Ulnar osteotomy for treatment of cubital subluxation, following locking compression plate osteosynthesis of a radius fracture in a foal

Abstract

Summary A closed mid‐diaphyseal fracture in a one‐day‐old foal was treated using a 3.5 mm locking compression plate on the cranial aspect of the radius. The foal showed good fracture healing, but a radio‐ulnar synostosis developed despite the absence of transfixation by any implant into the ulna. Four months after surgery the radiographs revealed a cubital subluxation, which was managed by an osteotomy of the ulna at the time of plate removal, allowing the ulna to adjust into a normal position. One year after surgery the foal was clinically sound; the radiographs showed good healing of the osteotomy gap as well as good remodelling of the radius; however, a slight elbow subluxation was present.

Management of ulna fractures in adult horses

“…Therefore, the fracture healing phase should be monitored radiographically at 2‐month intervals and if such a subluxation is noted, implant removal is suggested. In severe cases a distal ulnar osteotomy allows correction of the problem (Klopfenstein‐Bregger et al, 2011).…”