title: Treatment of a comminuted frontal-plane fracture of the distal phalanx in a horse.
abstract: Successful treatment of a comminuted frontal plane fracture of the distal phalanx in a horse is described. The bone fractured through the solar canal, close to the insertion of the deep digital flexor tendon. A hoof case was used to reduce bending and tensile stresses on the solar surface by limiting expansion of the hoof wall during weightbearing. In addition, the heel was elevated, using 3 degrees wedge pads incorporated within the hoof cast, to reduce distraction at the fracture site caused by the pull of the deep digital flexor tendon. Two casts were used over a 4-month period. Complete radiographic healing of the fracture was evident 4 months after injury. At this time the horse was lame at the trot. The owner reported the horse to be sound 7 months after injury. Reexamination 12 months after injury revealed a clinically normal foot and no lameness.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Population Sciences, College of Veternary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul 55108, USA.
authors.forename: B H
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: T A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Turner
authors.forename: C N
authors.initials: CN
authors.lastname: Kobluk
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002370:Casts, Surgical / Q000662:veterinary*; D018409:Foot Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000662:veterinary*; D005552:Forelimb; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D006724:Hoof and Claw / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006736:Horses / Q000293:injuries*; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography