Clinical evaluation of the locking compression plate for fetlock arthrodesis in six thoroughbred racehorses.

Objective: To report use of a locking compression plate (LCP) for fetlock arthrodesis in Thoroughbred racehorses after catastrophic disruption of the suspensory apparatus.

Study Design: Retrospective case study.

Animals: Racing Thoroughbreds (n=6) with a catastrophic breakdown injury of the suspensory apparatus.

Methods: Medical records (2004-2006) of horses that had fetlock arthrodesis using an LCP were reviewed. Preoperative recorded variables were: age, gender, affected limb, injury type and occurrence, limb support used and time to surgery. Recorded surgical variables were: implants used and cost, surgery time, and anesthetic recovery method. Postoperative recorded variables included: treatment, physical status, complications, and outcome.

Results: Of 6 Thoroughbred racehorses that had LCP arthrodesis, 4 were sound for breeding purposes the next year and 2 horses were euthanatized (1 at 16 days, 1 at 68 days) because of proximal interphalangeal joint (PIJ) luxation. No surgical complications were associated with implant application. Postoperative complications were similar to those reported for other arthrodesis techniques.

Conclusions: LCP is a viable option for fetlock arthrodesis in Thoroughbred racehorses after catastrophic suspensory apparatus disruption.

Clinical Relevance: Adequate fetlock stability can be achieved with an LCP, and although the repair is likely more stable it is approximately 3 times more expensive than using a limited contact dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP) with cortical screws.