Fractures in horses refer to the disruption in the continuity of a bone, often resulting from trauma, excessive stress, or pathological conditions. These injuries can vary in severity, from simple, non-displaced fractures to complex, comminuted fractures involving multiple bone fragments. Fractures can affect any bone in a horse's body, but they are most commonly observed in the limbs due to the high mechanical loads these structures endure. Diagnosis typically involves clinical examination and imaging techniques such as radiography or ultrasound to assess the extent and nature of the fracture. Treatment strategies depend on the type and location of the fracture and may include rest, immobilization, surgical intervention, or a combination of these approaches. This page aggregates peer-reviewed research and scholarly articles focusing on the etiology, diagnosis, management, and outcomes of fractures in horses, providing insights into current veterinary practices and advancements in equine orthopedic care.
Rossignol F, Brandenberger O, Mespoulhes-Rivière C.To describe the surgical treatment outcome of cervical fractures in 3 horses. Methods: Case report. Methods: Three client-owned horses with cervical vertebral fractures. Methods: Three horses were refered for neck stiffness, pain, and ataxia after a cervical trauma because of a fall. Radiographic examination showed an oblique displaced fracture of the caudal aspect of the body of the second cervical vertebra (C2) in horse 1, an oblique displaced fracture of the caudal aspect of C4 involving the disc between C4 and C5 in horse 2, and a displaced transverse fracture of the body of the axis (C2) ...
Schicho A, Einwag D, Eickhoff A, Richter PH, Riepl C.Injuries to the spinal cord are not only dreaded because of the high risks existing during the acute phase, but also because of their potential long-term sequelae. Horseback riding also poses a high risk of spinal injuries. We therefore evaluated the most frequent characteristics of accidents leading to long-term sequelae, the primary long-term discomfort resulting from such injuries caused by horseback riding accidents and the way injured persons changed their behaviour after the accidents. Methods: Our study included all cases of horseback riding injuries registered in the Department of Trau...
Stewart S, Richardson D, Boston R, Schaer TP.To determine (1) survival to discharge of horses with radial fractures (excluding osteochondral fragmentation of the distal aspect of the radius and stress fractures); and (2) risk factors affecting survival to hospital discharge in conservative and surgically managed fractures. Methods: Case series. Methods: Horses (n = 54). Methods: Medical records (1990-June 2012) and radiographs of horses admitted with radial fracture were reviewed. Horses with osteochondral fragmentation of the distal aspect of the radius or stress fractures were excluded. Evaluated risk factors were age, fracture configu...
Young JD, Gelbs JC, Zhu DS, Gallacher SE, Sutton KM, Blaine TA.Despite the common nature of orthopaedic injuries in equestrian sports, there is no published review to specifically characterize orthopaedic injuries in equestrian athletes. Objective: To characterize orthopaedic injury patterns in equine sports-related injuries and their treatment. Methods: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: This review was performed through a PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus query (from 1978 to June 2014) in the English literature using search terms "(equine-related OR equestrian-related OR horse-related OR equestrian OR equestrians) AND (injury OR injuries)." Only...
Jones LE, Dyson SJ.To describe in detail the radiographic appearance of ossified ungular cartilages in horses and to evaluate the usefulness of a flexed dorsolateral-palmaromedial oblique (flexed oblique) radiographic view in evaluating the ungular cartilages. Methods: Retrospective case series. Sample-Radiographs of 1,255 front feet of horses. Methods: Ossification of the ungular cartilages was graded during evaluation of radiographs on a scale from 0 to 5; feet with cartilages with an ossification grade ≥ 2 were included (386 feet [271 horses]). The shape (straight, curved outward or inward, and dorsopalmar ...
Brünisholz HP, Hagen R, Fürst AE, Kuemmerle JM.To characterize the configuration of incomplete proximal fractures of the proximal phalanx (P1) in horses not used for racing and compare radiographic with computed tomography (CT) findings. Methods: Historical cohort. Methods: Twenty-four horses with incomplete fractures of P1. Methods: Medical records of horses not used for racing diagnosed with an incomplete proximal fracture of P1 based on clinical and radiographic examination and confirmed by CT between 2008 and 2013 were retrieved. Radiographs and CT studies of these horses were analyzed using a subjective grading system and by measuring...
