Page 660 - Adams and Stashak's Lameness in Horses, 7th Edition

626 Chapter 5

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Figure 5.29. Transfixation pins applied to the proximal radius
prior to applying a full‐limb cast to treat a comminuted distal radial
fracture.
Figure 5.31. Two 5‐mm locking compression plates placed on
the dorsal and lateral aspects of an obliquely fractured radius.
Source: Courtesy of Dr. Dan Burba.

biomechanical testing. Plate luting with antimicrobial‐
impregnated PMMA and bone graft application is
advisable although in a recent study there was no cor-
90
relation with grafting, antibiotic‐impregnated PMMA,
intravenous regional limb perfusion, and survival to dis-
charge, but there was a correlation with surgical time. 78

Physeal Fractures
Salter–Harris type I and II fractures of the proximal
physis are encountered although infrequently (Figure 5.32).
They may be accompanied by a fracture of the ulna, and
a degree of radial nerve trauma may be encountered.
Minimally displaced fractures may be treated conserva-
tively in select foals (Figure 5.32). Repair generally
involves a single‐plate fixation of the ulna with the
screws at the level of the proximal physis and lower,
engaging the radius. A second plate can be placed later-
ally with the proximal screw in the physis, although this
is usually unnecessary. In smaller foals, the repair can
90
be performed by transphyseal screws, and a wire fixa-
tion instead of a lateral plate can be placed alone. There
is minimal growth from the proximal physis due to the
damage, and luxation of the elbow joint is unlikely. Type
III fractures that are nondisplaced are rested, whereas
Figure 5.30. Single DCP application on the cranial surface of displaced type III fractures are repaired with screws
the radius to repair a transverse mid‐diaphyseal fracture in a foal placed in lag fashion in combination with a tension
weighing less than 250 kg. band application. 72,90