## Overview A comminuted fracture is one in which the bone is broken into three or more fragments. In horses these injuries are usually high-energy and carry a guarded prognosis because of the difficulty of reconstruction, the risk of infection if open, and the challenges of supporting a large animal during healing. ## Causes Severe trauma such as kicks, falls, or high-speed injuries. ## Diagnosis Acute non-weight-bearing lameness, swelling, crepitus, and radiographic demonstration of multiple fragments. Computed tomography aids surgical planning. ## Treatment Surgical reconstruction with plates and screws when feasible, or fragment removal in selected locations. Many comminuted fractures of major long bones in adult horses are not repairable and result in euthanasia. Foals have a better chance. ## Recovery and Prognosis Guarded to poor in adults for weight-bearing bones. Selected fractures in foals or non-weight-bearing locations can heal successfully. ## Prevention Trauma avoidance.
severe non-weight-bearing lameness; swelling; crepitus; multiple bone fragments on radiographs
## Overview A comminuted fracture is one in which the bone is broken into three or more fragments. In horses these injuries are usually high-energy and carry a guarded prognosis because of the difficulty of reconstruction, the risk of infection if open, and the challenges of supporting a large animal during healing. ## Causes Severe trauma such as kicks, falls, or high-speed injuries. ## Diagnosis Acute non-weight-bearing lameness, swelling, crepitus, and radiographic demonstration of multiple fragments. Computed tomography aids surgical planning. ## Treatment Surgical reconstruction with plates and screws when feasible, or fragment removal in selected locations. Many comminuted fractures of major long bones in adult horses are not repairable and result in euthanasia. Foals have a better chance. ## Recovery and Prognosis Guarded to poor in adults for weight-bearing bones. Selected fractures in foals or non-weight-bearing locations can heal successfully. ## Prevention Trauma avoidance.
severe non-weight-bearing lameness; swelling; crepitus; multiple bone fragments on radiographs