Pan‐carpal arthrodesis as a treatment for distal radial fracture in a pony

Abstract

SummaryComplete, displaced radial fractures carry a poor prognosis in adult horses. In foals and ponies, fracture repair may have a good outcome following internal fixation. Distal radial fractures are difficult to stabilise due to limited bony purchase. Therefore, carpal arthrodesis may provide a viable option for salvaging the horse. In this report, we describe pan‐carpal arthrodesis as a treatment for distal radial fracture in an adult pony. A 12‐year‐old pony, 180 kg bodyweight, was presented due to left front non‐weight bearing lameness. Diagnosis of a closed, comminuted, displaced distal radial fracture, with antebrachiocarpal joint involvement, was made radiographically. The fracture was repaired and pan‐carpal arthrodesis was performed. Recovery was uneventful. The implants were gradually removed, in a minimally invasive standing procedure, due to surgical site infection. Two years following surgery, the horse is sound at a walk and trots freely with flexion of the affected carpus. Radiographs revealed healing of the fracture and failure of the arthrodesis. In essence, unintentionally, we performed temporary trans‐articular stabilisation by repairing a distal radial comminuted fracture, while preserving partial carpal range of motion. This technique, of temporary trans‐articular stabilisation, could be applied intentionally on other distal or proximal long bone fractures in horses.