Instrumentation and techniques in equine fracture fixation

In recent years fracture fixation in the horse has changed significantly. New devices, mainly adapted from the human field, have been successfully introduced into large animal surgery. Examples of such implants include the DCS/DHS implant system, the self-tapping screw, the cannulated screw, and the pinless external fixator. However, new devices have also been developed exclusively for equine fracture management, including the interlocking intramedullary nail and the external skeletal fixation device. With these devices the surgeon has more options for repairing fractures in horses. Nevertheless, many problems are still unsolved. Indications exist that during the next few years new, exciting fracture fixation systems will be developed, providing further advancements in the quest for the ideal implant for horses. However, the development stages of these devices are such that mentioning the possibilities here is premature.