Turek B, Potyński A, Wajler C, Szara T, Czopowicz M, Drewnowska O.Diaphyseal fractures of the III metacarpal bone represent 22% of all fractures of the long bones in horses. Treatment of such cases is difficult. The most popular solution used in these types of fractures is two plates applied directly to the bone surface, but they are not applicable on contaminated and infected fractures. External fixators are quite commonly used in human medicine, although in veterinary practice there is no typical stabilizer designed for the treatment of diaphyseal fractures of the III metacarpal bone so far. In this study, an external semicircular fixator of our own design...
Bindler D, Koch C, Gendron K, Ferguson SJ, Kaposi AD, Papp M, Bodó G.Mechanical evaluation of a novel screw position used for repair in a type III distal phalanx fracture model and assessment of solar canal penetration (SCP). Methods: Experimental study. Methods: Disarticulated equine hooves (n = 24) and 24 isolated distal phalanges. Methods: Hooves/distal phalanges cut in a sagittal plane were repaired with 1 of 2 different cortical screw placements in lag fashion. In group 1 (conventional screw placement), the screw was inserted halfway between the proximal border of the solar canal (SC) and the subchondral bone surface on a line parallel to the dorsal co...
Jauch SY, Wallstabe S, Sellenschloh K, Rundt D, Püschel K, Morlock MM, Meenen NM, Huber G.Horse-related injuries are manifold and can involve the upper and lower limbs, the trunk, spine or head. Cervical spine injuries are not among the most common injuries. However, they can be fatal and often result in neurological symptoms. This study investigated the influence of the posture of the cervical spine on the ultimate strength and the pattern of vertebrae failure with the aim to provide some guidance for protective clothing design. Methods: Eighteen human cervical spines, each divided into two specimens (three vertebrae each), were subjected to a simulator test designed to mimic a sp...
Naddaf H, Sabiza S, Kavosi N.A 3-year-old Arabian colt was presented for a major gingiva wound at the right rostral part of mandible. After clinical assessments, rostral mandibular fracture was determined. Stabilization of fractured region was achieved via cerclage wire application under general anesthesia. Fixation wires were left in place for 6 weeks. A 3 -month follow up revealed complete fracture healing. The purpose of this case report was to give clinical information about rostral mandibular fractures and treatment of these fractures and nutrition protocol in a horse, as this fracture is of the most common type of j...
Dugdale AH, Obhrai J, Cripps PJ.To determine the mortality rates associated with equine anaesthesia for elective and emergency (colic and non-colic) cases in one equine, university teaching hospital and to investigate the effect of several horse- and anaesthetic-related variables on anaesthetic recovery quality. Methods: Retrospective data analysis. Unassigned: In total, 1416 horses undergoing anaesthesia between May 2010 and December 2013. Methods: Patient information and details of the anaesthetic, recovery period and immediate complications were extracted from an archiving database. Statistical evaluation of factors affec...
Govoni KE.Equine bone fractures are often catastrophic, potentially fatal, and costly to repair. Traditional methods of healing fractures have limited success, long recovery periods, and a high rate of reinjury. Current research in the equine industry has demonstrated that stem cell therapy is a promising novel therapy to improve fracture healing and reduce the incidence of reinjury; however, reports of success in horses have been variable and limited. Stem cells can be derived from embryonic, fetal, and adult tissue. Based on the ease of collection, opportunity for autologous cells, and proven success ...
Singer E, Garcia T, Stover S.Sagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx (P1) in the racehorse appear to be associated with turf racing surfaces, which are known to restrict forward slide of the foot at impact. We hypothesized that restriction of forward foot slip would result in higher P1 bone strains during metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) hyperextension. Unilateral limbs from six equine cadavers were instrumented with strain gauges and bone reference markers to measure dorsoproximal P1 bone strains and MCPJ extension, collateromotion and axial rotation during in vitro limb loading to 10,500 N. By limiting movement of th...
