Avulsion of the origin of the peroneus tertius tendon in a foal.

This research paper details an unusual case where a three-month-old foal suffered from lameness due to an avulsion fracture at the origin of the peroneus tertius tendon, originating from a fracture of the left lateral trochlear ridge of the foal’s femur.

Background

• The subject of this study is a three-month-old foal, who was showing signs of lameness, a problem that affects a horse’s ability to move comfortably.
• An examination of the foal determined the cause of the lameness to be a fracture of the left lateral trochlear ridge of the femur, an uncommon injury in this species.

Diagnosis and Treatment

• The foal underwent arthroscopy of the left femoropatellar joint after being placed under general anesthesia.
• During inspection, the veterinary team noticed an unusual position in the foal’s left hind limb; it was extended at the tibiotarsal joint and flexed at the femorotibial joint.
• The aforementioned symptoms led the veterinarians to diagnose an avulsion fracture at the origin of the peroneus tertius tendon, a unique and rare condition.
• The treatment carried out involved the excision, or surgical removal, of the fracture fragments.

Outcome and Evaluation

• A year after the surgery was done and the foal discharged, it was found to have mild lameness in its left hind limb.
• The research does not provide further details on the potential long-term impact of the condition on the foal’s quality of life or on possible measures that might improve the outcome.