Characterisation of the type and location of fractures of the third metacarpal/metatarsal condyles in 135 horses in central Kentucky (1986-1994).

This study provides an in-depth analysis of the characteristics of condylar fractures in a group of 135 horses over an eight-year period. The researchers recorded the locations, severity, and additional injuries associated with these fractures with the aim of refining our understanding of such injuries and their prognosis.

Summary of Findings

• In the retrospective study, researchers analysed the records and radiographic studies of 135 horses who suffered a total of 145 fractures.
• Of these horses, 59% were male, with a majority being Thoroughbreds.
• The distribution of fractures was diverse: 37% of fractures were incomplete (not reaching across the bone) and nondisplaced (not causing bone misalignment); 30% were complete (extending across the whole bone) and nondisplaced; and 32% were complete-displaced fractures (a fracture fully across the bone causing misalignment).
• The researchers detected a pattern where the right front limb was most likely to sustain complete-displaced fractures, while the left front limb was more susceptible to incomplete-nondisplaced fractures.

Fracture Details

• The majority of fractures occurred in the forelimbs (81%), particularly in the lateral condyles (85%), contradicting previous studies as this found the right forelimbs to be slightly more affected than the left ones.
• The middle portion of the condyle was most commonly affected, accounting for 59% of fractures.
• The average fracture length was 75 +/- 3.8 mm. Axial fractures and fractures to the medial condyle were generally longer than average.

Additional Injuries and Insights

• Articular comminution (multiple bone fragments) was detected in 15% of the fractures, and in 95% of these cases it was associated with complete fractures.
• When fractures occurred in the central area of the condyle, 23% were identifiable as having articular comminution.
• Eight fractures spiralled, and all of these were in the forelimbs.
• Horses also suffered from associated injuries such as proximal phalanx chip fractures, sesamoid fractures, sesamoiditis, proximal phalanx fractures, bone periostitis and ligament injuries.
• By providing a complete description of these fractures and concurrent lesions, the study contributes to a more precise understanding of condylar fractures in horses, allowing for better comparison with existing research and providing new data to aid in defining prognosis.