A review of third phalanx fractures in the horse: sixty-five cases
Scott, E.A.; McDole, M.; Shires, M.H.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 174(12): 1337-1343
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 511737 Document Number: 154009
Sixty-five cases of third phalanx (P3) fracture were retrieved from 20 638 case records at Michigan State University's Veterinary Clinical Center between 1964 and 1977. The fractures were classified by anatomic location, using a numbering system. The most common P3 fracture involved the articular surface of the coffin joint (53 of 65 cases; 8.15%). The greatest occurrence of P3 fracture was in Standardbreds (31 of 65 cases). Thirty-three of the 65 fractures were in geldings of all breeds; 57 of the cases were distributed among racing horses of four breeds; and the mean ages at time of fracture for these groups were 4.9 to 5.3 years. The most common cause of P3 fracture was racing injury. Of 57 P3 fractures of the forelimb, 51 (89.5%) involved the lateral aspect of the left limb or medial aspect of the right limb - the part of each foot supporting most of the horse's weight in turns, while racing counterclockwise. Methods and response of treatment were evaluated by questionnaires obtained from 31 of the 65 owners. Results were tabulated for: questionnaire information obtained, a classification system for P3 fractures (based on the anatomic location of the fracture), and distribution of fractures between limbs.