Fractures of the greater tubercle of the humerus in horses: 15 cases (1986-2004).
OBJECTIVE
To determine clinical and radiographic abnormalities in and outcome of horses with fractures of the greater tubercle of the humerus and to develop a radiographic technique for obtaining a cranioproximal-craniodistal oblique projection of the proximal portion of the humerus in standing horses.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
15 horses.


METHODS
Data collected from medical records included signalment, history, horse use, severity and duration of lameness, radiographic and ultrasonographic findings, treatment, and outcome.


RESULTS
All horses had a history of acute, unilateral lameness. Twelve of 15 had visual or palpable abnormalities in the shoulder region. In 6 of 8 horses, the fracture could be seen on a cranioproximal-craniodistal projection of the proximal portion of the humerus. In 2 horses, this was the only projection on which the fracture could be seen, and in an additional 2, this was the projection on which the fracture could be seen most reliably. Ten horses underwent surgery (fragment removal, 7; open reduction and internal fixation, 2; and exploration without fragment removal, 1), and 5 were treated with variable periods of stall rest and turnout. Eleven horses returned to athletic use, including 9 of the 10 treated surgically and 2 of the 5 treated without surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggested that horses with fractures of the greater tubercle of the humerus can return to athletic soundness following treatment and emphasized the need for obtaining a cranioproximal-craniodistal radiographic projection of the proximal portion of the humerus in horses suspected to have an injury in this region.
Mez
Jason C
JC
Departments of Large Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A and M University, College Station, TX 77843-4475, USA.
Dabareiner
Robin M
RM
Cole
Robert C
RC
Watkins
Jeffery P
JP
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000662:veterinary*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006736:Horses / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D011859:Radiography; D012146:Rest; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome