Incomplete longitudinal fracture of the proximal palmar cortex of the third metacarpal bone in horses.
Abstract: Seven horses, 2 to 4 years of age, were examined because of moderate-to-severe forelimb lameness, mild effusion of the middle carpal joint (3 horses), and pain on palpation of the origin of the suspensory ligament (4 horses). The lameness was abolished by anesthetic infiltration of the middle carpal joint in six horses. In four of them, a high palmar nerve block also abolished the lameness. A linear radiolucency in the proximal end of the third metacarpal bone (McIII) was interpreted as an incomplete longitudinal fracture. In one horse, distinct intramedullary sclerosis limited to the palmar cortex was indicative of an incomplete fracture confined to the palmar cortex. No osteoproliferative lesions were identified on the dorsal cortex of any of the horses. Surgical treatment with cortical screws in lag fashion accompanied by a rest period was successful in one horse. In four horses, rest for at least 3 months resulted in clinical soundness. In two horses, a shorter rest period resulted in recurrence of the lameness even though the horses were sound when put back into training. Careful clinical and radiographic examinations helped differentiate incomplete longitudinal fractures from lesions involving the carpus and proximal aspect of the suspensory ligament.
Publication Date: 1988-03-01 PubMed ID: 3238879DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-950x.1988.tb00282.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research article investigates the occurrence and treatment of incomplete longitudinal fractures in the front legs of young horses, with specific focus on the proximal palmar cortex of the third metacarpal bone.
Research Background and Population
- The study was conducted on seven horses aged between 2 to 4 years that demonstrated symptoms of moderate-to-severe forelimb lameness, swelling of the middle carpal joint (in three horses), and pain at the base of the suspensory ligament (in four horses).
- Anesthetic infiltration of the middle carpal joint eased the lameness in six of the seven horses, and a high palmar nerve block managed to do the same for four of these six horses.
Diagnosis and Observation
- An x-ray revealed a linear opaque line on the upper end of the third metacarpal bone (McIII) in each horse, which was interpreted as an incomplete longitudinal fracture.
- In one particular horse, a clear densification within the inner cavity of the bone, confined to the palmar cortex, showed signs of an incomplete fracture limited to this area.
- No abnormal bone growth or ‘osteoproliferative lesions’ were observed on the dorsal cortex — the top-front part of the bone — in any of the horses.
Treatment and Outcomes
- One of the horses was successfully treated with surgical screws placed in a lag fashion, coupled with a rest period.
- A period of rest for at least 3 months led to clinical soundness in four horses.
- However, two horses that had a shorter rest period displayed a recurrence of lameness once they returned to training, despite appearing sound at first.
Key Findings and Conclusion
- Careful clinical assessment and x-ray screening are instrumental in differentiating incomplete longitudinal fractures from other injuries that involve the carpus (the horse’s equivalent of the human wrist) and the upper portion of the suspensory ligament.
- The study underscores the importance of tailored treatment plans, which could involve both surgical remedies and adequate rest periods, for managing incomplete longitudinal fractures in horses and preventing recurrence of lameness.
Cite This Article
APA
Ross MW, Ford TS, Orsini PG.
(1988).
Incomplete longitudinal fracture of the proximal palmar cortex of the third metacarpal bone in horses.
Vet Surg, 17(2), 82-86.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-950x.1988.tb00282.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Bone Screws / veterinary
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Fracture Fixation, Internal / veterinary
- Fractures, Bone / diagnostic imaging
- Fractures, Bone / surgery
- Fractures, Bone / therapy
- Fractures, Bone / veterinary
- Horse Diseases / etiology
- Horses / injuries
- Horses / surgery
- Lameness, Animal / etiology
- Male
- Metacarpus / injuries
- Metacarpus / surgery
- Radiography
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- MacEoin F, Robinson P. Repetitive stress-related injury of the proximal metacarpus in a seven-year old Thoroughbred racehorse with emphasis on diagnostic analgesia of the proximopalmar metacarpus.. Ir Vet J 2014;67(1):26.
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