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Fracture of the Talus 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

Sagittal fractures of the talus are rare and have been most commonly reported in racehorses. Lameness is usually moderate to severe and associated with tarsocrural joint distention. Fractures in racehorses usually arise in the proximal aspect of the sagittal groove of the talus and are often incomplete. Fractures after trauma are usually comminuted. Prognosis depends on fracture configuration.

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