Incomplete sagittal fracture of the talus in 11 racehorses: outcome.
BACKGROUND
Little information exists regarding talus fractures in the horse and there have been no previously published case series of racehorses diagnosed with incomplete sagittal fracture of the talus.


OBJECTIVE
To describe the diagnosis, treatment and post injury performance of horses with incomplete sagittal fracture of the talus.


METHODS
Medical records of 11 racehorses (8 Standardbreds and 3 Thoroughbreds) admitted between January 1992 and January 1999 were reviewed. Subject details, anamnesis, results of lameness examination, radiographs and nuclear scintigraphic findings were evaluated. Racing performance was assessed by comparing pre- and post injury race records.


RESULTS
Nuclear scintigraphic examination, performed in 8 of the 11 horses, revealed focal increased radiopharmaceutical uptake in the proximal aspect of the affected talus. Fractures could best be seen on dorsal 10-20 degrees lateral-plantaromedial oblique radiographs; all had raced pre-injury. All horses were treated conservatively and follow-up information was available for 8 horses, of which 7 raced after injury. Performance in 3 horses was improved, in 1 it was unchanged and in 3 horses performance declined.


CONCLUSIONS
Horses with incomplete fracture of the talus have a good prognosis for return to racing after conservative management.


CONCLUSIONS
Incomplete sagittal fracture of the talus should be considered as a cause of hindlimb lameness in racehorses. Further research is necessary to determine the pathophysiology of these fractures.
Davidson
E J
EJ
Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, 382 West Street Road, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania 19348-1692, USA.
Ross
M W
MW
Parente
E J
EJ
D000818:Animals; D002350:Carpus, Animal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D006736:Horses; D008297:Male; D010805:Physical Conditioning, Animal / Q000191:economics / Q000502:physiology; D011379:Prognosis; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D012146:Rest; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome