Etiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Long Bone Fractures in Foals

Long bone fractures in foals are common and in many cases are amenable to current fixation techniques. The goals of management are first and foremost, appropriate first aid in the field to protect the bone and soft tissues from further trauma. An envelope of intact skin overlying the fracture is a major contributor to a successful outcome. Case selection for open reduction and internal fixation should be based on an understanding of the mechanical characteristics and biologic environment of the fracture zone. With few exceptions, double plate fixation is the treatment of choice to ensure a fixation with the requisite stability and strength to allow unrestricted weight bearing on the repaired fracture immediately after surgery. Major complications include problems of the fracture construct, most commonly infection or instability, and axial limb deformities secondary to reduced weight bearing on the injured limb or direct injury to the growth plate following a physeal fracture.