Shields GE, Whitcomb MB, Vaughan B, Wisner ER.Injuries involving the femoral third trochanter are an uncommon but important source of equine lameness; however, clinical localization can be challenging. The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe ultrasonographic and scintigraphic findings in a group of horses with presumed third trochanter injury. Medical records of an equine referral hospital were searched from 2004-2014, and 20 horses met the inclusion criteria. Lesions consistent with third trochanter fracture were identified with ultrasound in 14/20 horses. Onset of lameness was acute (11), insidious (2), or unknown (1). A...
Lang HM, Nixon AJ.To characterize discrete palmar carpal osteochondral fragmentation in horses and to document the effect of osteoarthritis and surgical removal of these fragments on functional outcome. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 25 horses. Methods: Medical records and radiographic views were reviewed to identify horses that had radiographic evidence of palmar carpal fragmentation, which was subsequently treated by arthroscopic removal. Information collected included cause of fracture, initial and long-term clinical and radiographic findings, and functional outcome. Results: Palmar carpal frag...
Hill AE, Blea JA, Arthur RM, McIlwraith CW.Private-practice racetrack veterinarians in southern California recorded non-fatal injuries meeting defined criteria in Thoroughbreds for 1 year. Injury incidence was 2.29 injury events per 100 horse-months, which was lower than other studies where trainer reported injury data were collected. Of 477 injuries recorded, 344 (72.1%) were acute and 133 (27.9%) were chronic. Fractures were common (47.6% of injuries), with stress fractures accounting for 14% of injuries. Superficial digital flexor tendonitis and suspensory ligament desmitis accounted for 15.3 and 11.5% of injuries, respectively. Agr...
Lutter JD, Cary JA, Stephens RR, Potts LB.Determine the relative stiffness of 3 bandage/splint constructs intended for emergency fracture stabilization. Methods: Experimental model. A single plane free end deflection model was developed to simulate the forces placed on a bandage/splint construct during stabilization of a complete mid-metacarpal bone fracture. The total deflection of the model in one plane was measured following application of 3 different bandage/splint combinations including a classic, 3 layered Robert Jones Bandage (RJB) with a splint placed on the outside of the bandage (RJB-3), an RJB with splint placed after the f...
Vemming DC, Steenkamp G, Carstens A, Olorunju SA, Stroehle RM, Page PC.Dental care is an integral part of equine veterinary practice. The objectives of this cross sectional study were to describe the prevalence of dental disorders in an abattoir population of horses, and to compare oral examination of intact and bisected heads. Heads from 40 horses, 19 males and 21 females, were examined and divided into immature, adult or older horses based on dental age. Older horses had a significantly higher prevalence of infundibular caries (91.7%), diastemata (66.7%) and fractures (58.3%), whereas dental wear disorders affected all age groups. Gasterophilus spp. larvae were...
Pownder SL, Koff MF, Shah PH, Fortier LA, Potter HG.Post operative imaging in subjects with orthopaedic implants is challenging across all modalities. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is preferred to assess human post operative musculoskeletal complications, as soft tissue and bones are evaluated without using ionising radiation. However, with conventional MRI pulse sequences, metal creates susceptibility artefact that distorts anatomy. Assessment of the post operative equine patient is arguably more challenging due to the volume of metal present, and MRI is often not performed in horses with implants. Novel pulse sequences such as multiacquisi...
Peloso JG, Vogler JB, Cohen ND, Marquis P, Hilt L.To compare bony changes in the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) of racehorses with (cases) and without (controls) biaxial proximal sesamoid bone (PSB) fracture as determined by 2 grading scales applied to images of cadaveric forelimbs obtained by means of standing MRI (sMRI). Methods: Case-control study. Methods: Forelimbs from 74 Thoroughbred racehorses (21 cases and 53 controls) that were euthanized at a Florida racetrack. Methods: Both forelimbs were harvested from cases and controls. Each forelimb underwent sMRI to obtain images of the MCPJ. Two grading scales were described and used for i...
