Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Horses lame from deltoid tuberosity fractures treated with rest
By Fiske-Jackson, Andrew R et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2010·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Diagnosis, management, and outcome in 19 horses with deltoid tuberosity fractures.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A group of 19 horses with deltoid tuberosity fractures were brought in due to severe lameness. The fractures were mostly diagnosed using specific X-ray angles and ultrasound, which helped identify the injuries. Treatment involved local wound care and keeping the horses in stalls to rest, which allowed 13 out of 14 horses to return to their normal activities without any lameness afterward. This shows that with proper care, horses can recover well from these types of fractures.
People also search for: horse lameness treatment · deltoid tuberosity fracture recovery · horse stall rest healing time
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the diagnosis and treatment of fractures of the deltoid tuberosity. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. METHODS: Medical records (1992-2009) of 19 horses with radiographic confirmation of deltoid tuberosity fractures were reviewed. Data retrieved included signalment, clinical and diagnostic imaging findings, and treatment. Outcome was determined by telephone questionnaire of owners and referring veterinarians. RESULTS: Most horses were markedly lame on admission and 53% had reduced protraction of the affected limb. All fractures were identified on a cranio45° medial-caudolateral oblique projection; however, only 32% (6 horses) were detected on a mediolateral projection whereas 86% were evident ultrasonographically. Treatment by local wound care and stall rest resulted in return to athletic function without lameness for 13 of 14 horses that had follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: A cranio45° medial-caudolateral oblique radiographic view was better than a mediolateral projection for identification of deltoid tuberosity fractures. Ultrasonographic detection of fractures was similar except when gas accumulation obscured the fracture site. Deltoid tuberosity fractures can cause severe lameness but can be treated successfully with conservative management.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21044096/