Experience in the treatment of horses with short incomplete sagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx

Abstract

Sagittal fractures are the most common injury of the proximal phalanx in horses. Choosing the optimal treatment tactics allows you to eliminate the physiological consequences of injury. The aim of this work was to compare the effectiveness of traditional and surgical methods of treatment of horses with short incomplete sagittal fractures of the putus bone. Thus, the study included horses (n=20) with short incomplete sagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx, which were then divided into two groups. In the first group (n=10), treatment was based on the application of a plaster cast, changing every 14 days. Osteosynthesis by screw fixation was performed in the second experimental group (n=10). Clinical and radiological research methods were used in the work. Complete radiographic healing was confirmed in 100% of animals in the second group, where osteosynthesis was performed by screw fixation, they returned to full athletic load without complications. However, in the first group of horses to which a plaster cast was applied, only 72.7% of animals and 27.3% of horses completely recovered their athletic qualities due to the development of complications, in the form of osteoarthritis changes, were excluded from sports. The proposed method of treating fractures in horses of the second group using the screw fixation method increases the possibility of animals returning to their previous loads. The rehabilitation technique developed and implemented in the clinic expands the possibilities of use in practical veterinary medicine.