Standing surgical repair of propagating metacarpal and metatarsal condylar fractures in racehorses.

Abstract

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Repair of spiral and long diaphyseal metacarpal and metatarsal fractures under anaesthesia can be problematic and associated with a high incidence of complications, including fracture propagation necessitating euthanasia. OBJECTIVE: To report on a practical repair technique for which general anaesthesia is not required. METHODS: Thirteen racehorses with a spiral/propagating condylar fracture had the fracture repaired using local anaesthesia and sedation, without the need for general anaesthetic. RESULTS: Ten of the horses returned to training and 8 raced again. Two horses were retired directly to stud. One horse had propagation of the fracture 3 days post surgery, and was subjected to euthanasia. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Results achieved were comparable to those gained using standard repair techniques under general anaesthesia. The described technique removes the need for general anaesthesia for repair of selected condylar fractures.