Radial head resection for isolated fracture in young patients presents satisfactory results, with very low losses of elbow mobility and strength. Despite the high presence of osteoarthritic changes or lower clinical signs of instability, elbow pain and disability are very low. Our conclusion, based in these results, is that radial head resection is still a useful surgical procedure for isolated fractures even in young patients.
PICO question
In horses with heel bulb lacerations, does casting the distal limb compared to bandaging result in increased speed of healing and functional outcome?
Clinical bottom line
Category of research question
Treatment
The number and type of study designs reviewed
A single retrospective study was found to be relevant to the topic along with one case report and two case series, including one tutorial article
Strength of evidence
The majority of the current recommendations come from expert opinions, making the level of evidence low
Outcomes reported
There are currently insufficient data to compare the effect of foot/slipper casts versus bandaging alone on the rate of healing of equine heel bulb lacerations
Conclusion
Based on the information from these three publications, it is not possible to recommend the use of a foot cast over a bandage alone at this time
How to apply this evidence in practice
The application of evidence into practice should take into account multiple factors, not limited to: individual clinical expertise, patient’s circumstances and owners’ values, country, location or clinic where you work, the individual case in front of you, the availability of therapies and resources.
Knowledge Summaries are a resource to help reinforce or inform decision making. They do not override the responsibility or judgement of the practitioner to do what is best for the animal in their care.
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