Use of the dynamic compression plate for treatment of equine long-bone fractures

Long-bone fractures of 6 foals admitted consecutively to the Ohio State University Veterinary Hospital were treated successfully with ASIF dynamic compression plating. The cases included 2 foals with closed fracture of the metacarpus, and 1 foal each with open nonunion of the metatarsus, closed fracture of the radius, open fracture of the tibia, and open fracture of the ulna. Five of these foals became sound, with no deformity, so they could be trained for racing or showing. The 6th foal, a filly with nonunion, became "pasture-sound" and was scheduled for breeding. It was concluded that the dynamic compression plates have many advantages over conventional ASIF plates. These advantages include: the plates can be put near the end of bones; screws can be put at an angle other than 90 degrees to the plate; cancellous screws can be used in any hole; plates can be shaped and the screw heads will still fit the holes; less exposure is required; and operating time is shorter.