Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Traumatic fractures of the equine hock: a report of 13 cases.
- Journal:
- Equine veterinary journal
- Year:
- 1982
- Authors:
- Jakovljevic, S et al.
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
This report looks at 13 horses that suffered traumatic fractures in their hock joints, which are the joints in their hind legs. The most common fracture locations were in the lower part of the tibia (the bone in the lower leg) and the tarsal bones (bones in the ankle area). Unfortunately, three horses were euthanized right after their injuries were diagnosed, and two others did not recover after surgery. However, seven horses did heal completely and were able to return to work after resting for 3 to 9 months. Overall, while some horses faced serious outcomes, many were able to recover successfully.
Abstract
The clinical features, radiographic findings, management and outcome in 13 cases of traumatic fracture of the hock joint are reported. The principal fracture sites were the distal tibial malleoli (5 cases), the fibular tarsal bone (4 cases), the tibial tarsal bone (3 cases) and the proximal end of metatarsal IV (one case). An additional small chip fracture of the central tarsal was noted in 2 cases. Three horses were destroyed immediately after diagnosis, 2 failed to recover following surgical intervention and one remained lame and was destroyed after 3 months' rest. Seven horses recovered completely and returned to work following periods of rest ranging from 3 to 9 months. The fracture involved the lateral or medial malleolus in 5 of these cases and the fibular tarsal in the other 2.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7084181/