Tibial stress fractures in racing standardbreds: 13 cases (1989-1993).
OBJECTIVE
To determine clinical signs, radiographic and scintigraphic findings, and performance outcome of racing Standardbreds with tibial stress fractures.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
13 racing Standardbreds with tibial stress fractures.


METHODS
Information concerning clinical signs, diagnostic evaluation, and recommendations was obtained by review of the medical records. Performance information before and after diagnosis of the fracture was collected from racing records, and follow-up information was obtained from the owners or trainers by use of a telephone questionnaire.


RESULTS
Horses with tibial stress fractures were moderately lame, and diagnosis was made by nuclear scintigraphy and radiography. Fractures were more likely to occur in 2-year-old horses than in older horses. The fracture location was unique for Standardbreds; 11 of 13 developed stress fractures in the mid-diaphysis of the tibia, whereas fractures in Thoroughbreds are usually in the proximal caudal or caudolateral cortex. Fractures occurred in young horses that had raced or were in advanced race training. All horses were treated with rest alone, and 10 of 13 horses raced after injury. The horses that raced after injury were able to return to a level of performance that was equal to or better than the level raced before injury. 8 of 10 horses established a lifetime-best winning time after injury.


CONCLUSIONS
Tibial stress fractures are a cause of lameness in young racing Standardbreds. Diagnosis is aided by nuclear scintigraphy. The prognosis for return to previous level of performance after a tibial stress fracture is good.
Ruggles
A J
AJ
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus 43210-1089, USA.
Moore
R M
RM
Bertone
A L
AL
Schneider
R K
RK
Bailey
M Q
MQ
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D001947:Breeding; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015775:Fractures, Stress / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000662:veterinary*; D006736:Horses / Q000293:injuries*; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D010805:Physical Conditioning, Animal; D011379:Prognosis; D011859:Radiography; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013177:Sports; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000662:veterinary*