logoPROFESSIONAL VERSION

Fracture of the Fibular Tarsal Bone (Calcaneus) in Horses

ByJane C. Boswell, MA, VetMB, CertVA, CertES (Orth), DECVS, MRCVS;
James K. Belknap, DVM, PhD, DACVS, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ohio State University;Tracy A. Turner, DVM, DACVS, DACVSMR, Turner Equine Sports Medicine and Surgery;Matthew T. Brokken, DVM, DACVS, DACVSMR, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University;Marcus J. Head, BVetMed;Chris Whitton, BVSc, FANZCVS, PhD, Equine Centre, University of Melbourne
Reviewed ByAshley G. Boyle, DVM, DACVIM-LA, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
Reviewed/Revised Sept 2015 | Modified Sept 2024

Fractures of the fibular tarsal bone are uncommon and usually the result of trauma. Small chip fractures may be successfully removed. Complete body and physeal fractures are difficult to repair, although they have been repaired with bone plates and tension band wiring. Horses with open, comminuted fractures have a grave prognosis and warrant humane euthanasia.

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