Equine carpal surgery: A review of 89 cases and evaluation of return to function
Lindsay, W.A.; Horney, F.D.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 179(7): 682-685
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 7341581 Document Number: 169823
During a 6-year period, carpal arthrotomies were performed on 89 horses with carpal fractures; 52% of the fractures involved the left forelimb. The 3rd carpal bone was most often involved (42%), followed by the radial carpal bone (30%). The effect of surgery on the performance of a subgroup of 48 Thoroughbreds was evaluated by comparing the number of starts, level of racing (claiming value), and earnings for the 12 months of racing preceding and following arthrotomy. The results indicated that carpal arthrotomy in the Thoroughbred carries with it a favourable prognosis inasmuch as 80% of the patients in this study returned to competition.