Fractures of the palmar aspect of the carpal bones in horses: 10 cases (1984-2000).
OBJECTIVE
To determine clinical and radiographic findings, treatment, and outcome of horses with fractures of the palmar aspect of the radial carpal bone, with or without concurrent fractures of the palmar surfaces of the other carpal bones.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
10 horses.


METHODS
Medical records were reviewed to obtain information on history, signalment, clinical and radiographic findings, treatment, and outcome. Follow-up information was gathered from owners and referring veterinarians.


RESULTS
7 horses became lame after recovery from general anesthesia for treatment of an unrelated problem. The remaining 3 horses developed a fore-limb lameness after falling (1 horse) or being turned out in a pasture (2 horses). Fractures involved the palmar surface of the radial carpal bone in all 10 horses; in addition, the ulnar carpal bone was affected in 2 horses, the intermediate carpal bone in 2 horses, and the distal aspect of the radius in 4 horses. None of the 4 horses treated nonsurgically returned to work, and 3 were euthanatized because of recalcitrant lameness. In the other 6 horses, fragments were removed surgically. Two were euthanatized because of continued lameness, 1 was euthanatized for other reasons, 2 were sound enough for light work, and 1 returned to athletic work.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that fractures of the palmar aspect of the carpal bones are uncommon in horses. The prognosis appears to be poor for affected horses but may be better for horses that undergo arthroscopic removal of intra-articular fragments.
Wilke
M
M
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
Nixon
A J
AJ
Malark
J
J
Myhre
G
G
D000818:Animals; D002348:Carpal Bones / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D006736:Horses / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome