Evaluation of 2 types of external skeletal fixation for repair of experimental tibial fractures in foals.

Transverse or oblique midshaft tibial osteotomies were created in 11 foals. The osteotomies were repaired during the same procedure using external skeletal fixation in either full splint or 3-dimensional (3-D) tent configurations. Four of the six foals receiving the full splint fixator recovered to full soundness; two were euthanized because of complications. The foals receiving the 3-D tent configuration would not bear weight on the limbs and consequently suffered significant secondary fracture disease. These foals were euthanized for humane reasons before the scheduled termination of the project. The full splint configuration is considered a viable option for use in foals less than 150 kg with fractures that are not amenable to other proven method of repair.