Veterinary Surgery Deep Dive: Equine Ortho — July 2025 Edition

In this Simini Equine Surgery Podcast episode, we examine three orthopedic-focused studies from the July 2025 issue of Veterinary Surgery. From novel standing repair techniques to computer-assisted spinal fixation, this episode delivers fresh insights into return-to-work outcomes and high-stakes vertebral surgery.

We cover:

✅ Drahonovska et al. — Standing lag screw fixation for short, non-displaced frontal plane fractures of the dorsal P1. Six Thoroughbreds returned to racing with a 100% healing rate—highlighting a fast, effective alternative to GA for distal limb repair.

✅ Esselman et al. — Return-to-performance outcomes in 34 Western performance horses with stifle chondromalacia. Surprisingly, severity of cartilage lesions and post-op biologics didn’t predict return—but 74% returned to some work.

✅ Käfer-Karrer et al. — A case report detailing the use of computer-assisted surgery (CAS) for lag screw fixation of a C6 cranial articular process fracture. With no exuberant callus and return to full work, this could redefine surgical options for mid-cervical spinal trauma.

Three studies, one message: refined technique and realistic expectations are key to optimizing outcomes in equine ortho.

🎓 Journal Articles Discussed:

• Drahonovska et al. — Standing repair of short frontal plane fractures involving the dorsoproximal articular surface of the proximal phalanx in six Thoroughbred racehorses
• Esselman et al. — Severity, distribution and postoperative therapy are not predictors of return to work in western performance horses with stifle chondromalacia
• Käfer-Karrer et al. — Internal fixation of a fractured cranial articular process of the sixth cervical vertebra by means of computer-assisted surgery in a Warmblood gelding
  📚 From the July 2025 issue of Veterinary Surgery

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