Ulnar osteotomy for treatment of cubital subluxation, following locking compression plate osteosynthesis of a radius fracture in a foal

Authors
M. D. Klopfenstein Bregger, M. A. Jackson, M. Kummer, P. R. Kircher, J. A. Auer, A. E. Fürst
Date
September 2011
Journal
Equine Veterinary Education
Volume
23
Number
9
Pages
455-461

A closed mid-diaphyseal fracture in a one-day-old foal was treated using a 3.5 mm locking compression plate on the cranial aspect of the radius. The foal showed good fracture healing, but a radio-ulnar synostosis developed despite the absence of transfixation by any implant into the ulna. Four months after surgery the radiographs revealed a cubital subluxation, which was managed by an osteotomy of the ulna at the time of plate removal, allowing the ulna to adjust into a normal position. One year after surgery the foal was clinically sound; the radiographs showed good healing of the osteotomy gap as well as good remodelling of the radius; however, a slight elbow subluxation was present.

Equine
Internal Fixation

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