Fracture of the distal sesamoid bone in horses: 17 cases (1982-1992).

This research investigated 17 cases of horse distal sesamoid bone fractures from 1982 to 1992, exploring varied breeds, treatment options, and their respective outcomes. The study emphasizes that rest may be crucial for successful recovery, and that pleasure horses might have a better prognosis than performance horses.

Study Population and Injury Analysis

• The study reviewed medical records of 17 horses that were diagnosed with a distal sesamoid bone fracture between 1982 and 1992.
• The population included 8 Standardbreds, 6 Quarter Horses, 2 Thoroughbreds, and 1 Arabian, with a mean age of 4.7 years.
• The researchers found that a horse’s forelimb was affected more often than the hind limb. Specifically, 15 of the horses had an injured forelimb, while only 2 had a hind limb injury.
• All horses exhibited lameness, and most were grade III/V lame at trot, confirmed by radiography.

Approaches to Treatment

• Various treatment options were utilized, including stall rest alone, neurectomy, stall rest in combination with corrective shoeing or external coaptation.
• Five horses were treated with stall rest alone; 5 underwent neurectomy (nerve removal surgery); 4 were administered stall rest and corrective shoeing; and 1 was treated with stall rest and external coaptation (the use of external braces).
• Two of the horses, however, had to be euthanized due to the severity of the fracture.

Prognosis and Recovery

• The researchers found varying degrees of success following treatment. Two Quarter Horses, one treated with stall rest and corrective shoeing and the other treated with stall rest and external coaptation, were able to return to use as halter horses.
• Two Standardbreds that were treated with stall rest alone did return to racing but performed at a lower level than prior to the injury.
• Another horse that underwent neurectomy became fit for pleasure riding only.
• Overall, the research emphasized that long-term rest might be significant in achieving a successful outcome.
• The study also suggests that horses used for pleasure appear to have a better prognosis for returning to use than performance horses post a distal sesamoid bone fracture.