Fibula
In the horse the fibula is vestigial. Only the proximal head persists as a separate ossification that eventually fuses with the tibia; the shaft is reduced to a thin fibrous or bony remnant along the lateral proximal tibia. The lateral malleolus at the distal end of the tibia is developmentally the distal fibula. The fibula bears no significant weight. It provides limited attachment for muscles and ligaments but has little mechanical role. The medial surface of the tibia is subcutaneous and more clinically relevant for trauma or stress fractures.
The fibula itself is rarely a clinical problem. Tibial stress fractures (common in racehorses) are best diagnosed with nuclear scintigraphy. The medial tibia is vulnerable to kicks and other trauma.
## Overview The fibula in the horse is a reduced bone. Fracture of the fibula is uncommon and usually occurs with other lateral stifle or proximal tibial trauma. Clinical signs are those of stifle-re
## Overview External skeletal fixation uses pins and connecting bars to stabilize fractures. Complications include pin-tract infection, pin loosening, implant failure, and soft-tissue irritation. The
Swelling or lameness on the inside of the gaskin after trauma should be evaluated. Stress fractures of the tibia can present as subtle performance issues; nuclear scintigraphy is often needed for diagnosis.
## Overview The fibula in the horse is a reduced bone. Fracture of the fibula is uncommon and usually occurs with other lateral stifle or proximal tibial trauma. Clinical signs are those of stifle-region pain and lameness. Many fibular fractures are managed conservatively. ## Causes Trauma to the lateral stifle region. ## Diagnosis Radiographs of the stifle. The fibula can be difficult to evaluate; computed tomography is more sensitive. ## Treatment Most isolated fibular fractures are treated with rest and anti-inflammatories. Concurrent injuries dictate additional treatment. ## Recovery and Prognosis Generally good for isolated fractures. Associated ligament or joint damage worsens the outlook. ## Prevention Trauma avoidance. Signs include: stifle-region lameness; swelling; pain on palpation of the lateral proximal tibia/fibula; radiographic fracture line
## Overview External skeletal fixation uses pins and connecting bars to stabilize fractures. Complications include pin-tract infection, pin loosening, implant failure, and soft-tissue irritation. These issues are relatively common and can compromise fracture healing. ## Causes Bacterial contamination of pin tracts, excessive motion, poor pin placement, or patient interference. ## Diagnosis Clinical signs of discharge, swelling, or lameness around pins, plus radiographs assessing implant stability and bone healing. ## Treatment Pin-tract care, antibiotics, pin replacement or removal when loose, and revision of the frame if needed. Some cases require conversion to another fixation method. ## Recovery and Prognosis Depends on the underlying fracture and severity of complications. Many are manageable; severe infection can lead to failure. ## Prevention Meticulous surgical technique, pin-tract hygiene, and restricted activity. Signs include: discharge or swelling at pin sites; pin loosening; lameness; implant failure; delayed healing
The fibula itself is rarely a clinical problem. Tibial stress fractures (common in racehorses) are best diagnosed with nuclear scintigraphy. The medial tibia is vulnerable to kicks and other trauma.
Swelling or lameness on the inside of the gaskin after trauma should be evaluated. Stress fractures of the tibia can present as subtle performance issues; nuclear scintigraphy is often needed for diagnosis.
See the Fibula (Left, vestigial) on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model