Bonilla AG, Santschi EM.A 16-year-old American paint horse gelding was presented for evaluation of a left forelimb lameness grade III/V. Radiographs and computed tomography revealed a comminuted fracture of the accessory carpal bone involving the entire articulation with the distal radius and the proximal aspect of the articulation with the ulnar carpal bone. Multiple fragments were present in the palmar pouch of the antebrachiocarpal joint. An arthroscopic-assisted open approach was necessary to remove all fractured fragments. Subsequently the horse was re-admitted for lameness and was treated successfully with anti...
Faramarzi B, McMicking H, Halland S, Kaneps A, Dobson H.Recent studies indicate a high prevalence of fractures of the palmar processes (PP) of the distal phalanx in foals. However, information on the prevalence of such fractures in different breeds and the effect of predisposing factors, such as hoof conformation, is limited. Objective: To examine the prevalence of distal phalanx PP fractures in foals and report the relationship of distal limb and hoof conformation with the prevalence of fracture. Methods: Longitudinal study. Methods: Front hooves of 19 Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse and Arabian foals were examined. Digital radiographic and photograph...
Ramzan PH, Palmer L, Powell SE.Fracture of the metacarpal/tarsal condyle is usually preceded by prodromal pathology. Early recognition of injury is desirable to minimise the risk of serious breakdown; however, the clinical and diagnostic characteristics of unicortical condylar fractures have been poorly documented to date. Objective: To describe the clinical, imaging and outcome features of racehorses in first opinion practice diagnosed with short unicortical fracture of the metacarpal/tarsal condyle. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: All flat racehorses sustaining a unicortical condylar fracture while under the ...
Collar EM, Zavodovskaya R, Spriet M, Hitchens PL, Wisner T, Uzal FA, Stover SM.To gain insight into the pathophysiology of equine lumbar vertebral fractures in racehorses. Objective: To characterise equine lumbar vertebral fractures in California racehorses. Methods: Retrospective case series and prospective case-control study. Methods: Racehorse post mortem reports and jockey injury reports were retrospectively reviewed. Vertebral specimens from 6 racehorses affected with lumbar vertebral fractures and 4 control racehorses subjected to euthanasia for nonspinal fracture were assessed using visual, radiographic, computed tomography and histological examinations. Results: ...
Kilgué A, Teudt IU, Grundmann T, Püschel K.Every blunt laryngeal trauma requires examination by an ENT physician and may necessitate observation for a number of hours. The literature shows a heterogeneous picture regarding airway management (tracheotomy vs. intubation). Extremely violence forces such as horse kicks require a tracheotomy, as demonstrated by case studies. In such cases, a high level of responsibility lies with the emergency physician providing the initial treatment. We present the case of a 37-year-old horse trainer, who suffered a horse kick to the larynx with a complex laryngeal fracture. Intubation of the patient by t...
MacKay AV, Panizzi L, Sparks HD, Barber SM.To report complications of arthrodesis of the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint using a drilling technique in an adult horse. Methods: Case report. Methods: Horse (n = 1). Methods: A 12-year-old Quarter Horse mare with CMC osteoarthritis (CMC-OA) had arthrodesis under general anesthesia in right lateral recumbency. Under fluoroscopic guidance, a 4.5 mm drill bit was inserted at 3 drilling sites 5-6 cm into the CMC joint and was fanned 30-45° in the plane of the joint and 5-10° in the long axis of the limb to destroy articular cartilage and expose the subchondral bone. Results: The horse pr...
Trope GD, Ghasem-Zadeh A, Anderson GA, Mackie EJ, Whitton RC.High-resolution 3D imaging may improve the prediction and/or early identification of condylar fractures of the distal metacarpus/tarsus and reduce the frequency of breakdown injury in racehorses. Objective: To test the hypotheses that horses suffering condylar fractures have higher bone volume fraction (BV/TV) of the distal metacarpal epiphysis, greater subchondral bone thickness at the fracture site and higher second moment of inertia in the metacarpal midshaft as identified with high-resolution 3D imaging. Methods: Cross-sectional study using cadaver material. Methods: Thoroughbreds that die...
