## Overview Infraspinatus contracture is a rare condition in which the infraspinatus muscle becomes fibrotic and shortened, locking the shoulder in external rotation. The horse swings the forelimb outward (circumducts) during protraction. The gait abnormality is mechanical and usually non-painful. ## Causes Trauma or compartment-syndrome-like injury leading to fibrosis, similar to the condition in dogs. ## Diagnosis Characteristic gait and palpation of a tight infraspinatus. Imaging rules out other shoulder problems. ## Treatment Surgical release of the fibrotic muscle in severe cases. Many horses adapt to the gait change. ## Recovery and Prognosis The mechanical lameness is often permanent without surgery. Function is usually adequate for lower-level use. ## Prevention None specific.
forelimb circumduction (swings outward); inability to advance the limb straight; mechanical non-painful lameness
## Overview Infraspinatus contracture is a rare condition in which the infraspinatus muscle becomes fibrotic and shortened, locking the shoulder in external rotation. The horse swings the forelimb outward (circumducts) during protraction. The gait abnormality is mechanical and usually non-painful. ## Causes Trauma or compartment-syndrome-like injury leading to fibrosis, similar to the condition in dogs. ## Diagnosis Characteristic gait and palpation of a tight infraspinatus. Imaging rules out other shoulder problems. ## Treatment Surgical release of the fibrotic muscle in severe cases. Many horses adapt to the gait change. ## Recovery and Prognosis The mechanical lameness is often permanent without surgery. Function is usually adequate for lower-level use. ## Prevention None specific.
forelimb circumduction (swings outward); inability to advance the limb straight; mechanical non-painful lameness