July: Fractured Radius

July Case of the Month – Fractured Radius

Horses unfortunately can fracture bones in their limbs from getting kicked, getting cast, or placing themselves in very precarious situations. Sadly, these cases don’t often have a positive outcome (unless the fractured bone is a splint bone). Fracture repair is a very complicated surgery and usually involves internal fixation using plates and screws. Despite our best efforts and veterinary proficiency, due to the horse’s weight, slow healing of the bone and inability to properly rest the limb, repair failure, surgical complications, or contralimb laminitis results in the euthanasia of the horse.

Fortunately, we have a case of a fractured radius that has a positive outcome. Chuck, a large draft gelding, suffered an incomplete fracture of his left radius in the field. Luckily, because the fracture only travelled partially through the radius keeping the bone intact, no surgery was required. He, however, had to be stall rested for several months, giving the radius enough time to heal. Despite his big size, he was level-headed and remained quiet in his stall.

Update on Chuck: The repeated radiographs a few months later showed a nicely healing boney callous. This means that over the course of the next few months, Chuck will be allowed progressively more turnout, and can rejoin his friends in the field next year!