Diagnosis, management, and outcome in 19 horses with deltoid tuberosity fractures.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the diagnosis and treatment of fractures of the deltoid tuberosity.


METHODS
Case series.


METHODS
Medical records (1992-2009) of 19 horses with radiographic confirmation of deltoid tuberosity fractures were reviewed. Data retrieved included signalment, clinical and diagnostic imaging findings, and treatment. Outcome was determined by telephone questionnaire of owners and referring veterinarians.


RESULTS
Most horses were markedly lame on admission and 53% had reduced protraction of the affected limb. All fractures were identified on a cranio45° medial-caudolateral oblique projection; however, only 32% (6 horses) were detected on a mediolateral projection whereas 86% were evident ultrasonographically. Treatment by local wound care and stall rest resulted in return to athletic function without lameness for 13 of 14 horses that had follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
A cranio45° medial-caudolateral oblique radiographic view was better than a mediolateral projection for identification of deltoid tuberosity fractures. Ultrasonographic detection of fractures was similar except when gas accumulation obscured the fracture site. Deltoid tuberosity fractures can cause severe lameness but can be treated successfully with conservative management.
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, UK. afiskejackson@rvc.ac.uk
Andrew R
AR
Fiske-Jackson
Andrew L
AL
Crawford
R Michael
RM
Archer
David M
DM
Bolt
Roger K
RK
Smith
D000758:Anesthesia / Q000662:veterinary; D000818:Animals; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D057645:Deltoid Muscle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D019468:Disease Management; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D006736:Horses / Q000601:surgery; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D011859:Radiography / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D012784:Shoulder Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D014055:Tomography, Emission-Computed / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal