Compression bone plating of a medial condylar fracture of the third metatarsal bone in a Thoroughbred filly.

A medial condylar fracture of the third metatarsal bone in a 2-year-old Thoroughbred filly was repaired successfully by use of compression bone plating. At discharge from the hospital, thickening of the metatarsus was evident, and proliferative changes were associated with the site of bone plate application. It was expected that these changes would limit the filly's use as a racehorse, and a return to training was not recommended. Especially in horses that may return to racing, use of compression bone plating initially should not replace stall rest or lag screw fixation treatment of this type of injury. However, the use of a similar approach in selected cases of medial condylar fracture of the third metatarsal bone is encouraged, especially when additional fissure lines are evident on radiographs.