Palmer SE, McDonough SP, Mohammed HO.Between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2015, findings of a New York State Gaming Commission-Cornell University postmortem examination program were utilized in a multi-disciplinary mortality review process to review 129 racing fatalities at Thoroughbred racetracks operated by the New York Racing Association (NYRA). Musculoskeletal fractures comprised 79% of the fatalities; cardiopulmonary conditions accounted for 12% of the fatalities. Other causes of death included gastrointestinal (3%), respiratory (5%), and central nervous system (2%) conditions. Fetlock failure represented 50% of the musc...
Minshall GJ, Wright IM.Accurate radiological and ultrasonographic descriptions of frontal plane fractures of the accessory carpal bone (ACB) are lacking, and implications of these fractures for the carpal sheath and its contents have not previously been reported. Objective: Aims were as follows: 1) to describe the location and radiological features of frontal plane fractures of the ACB; 2) to document communication of displaced fractures with the carpal sheath and consequent injury to the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT); 3) to describe ultrasonographic identification of lesions; and 4) to report tenoscopic evaluat...
Shi L, Wang D, Riggs CM, Qin L, Griffith JF.Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) is a computational technique that has been used to analyze statistical differences between groups of MR brain images. This study outlines a new VBM pipeline, designed for determining statistical variation in bone mineral density (BMD). CT images of proximal sesamoid bone (PSB) specimens from the right forelimb of six racehorses that had suffered PSB fractures were compared with six age-matched control specimens. Following segmentation, masked gray-scale images were co-aligned to a statistical template generated with all 12 CT datasets iteratively. Student t-tests ...
Francis AO, McCabe F, McCabe P, O'Daly BJ, Leonard M.Horse riding related accidents can present with devastating pelvic and acetabular fractures. This study examines the nature, management and treatment outcomes of severe pelvic and acetabular trauma in amateur horse riders presenting to a national tertiary referral centre. We also aim to define certain at-risk groups. Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive cohort of all patients who were referred to the National Centre for Pelvic and Acetabular trauma resulting from horse riding accidents. All patients who were referred to the National Centre for Pelvic and Acetabular Trauma between Janu...
Le Jeune SS, Macdonald MH, Stover SM, Taylor KT, Gerdes M.Objective-To determine whether partial transection of the medial branch of the suspensory ligament (MBSL) alters equine third metacarpal bone (MC3) condylar surface strains and forelimb, distal joint angles in a manner consistent with promotion of lateral condylar fracture. Study Design-In vitro biomechanical experiment. Sample Population-Right forelimbs from 7 Thoroughbred horse cadavers. Methods-Lateral and medial MC3 condylar, dorsal and abaxial, bone surface strains and distal joint angles were measured both before and after partial transection of the MBSL during in vitro axial limb compre...
Payne RJ, Compston PC.Standing fracture repair in the horse is a recently described surgical procedure and currently there are few follow-up data. This case series contains 2 novel aspects in the standing horse: repair of incomplete sagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx and medial condylar repair from a lateral aspect. Objective: To describe outcome in a case series of horses that had lower limb fractures repaired under standing sedation at Rossdales Equine Hospital. Methods: Case records for all horses that had a fracture surgically repaired, by one surgeon at Rossdales Equine Hospital, under standing sedatio...
Pagliara E, Pasinato A, Valazza A, Riccio B, Cantatore F, Terzini M, Putame G, Parrilli A, Sartori M, Fini M, Zanetti EM, Bertuglia A.A catastrophic fracture of the radial carpal bone experienced by a racehorse during a Palio race was analyzed. Computational modelling of the carpal joint at the point of failure informed by live data was generated using a multibody code for dynamics simulation. The circuit design in a turn, the speed of the animal and the surface characteristics were considered in the model. A macroscopic examination of the cartilage, micro-CT and histology were performed on the radio-carpal joint of the limb that sustained the fracture. The model predicted the points of contact forces generated at the level ...
