Treatment of a periarticular tibial fracture in a foal with a hybrid external fixator.

Objective: To report repair of a right proximal tibial Salter-Harris type II fracture in a foal with a hybrid external fixator (HEF).

Study Design: Case report.

Animals: A 5-month-old male foal.

Methods: After open surgical reduction, an HEF built with wires, 2 half-rings, 3 half-threaded connecting rods, and Schanz pins was used to stabilize the fracture.

Results: Immediately after surgery, the foal had relatively good weight bearing. The HEF was removed at 60 days after radiographic confirmation of healing.

Conclusions: HEF can be used to stabilize a proximal tibial Salter-Harris type II fracture in a 5-month-old foal.

Clinical Relevance: HEF should be considered as another option for repair of proximal tibial Salter-Harris type II fractures in foals.