Retrospective Study of Surgical Management of Carpal Bone Slab Fractures (Excluding C3) Repaired Using Lag Screw Fixation In Horses (2008-2025)
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Abstract
Carpal bone slab fractures of the third carpal bone (C3) are very common in Standardbred and Thoroughbred racehorses. However, there are other, less common types of carpal bone slab fractures, including the ulnar, radial, intermediate, 2nd, and 4th carpal bones. There are existing studies involving surgical repair of third carpal bone slab fractures, but currently there is no published research on outcome associated with other carpal bones. Lag screw fixation of slab fractures is recommended to restore articular congruity. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the characteristics of surgical cases involving carpal bone slab fractures, excluding C3, repaired using lag screw fixation and to determine these cases’ long-term prognosis. The median age was 6 years (range 1-22 years) including 10 males and 7 females. Breeds affected included Thoroughbred (7), Warmblood (6), Quarter Horse (2), Paint (1) and Pony (1). The most common type of fracture was the intermediate carpal bone (12/17 cases), followed by the radial carpal bone (6/17 cases). In all three cases with two bones affected, there was an intermediate and radial fracture. The ulnar carpal bone was only present in 2/17 cases while the 2nd and 4th carpal bones were never affected. A total of 20 carpal bone fractures were present in 17 horses. 9/20 fractures were repaired with 1 screw, 6/20 repaired with 2 screws, and 5/20 repaired with 3 screws. The sizes of the screws included 3.5mm (10/20 cases), 4.5mm (7/20 cases), and 5.5 mm (3/20 cases). Comminution was fairly common with 12/17 cases having comminution. Long-term outcome was available in 9/17 horses with 6/9 horses having a favorable outcome.