Treatment of a femoral fracture with a titanium locking compression plate distal femur (LCP‐DF) in a young donkey

Abstract

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/eve.12082/abstract

Diaphyseal femoral fractures in young horses

“…The expanded distal end of the LCP-DF also allows for up to 7 screws to be placed in the distal fragment which provides additional stability in the repair of fractures that extend close to the distal physis. Figure 6 in the paper by Bumbacher et al (2014) suggests the fracture in this case healed with limited radiographically visible bony callus which implies good fracture stability during healing and is in contrast to the large calluses previously observed in other cases (Bramlage and Fackelman 2000;Richardson 2012). Surgical removal of implants is rarely required unless there are problems with infection or growth compromise by implants which cross the distal physis.…”

“…Bumbacher et al . () discuss the potential mechanical advantages of titanium alloys and their enhanced capacity for integration with bone. There is also some evidence in man that titanium implants may also reduce the risk of delayed infection compared to stainless steel implants (Glotzbecker et al .…”

“…The successful deployment of new implants such as the titanium locking compression plate distal femur (LCP‐DF) described by Bumbacher et al . () shows that progress continues to be made to make such repairs more likely to succeed.…”

“…Surgical removal of implants is rarely required unless there are problems with infection or growth compromise by implants which cross the distal physis. Bumbacher et al (2014) discuss the potential mechanical advantages of titanium alloys and their enhanced capacity for integration with bone. There is also some evidence in man that titanium implants may also reduce the risk of delayed infection compared to stainless steel implants (Glotzbecker et al 2013).…”

“…Balancing the confidence and optimism to attempt the possible with the need to recognise and heed the warning signs of likely failure remain crucial as ever to the surgical art. The successful deployment of new implants such as the titanium locking compression plate distal femur (LCP-DF) described by Bumbacher et al (2014) shows that progress continues to be made to make such repairs more likely to succeed.…”