Os tarsi tibiale (Talus)
The talus (tibial tarsal bone) is the key bone of the tarsocrural joint. It articulates proximally with the tibia via prominent trochlear ridges. Nearly all hock flexion and extension occurs at this joint. The talus also articulates distally with the central tarsal bone and laterally with the calcaneus. The oblique axis of the trochlear ridges causes slight abduction of the distal limb during hock flexion.
Osteochondrosis and fragments of the intermediate ridge of the tibia (which articulates with the talus) are common developmental orthopedic diseases. Diagnosis is radiographic. Relevant in evaluations of hock lameness and developmental disease.
## Overview Osteochondritis dissecans of the trochlear ridges refers to developmental lesions on the ridges of the femoral trochlea in the stifle. The lateral ridge is most commonly affected. Young h
## Overview Bog spavin is the common term for effusion (excess synovial fluid) in the tarsocrural joint, the large uppermost joint of the hock. It appears as soft, fluctuant swellings on the front an
## Overview Fractures of the talus (the main bone of the hock that articulates with the tibia) are uncommon but serious. They cause severe hock lameness and swelling. Diagnosis requires high-quality
Hock swelling or lameness in young horses should be evaluated. Early diagnosis of osteochondrosis improves management options.
## Overview Osteochondritis dissecans of the trochlear ridges refers to developmental lesions on the ridges of the femoral trochlea in the stifle. The lateral ridge is most commonly affected. Young horses show effusion and variable lameness. Arthroscopic debridement is the usual treatment. ## Causes Failure of normal cartilage-to-bone conversion during growth. ## Diagnosis Radiographs, sometimes followed by arthroscopy. ## Treatment Arthroscopic removal of loose or defective cartilage. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good for most lesions. ## Prevention Management of growth rate and nutrition. Signs include: stifle effusion; lameness in a young horse; radiographic defects on the trochlear ridges
## Overview Bog spavin is the common term for effusion (excess synovial fluid) in the tarsocrural joint, the large uppermost joint of the hock. It appears as soft, fluctuant swellings on the front and inner aspect of the hock that communicate when pressed. Lameness may be absent or mild; the swelling itself is often mainly a cosmetic concern unless an underlying joint disease is present. ## Causes Osteochondrosis or osteochondritis dissecans in young horses, osteoarthritis, trauma, poor conformation (straight or sickle hocks), and idiopathic synovitis are the main causes. Infection produces a more painful, acute form. ## Diagnosis The characteristic soft, ballotable swelling is usually diagnostic. Radiographs or ultrasound identify osteochondral fragments or other bone changes. Synovial fluid analysis rules out infection when lameness is significant. ## Treatment Idiopathic or mild cases often need only monitoring. Rest, anti-inflammatories, and corrective shoeing help when inflammation is present. Intra-articular corticosteroids or arthroscopic removal of fragments are used for more significant underlying disease. ## Recovery and Prognosis Prognosis is good when no major bone or cartilage damage exists. Chronic effusion related to poor conformation tends to recur. Cases with osteochondritis dissecans or advanced osteoarthritis have a more guarded athletic outlook. ## Prevention Selection for good hock conformation and appropriate management of young horses with osteochondrosis reduce incidence. Signs include: soft fluctuant swelling on the front and medial hock; fluid that shifts when pressed; variable or absent lameness; occasional heat
## Overview Fractures of the talus (the main bone of the hock that articulates with the tibia) are uncommon but serious. They cause severe hock lameness and swelling. Diagnosis requires high-quality radiographs or computed tomography. Prognosis is guarded because of the joint involvement. ## Causes Trauma. ## Diagnosis Radiographs or computed tomography. ## Treatment Surgical repair when feasible. Conservative management for non-displaced fractures. Athletic prognosis is guarded. ## Recovery and Prognosis Guarded. ## Prevention Trauma avoidance. Signs include: severe hock lameness and swelling; radiographic fracture of the talus
Osteochondrosis and fragments of the intermediate ridge of the tibia (which articulates with the talus) are common developmental orthopedic diseases. Diagnosis is radiographic. Relevant in evaluations of hock lameness and developmental disease.
Hock swelling or lameness in young horses should be evaluated. Early diagnosis of osteochondrosis improves management options.
See the Talus / Tibial Tarsal Bone (Right) on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model