Squire KR, Fessler JF, Toombs JP, Van Sickle DC, Blevins WE.Femoral head ostectomy was performed in six horses, three ponies, and four cattle for treatment of fractures of the femoral capital physis, coxofemoral luxation, fractured acetabulum, or severe degenerative joint disease. The procedures were performed via a cranial approach that did not involve osteotomy of the greater trochanter. A dorsal approach for femoral head ostectomy via osteotomy of the greater trochanter was evaluated in three healthy adult ponies. Three animals (2 ponies, 1 calf) were euthanatized within a month and one horse was euthanatized at year 2 due to postoperative complicat...
Donati B, Fürst AE, Del Chicca F, Jackson MA. The aim of this study was to determine the indications for, and complications of, plate removal surgery in horses that underwent internal fixation of limb fractures. Methods: Medical records of horses presented to our hospital between 1990 and 2015 for the removal of plates after treatment of limb fractures were reviewed. Data collected at the time of initial presentation, including signalment, history, fracture features and treatment and information about the indications, timing and complications of implant removal were reviewed. Results: The most common bones involved were the ulna ...
Lee S, Baker ME, Clinton M, Taylor SE.Despite many recent advances in imaging and epidemiological data analysis, musculoskeletal injuries continue to be a welfare issue in racehorses. Peptide biomarker studies have failed to consistently predict bone injury. Molecular profiling studies provide an opportunity to study equine musculoskeletal disease. A systematic review of the literature was performed using preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines to assess the use of miRNA profiling studies in equine and human musculoskeletal injuries. Data were extracted from 40 papers betw...
Morgan R, Dyson S.Previous descriptions of incomplete longitudinal fractures and fatigue injury of the proximopalmar aspect of the third metacarpal bone (McIII) have focused on diagnostic imaging findings, especially in racehorses. Objective: To document the case details, clinical features, response to diagnostic analgesia, diagnostic imaging findings and follow-up data in a large group of horses with an incomplete longitudinal fracture or fatigue injury of the proximopalmar medial aspect of the McIII. Methods: Horses were included in the study if pain was localised to the proximopalmar aspect of the metacarpal...
Gasiorowski JC, Richardson DW.To describe clinical use of computed tomography (CT) and hoof surface markers to facilitate internal fixation within the confines of the hoof wall. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Horses (n = 16) that had CT-guided internal fixation of the distal phalanx (DP) or distal sesamoid bone (DSB). Methods: Drill bit entry point and direction were planned from CT image series performed on hooves with grids of barium paste dots at proposed entry and projected exit sites. Post-implantation CT images were obtained to check screw position and length as well as fracture reduction. Imaging, ...
Markel MD, Nunamaker DM, Wheat JD, Sams AE.The stiffness, load to failure, and bending moments of adult intact equine humeri and humeri repaired with 3 fixation techniques were determined in vitro. Bones were tested in axial compression (30 pairs), mediolateral 3-point bending (15 pairs), and caudocranial 3-point bending (15 pairs). An oblique osteotomy of 1 humerus of each pair was performed to simulate the long spiral oblique fractures that occur clinically in horses. Bones were repaired in 3 ways: group 1--nylon band cerclage fixation (20 bones); group 2--multiple intramedullary pinning (20 bones); and group 3--nylon band cerclage f...
Dubois BB, Dixon JJ, Witte TH.To describe clinical and CT findings for horses and ponies undergoing intraoral cheek tooth extraction and assess potential associations between these features and outcome of the procedure. 74 horses and 7 ponies. Medical records were searched to identify horses and ponies that underwent CT and intraoral extraction of ≥ 1 cheek tooth with standing sedation. Signalment and clinical variables were recorded, and CT scans were reviewed. Anatomic location and measurements of affected teeth; abnormalities of the periodontium, pulp, infundibula, roots, and tooth shape; fracture presence and type; p...
