To report the outcome of horses after pancarpal or partial carpal arthrodesis with 3 locking compression plates (LCP).
Case series.
Six horses ranging in age from 8 months to 16 years and weighing 227-580 kg with severe carpal pathology including acute fractures, chronic osteoarthritis, and chronic angular limb deformity.
Pancarpal or partial carpal arthrodesis was performed with 3 LCP. Autologous cancellous bone grafts were used in 5 of 6 cases to facilitate joint arthrodesis.
External coaptation was maintained for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. Radiographic follow-up was available in all 6 cases, all of which reached arthrodesis and pasture soundness by 4-5 months postoperatively. One case required implant removal at 6 months because of implant exposure through the skin but returned to pasture soundness after removal.
The use of 3 short LCP should be considered as a strategy to facilitate pancarpal or partial carpal arthrodesis by providing superior stability without placement of implants in the diaphysis of the radius and third metacarpus.
Carpal instability due to acute fractures or chronic disease was successfully stabilized with 3 short LCP, leading to pasture soundness in all 6 horses.