diaphyseal fractures of MC III, which has successfully passed strength tests.
JavaScript jest wyłączony w Twojej przeglądarce internetowej. Włącz go, a następnie odśwież stronę, aby móc w pełni z niej korzystać.