Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Slab fractures of the fourth and intermediate carpal bones in five horses.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1986
- Authors:
- Auer, J A et al.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Five horses were found to have fractures in their fourth carpal bone, and three of them also had fractures in the intermediate carpal bone. The diagnosis took longer than expected because the signs of injury were not very severe. All horses underwent surgery to fix the fractures, but because the treatment was delayed, they developed joint problems that made it hard for them to return to work. While four of the horses could still live comfortably in a pasture or be used for breeding, one horse had to be put down after it was allowed to exercise too soon. Overall, none of the horses could successfully go back to work after treatment.
Abstract
Fractures of the fourth carpal bone were diagnosed in 5 horses; 3 fractures were associated with fracture of the intermediate carpal bone. The diagnosis was delayed in all 5 horses, apparently because of the moderate nature of the clinical signs. Open surgical reduction with lag screw type fixation was used in all horses. Because of delayed treatment, transfixation of carpal bones (necessary for stability), and surgical trauma, degenerative joint disease with osteophyte formation occurred in all 5 horses. None of the 5 horses was able to begin or return successfully to work, although 4 of the 5 were pasture/breeding sound. One horse was euthanatized after being allowed free exercise too early. A mechanical hypothesis is presented for the pathogenesis of these fractures.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3957767/