Abstract

A closed mid-diaphyseal fracture in a one-day-old foal was treated using a 3.5 mm locking compression plate on the cranial aspect of the radius. The foal showed good fracture healing, but a radio-ulnar synostosis developed despite the absence of transfixation by any implant into the ulna. Four months after surgery the radiographs revealed a cubital subluxation, which was managed by an osteotomy of the ulna at the time of plate removal, allowing the ulna to adjust into a normal position. One year after surgery the foal was clinically sound; the radiographs showed good healing of the osteotomy gap as well as good remodelling of the radius; however, a slight elbow subluxation was present.