Tibia
The tibia is the main weight-bearing bone of the gaskin (lower thigh) between the stifle and hock. The fibula is vestigial in horses, reduced to a thin splint along the lateral tibia. The tibial crest is prominent and palpable. The proximal end articulates with the femur and forms the stifle joint; the distal end articulates with the talus at the tarsocrural joint. It provides muscle attachment for the gaskin muscles.
Tibial fractures are serious injuries that often require surgical repair and carry a guarded prognosis depending on configuration and soft-tissue damage. The tibial crest can be a site of stress or trauma. Relevant in evaluations of gaskin trauma and stifle or hock disease.
## Overview Physitis of the distal tibia is inflammation of the growth plate just above the hock in young horses. It produces a warm, enlarged area above the hock and variable lameness. It is part of
## Overview Complete tibial fracture is usually catastrophic in adult horses. Spiral or comminuted fractures from rotational forces cause non-weight-bearing lameness, visible deformity of the gaskin,
## Overview Tibial stress fractures are incomplete cracks from repetitive concussion, most common in racehorses. The caudal tibial cortex is typically affected. Lameness worsens with exercise. Locali
Severe lameness with swelling of the gaskin after trauma needs immediate veterinary attention. Do not attempt to walk the horse long distances until evaluated.
## Overview Physitis of the distal tibia is inflammation of the growth plate just above the hock in young horses. It produces a warm, enlarged area above the hock and variable lameness. It is part of the developmental orthopedic disease complex and is managed with diet and exercise restriction. ## Causes Rapid growth or nutritional imbalance. ## Diagnosis Clinical signs and radiographs of the distal tibia. ## Treatment Reduce energy intake, limit exercise, and use anti-inflammatories as needed. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good. ## Prevention Controlled growth. Signs include: enlargement and warmth above the hock; lameness; radiographic changes at the distal tibial physis
## Overview Complete tibial fracture is usually catastrophic in adult horses. Spiral or comminuted fractures from rotational forces cause non-weight-bearing lameness, visible deformity of the gaskin, severe swelling, and crepitus. Most adults are euthanized. Foals have a better chance with surgical repair. ## Causes Trauma or propagation of a stress fracture. ## Diagnosis Clinical signs and radiographs. ## Treatment Euthanasia for most adult complete fractures. Internal fixation in selected foals. ## Recovery and Prognosis Grave in adults. Guarded in foals. ## Prevention Monitoring for tibial stress fractures in racehorses. Signs include: acute non-weight-bearing hind-limb lameness; visible deformity of the gaskin; severe swelling; crepitus; usually euthanasia in adults
## Overview Tibial stress fractures are incomplete cracks from repetitive concussion, most common in racehorses. The caudal tibial cortex is typically affected. Lameness worsens with exercise. Localized pain, heat, or soft-tissue swelling may be present. Bone scan diagnoses them before they are visible on radiographs. Rest prevents propagation to a complete fracture. ## Causes Cyclical loading. ## Diagnosis Nuclear scintigraphy. Radiographs often normal early. ## Treatment Strict rest, usually 8 to 12 weeks or longer. ## Recovery and Prognosis Excellent if rested before complete fracture. ## Prevention Training modifications when early lameness appears. Signs include: hind-limb lameness worse with exercise; localized pain on tibial palpation; possible heat and swelling; diagnosed on bone scan before radiographs
Tibial fractures are serious injuries that often require surgical repair and carry a guarded prognosis depending on configuration and soft-tissue damage. The tibial crest can be a site of stress or trauma. Relevant in evaluations of gaskin trauma and stifle or hock disease.
Severe lameness with swelling of the gaskin after trauma needs immediate veterinary attention. Do not attempt to walk the horse long distances until evaluated.
See the Tibia (Right) on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model