Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 28, 2026
Creating Rigidly Stabilized Fractures for Assessing Intramembranous Ossification, Distraction Osteogenesis, or Healing of Critical Sized Defects
Published on: April 11, 2012
Results of plate fixation of type 1b olecranon fractures in 24 horses
T M Swor1, J P Watkins, A Bahr
1Department of Large Animal Medicine & Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA.
Reasons For Performing Study:
Previous olecranon fracture reports contain a small proportion of type 1b fractures, with only a few repaired by tension band plate fixation.
Objectives:
To evaluate subject details, history, clinical findings and outcome of type 1b olecranon fractures in a large group of horses treated by tension band plate fixation.
Methods:
Medical records of 77 horses diagnosed with an olecranon fracture were reviewed. Twenty-four horses (31%) were classified as having type 1b olecranon fractures. Clinical details and follow-up results (4-128 months post operatively) were recorded.
Results:
Treatment included open reduction and internal fixation using a narrow dynamic compression plate (n = 20), conservative therapy (n = 2) and euthanasia (n = 2). Long-term follow-up was available for 16 plated horses. Four were sound and in training and 9 were sound and performing athletically. Articular surface involvement, comminution, open status or removal of anconeal process fragments did not appear to affect prognosis or soundness.
Conclusions:
Internal plate fixation provides an excellent prognosis for an animal capable of athletic performance.
Potential Relevance:
Describing tension band plate fixation and results offers a method of fracture repair that will improve the treatment and prognosis for type 1b olecranon fractures.
