Surgical Management of Chronic Metacarpal-II Fracture in a mare: A Case Study

Background: The second and fourth metacarpal and metatarsal bones in the forelimb and hindlimb are vestigial structures, commonly known as the splint bone. Fractures of the splint bone can occur due to a variety of causes, most often as a result of trauma. The fracture can occur in different regions of the bone and may be open or closed. Pain, swelling, and heat exist at the fracture site, which are directly related to the severity of soft tissue injury. Method: This case report describes the successful surgical treatment of lameness in a ۱۳-year-old purebred mare at the Veterinary Hospital of Tehran University. A fracture in the distal portion of the second metacarpal bone in the right forelimb was presented after radiographic evaluation. Based on the radiograph taken in the dorso-۴۵ ° medial-palmarolateral view and clinical examination, surgical intervention was planned. During the surgery, callus formation surrounding the fractured bone fragment was completely removed. Result: The horse favorably completed its recovery period, and both pain and lameness resolved, and was competing successfully ۴ months after surgery. Conclusion: The chronic fractures and extra callus formation can put pressure on the surrounding soft tissues and may also involve the suspensory ligament; therefore, early intervention improves the feasibility of successful treatment.

کلیدواژه ها:

Fracture ، horse ، metacarpus ، splint bone