Clinical use of the locking compression plate (LCP) in horses: a retrospective study of 31 cases (2004-2006)

Fracture repair and arthrodesis in horses require rigid fixation in order to achieve early post operative comfort. The locking compression plate (LCP) was designed to allow greater stability and less periosteal disruption than conventional plates.

To describe a series of clinical cases in which the LCP was used for fracture stabilisation or arthrodesis.

Medical records, radiographs and follow-up for 31 horses having fracture stabilisation or arthrodesis with the LCP were reviewed. Reasons for treatment included fracture of the olecranon (n = 2), metatarsal III (n = 2), ilial shaft (n = 1), femur (n = 2), radius (n = 2), medial condylar (n = 5) and complex lateral condylar (n = 1); or arthrodesis of the metacarpophalangeal joint (n = 8), proximal interphalangeal joint (n = 8) and carpus (n = 2).

Of the 31 horses, 27 were discharged from the hospital. Complications included incisional infection (32%), implant infection (19%), implant loosening/ breakage (22%), contralateral limb laminitis (16%), colic (3%) and diarrhoea (3%). Follow-up was available on all horses with at least 6 weeks of follow-up ranging up to 25 months. Of the 31 horses, 25 are sound for intended purpose, one is lame and 5 were subjected to euthanasia for complications associated with the original injury.

The LCP is an acceptable means of fracture stabilisation and arthrodesis in the horse.

The LCP should be considered for difficult fracture configurations and arthrodeses, especially when increased stability of the fixation is needed.