The use of the walking cast to repair fractures in horses and ponies

The walking cast was used to repair 46 fractures of long bones (distal radius and tibia, metacarpus and metatarsus) and 10 fractures of first phalanx of 35 horses and 21 ponies. The walking cast proved to be highly effective. Even heavily comminuted and 'hopeless' fractures, which could not be treated with osteosynthesis, were treated successfully, because the weight of the animal, a common failure factor in large animal orthopaedics, was relieved from the injured leg. Immediate full weight bearing was possible post operatively. In five cases the walking cast was used in combination with osteosynthesis. Infection was the main complication that caused the walking cast to fail. Osteomyelitis may also be treated with a walking cast. Because of its success rate of 57 per cent, which is impressive, considering the type of fractures treated, we recommend the walking cast for international accreditation.