Vos NJ, Pollock PJ, Harty M, Brennan T, de Blaauw S, McAllister H.Four horses and one pony, ranging in age from one to 11 years, were diagnosed with two different types of odontoid peg fractures. Their clinical signs included reluctance to move the neck and head, dullness, and abnormalities of gait. Radiography was essential for the diagnosis, and the method of treatment varied depending on the severity of the neurological signs, the intended use of the horse, and financial constraints. Optimal treatment requires a technique that allows decompression, anatomical alignment, and stabilisation of the odontoid fracture. If the clinical (neurological) signs are n...
Donecker JM, Bramlage LR, Gabel AA.Twenty-nine fractures of the olecranon process of the ulna in horses treated at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine from 1973 through 1983 were evaluated. The objectives of the study were to determine the prognosis for various configurations of fractures of the olecranon process of the ulna, to determine what preoperative factors influenced the prognosis, and to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment methods used. The fractures were placed in one of 4 categories on the basis of severity of the injury: type-1 fractures involved the physeal plate; type-2 fractures involved t...
Ragle CA.The equine head is especially prone to trauma from kicks, collisions, entrapments, and falls. The specialized structures of the equine head are important in both function and appearance. When injury causes either loss of function or cosmesis, timely treatment is paramount. This article discusses the occurrence and therapy of trauma to the equine head, including fractures of the mandible and premaxilla, facial bone, hyoid apparatus, and skull base.
Holcombe SJ, Schneider RK, Bramlage LR, Embertson RM.To evaluate the clinical efficacy of antibiotic-impregnated polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) in horses with open or infected fractures or joints in which internal fixation or external coaptation devices were used. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 19 horses in which antibiotic-impregnated PMMA was used as part of the treatment regimen. Methods: Medical records of each horse were reviewed, and owners and trainers were contacted to provide additional information. Results: Musculoskeletal problems in these horses included 10 fractures of long bones, 2 comminuted phalangeal fractures, 5 j...
Smith LC, Greet TR, Bathe AP.To describe a lateral approach for screw fixation in lag fashion of simple spiral medial condylar fractures of the third metacarpus/metatarsus (MC3/MT3). Methods: Case series. Methods: Thoroughbred racehorses (n=9). Methods: Nondisplaced medial MC3/MT3 condylar fractures (3 thoracic, 6 pelvic limbs), with mean length 126 mm (range, 91-151 mm) were repaired by internal fixation, under general anesthesia, using multiple 4.5 mm cortical screws inserted in lag fashion from the lateral aspect of the limb, using radiographic or fluoroscopic guidance. Horses were recovered from anesthesia in half-lim...
Ramzan PH, Dallas RS, Palmer L.To evaluate a technique for oral extraction of fractured cheek teeth (CT) under oral endoscopic guidance. Methods: Case series. Methods: Horses (n = 30) with fractured CT. Methods: Medical records (April 2007-August 2010) of horses that had standing oral extraction of fractured CT under endoscopic guidance were reviewed. Results: Thirty horses (median age, 11.5 years; range, 5-23 years) had 31 fractured CT (21 maxillary, 10 mandibular) removed. Midline sagittal fractures of maxillary teeth (n = 13; 42%) were the most common type, followed by buccal or palatal (10; 32%), and transverse or multi...
Richardson DW.Fifteen longitudinal fractures involving the medial condyle of the third metatarsal bone were diagnosed in racing Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds. Twelve were repaired surgically with lag screws placed through stab incisions. Two of the horses suffered catastrophic fracture of the third metatarsal bone during recovery from anesthesia, and 3 more sustained complete fractures within 4 days of the repair. Of 3 horses with fractures treated without surgery, 2 healed without complication. Preoperative radiography did not demonstrate a nonlongitudinal fracture component in any of the horses that sus...
Perrier M, Manso-Díaz G, Dunkel B.Trigeminal nerve-mediated head-shaking (TNMH) in horses is a diagnosis made by exclusion. Computed tomography (CT) is frequently used to identify any disease process that could cause the clinical signs of head-shaking. Although abnormalities are frequently identified, it is unknown whether treatment of these conditions improves clinical signs. Objective: To ascertain the clinical significance of CT findings in horses presented with a complaint of head-shaking. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: CT and patient records were reviewed and all abnormal findings and any treatments subseque...