## Overview Humeral fracture is a break of the upper arm bone. In adult horses it usually results from trauma or a stress fracture propagating to completion (especially in racehorses). Signs are acute non-weight-bearing lameness, marked upper-arm swelling, and often a dropped elbow if the radial nerve is affected. Prognosis in adults is poor. ## Causes Trauma or fatigue fracture. ## Diagnosis Clinical signs and radiographs. The limb may appear shortened. Crepitus is often present. ## Treatment Internal fixation is rarely successful in adults because of bone size and opposite-limb complications. Most adult horses are euthanized. Foals have a better chance with surgery in selected cases. ## Recovery and Prognosis Poor in adults. Guarded in foals. ## Prevention Training management to reduce stress-fracture risk in racehorses.
acute severe forelimb lameness; marked swelling of the upper arm; non-weight-bearing; possible dropped elbow from radial nerve damage
## Overview Humeral fracture is a break of the upper arm bone. In adult horses it usually results from trauma or a stress fracture propagating to completion (especially in racehorses). Signs are acute non-weight-bearing lameness, marked upper-arm swelling, and often a dropped elbow if the radial nerve is affected. Prognosis in adults is poor. ## Causes Trauma or fatigue fracture. ## Diagnosis Clinical signs and radiographs. The limb may appear shortened. Crepitus is often present. ## Treatment Internal fixation is rarely successful in adults because of bone size and opposite-limb complications. Most adult horses are euthanized. Foals have a better chance with surgery in selected cases. ## Recovery and Prognosis Poor in adults. Guarded in foals. ## Prevention Training management to reduce stress-fracture risk in racehorses.
acute severe forelimb lameness; marked swelling of the upper arm; non-weight-bearing; possible dropped elbow from radial nerve damage