Equine Production: New Technologies for Leg Fractures in Horses

INTRODUCTION

• Leg fractures in horses pose a significant challenge for equine health, particularly among performance horses.
• Historically, horses suffering leg fractures were often euthanized due to lack of effective treatment options.
• Recent advancements in technologies and therapeutic techniques have increased the likelihood of recovery for horses suffering from these injuries.

WHAT IS A FRACTURE?

• A fracture is defined as a break in the bone structure.
• Fractures vary in severity and can lead to lameness, contingent upon the specific bone affected.
• The most fracture-prone bones in horse legs include:
  • Hock
  • Stifle
  • Cannon
  • Fetlock
  • Pastern
  • Scapula
  • Thigh
  • Forearm

COMMON FRACTURE LOCATIONS

• Coffin Bone: Critical for hoof structure.
• Pastern: Critical for limb flexibility and weight bearing.
• Sesamoid and Cannon Bones: Common areas of fracture due to stress and strain.
• Carpal (Knee) Bones: Highly subjected to trauma during athletic activities.

TYPES OF FRACTURES

• Complete Fractures: The bone breaks into multiple pieces.
  • Simple: Breaks into two without skin penetration.
  • Comminuted: Splits into several fragments.
• Incomplete Fractures: Bone cracks but does not completely break.
  • Stress Fractures: Common in young athletic horses; can cause lameness if not treated.
  • Greenstick Fractures: Primarily affect the outer side of the bone, common in younger animals.
• Compound Fractures: Bone protrudes through the skin, increasing infection risk.
• Avulsion Fractures: Separation of bone piece due to tendon/ligament pull, complicating recovery.
• Displaced Fractures: Bone fragments are misaligned, requiring surgical intervention.

SYMPTOMS OF FRACTURES

• Key indicators include:
  • Lameness and reluctance to bear weight.
  • Swelling at the fracture site.
  • Visible distress and pain.
  • Changes in leg structure, including displacement of bone fragments.

DIAGNOSIS

• Timely diagnosis is crucial to mitigate further injury.
• X-rays and Nuclear Scintigraphy are recommended for effective diagnosis.

PROGNOSIS

• Recovery depends on fracture type; approximately 70% of horses can return to racing.
• Open comminuted fractures have a low survival rate of around 10%.
• Advances in technology have led to improved treatment efficacy.

FIRST AID TREATMENT

• Immediate first aid is crucial for stabilizing the injury:
  • Align broken bone pieces; use special equipment if necessary.
  • Surgical methods involve pins, screws, casts, or plates for stabilization.

FIXATION METHODS

• External Fixation: Involves pins above/below fracture site; supports horse weight while healing.
• Internal Fixation: Uses plates and screws to compress broken fragments, accelerating recovery but at a higher cost.

REHABILITATION AND TECHNOLOGIES

• Hydrotherapy (Water Therapy): Facilitates faster horse rehabilitation without stressing bones.
• Computed Tomography (CT): Provides detailed imaging and minimally invasive repair options.
• IRAP/ACP Therapy: Regenerative therapy that reduces inflammation without drugs.
• Stem Cell Therapy: Aids healing in soft tissues, although it can be pricey.
• Shockwave Therapy: Treats orthopedic injuries, reducing pain and inflammation.
• Intermedullary Interlocking Nail: Innovative implant for treating long bone fractures with minimal soft tissue impact.
• Acoustic Emission Sensors: Detect micro-fractures that are undetectable through standard X-ray, helping to prevent further injury.

CHALLENGES

• Recovery from anesthesia poses significant risks due to weight support and risk of re-injury.
• Open fractures are particularly prone to infection.

CONCLUSION

• Costs of these advanced treatments can be considerable, but prioritizing the horse's health and recovery enhances the quality of life for these animals. New technologies not only save lives but also improve recovery outcomes for equine injuries.