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Radiographic configuration and healing of 121 fractures of the proximal phalanx in 120 T horoughbred racehorses (2007–2011)
Author(s) -
Smith M. R. W.,
Wright I. M.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
equine veterinary journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.82
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 2042-3306
pISSN - 0425-1644
DOI - 10.1111/evj.12094
Subject(s) - medicine , phalanx , radiography , proximal phalanx , radiological weapon , bone healing , fixation (population genetics) , surgery , population , environmental health
Summary Reasons for performing study Although fractures of the proximal phalanx are one of the most common long bone fractures of T horoughbred horses in training, limited details on variations in morphology and radiological progression have been published. Objectives To describe in detail the configuration of parasagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx in a group of T horoughbred racehorses, to report fracture distribution within this group of horses and to document radiological progression of fracture healing in cases treated by internal fixation. Study design Restrospective case series. Methods Case records and radiographs of T horoughbred racehorses with parasagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx admitted to N ewmarket E quine H ospital between 2007 and 2011 were analysed. Results One hundred and twenty‐one fractures were identified in 120 T horoughbred racehorses. Fractures were frequently more complex than was appreciated immediately following injury; a feature that has not been reported previously. There was seasonality of fractures in 2‐ and 3‐year‐old horses, but not in older horses. Conclusions and potential relevance Fractures of the proximal phalanx may be more complex than recognised previously, although often their complexity cannot be identified radiographically immediately following injury. The seasonality observed in 2‐ and 3‐year‐old horses is most likely to be a consequence of the timing of the turf‐racing season in the UK . The Summary is available in C hinese – see Supporting information.