Notwithstanding the above, monotonic fractures that result from trauma will continue to present and challenge veterinarians. The potential for survival, humane preservation of life and return to useful function continues to progress proximally in the horse's limb. Development of CT equipment that will allow three‐dimensional evaluation of the proximal appendicular and axial skeleton appears close to the horizon. Variable angle LCPs (VA‐LCP) are now in production for man and should soon join the veterinary surgeons’ armamentarium [42]. Refinements such as the addition of hard carbon film to improve drill efficiency and reduce bone temperature may become the norm [106]. Further development of biodegradable plates and screws is anticipated together with drug, osteoconductive and osteoinductive coatings to implants [42, 107, 108]. Customized implants made using 3D printing technology are also an enticing prospect but access to adequate technological knowledge and appropriate materials is unlikely to be widespread in equine surgery. Computer‐assisted surgery in horses is in its infancy [109, 110] but will not be a substitute for anatomic knowledge or surgical skill. There is little current evidence to support clinical application of cellular, growth factor or cell signalling molecules in improving the rate or quality of fracture healing [42]. However, in common with other regenerative disciplines, targeted nuclear manipulation appears rational and holds promise.
It has been stated that orthopaedic surgery may be reduced to three key factors: knowledge, understanding and accuracy [111]. Publications (hopefully this included) add to the body of corporate knowledge. Competent equine fracture repair requires a trained and experienced team including imagers, surgeons, anaesthetists, theatre technicians and nurses. Accuracy is aided by technology but requires discipline, training and experience. Understanding is a never‐ending personal challenge. Technical errors are inevitable when even ‘simple’ fractures are repaired by inexperienced personnel. Technology aside, size, behaviour and temperament will always be challenges to equine fracture management. However, if the rate of progress seen in the last 50 years continues, then many of these will be met and current limitations will be confined to historical perspective.
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