Radiographic Studies of Distal Limb Fractures in Working Equine: A Clinical Study.

Although the development of diagnostic tools, X-ray radiography is still essential for diagnosis of hard tissue problems as well. The present study investigated the different types of fractures in the manus and pes regions in working equine using X-ray radiography. Our study was carried out on 60 working equines admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, South Valley University, suffering from different degrees of lameness. Various types of fractures were recorded depending upon clinical signs and radiographic examination. At least two radiographic views were performed (lateral and dorsopalmer/dorsoplantar). The most common fractures were noticed: fracture of the 1st phalanx (40%), large metacarpal bone fracture (38.3%), fracture of splint bone (13.3%), fracture of 2nd phalanx (3.3%), fracture of extensor process of 3rd phalanx (3.3%), and fracture of the proximal sesamoid bone (1.6%). Most of the fractures in the distal limb were managed by plaster of paris cast with a good clinical outcome except for the comminuted fracture.