## Overview Fracture of the proximal phalanx (P1, long pastern bone) is one of the most common long-bone fractures in racehorses. It is often sagittal (splitting the bone lengthwise) or comminuted and frequently occurs during racing or fast work. Acute lameness, pastern swelling, and pain are typical. Displaced fractures are non-weight-bearing. Surgical screw fixation is the usual treatment for sagittal fractures. ## Causes High-speed loading, often propagating from a pre-existing stress lesion. ## Diagnosis Radiographs, including multiple oblique views. ## Treatment Lag-screw fixation for sagittal fractures. Comminuted fractures have a poorer prognosis and may require more complex repair or euthanasia in severe cases. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good for simple sagittal fractures with accurate repair. Guarded to poor for highly comminuted fractures. ## Prevention Monitoring for early stress changes in racehorses.
acute lameness during exercise; swelling over the pastern; pain on palpation; non-weight-bearing if displaced; radiographic fracture
## Overview Fracture of the proximal phalanx (P1, long pastern bone) is one of the most common long-bone fractures in racehorses. It is often sagittal (splitting the bone lengthwise) or comminuted and frequently occurs during racing or fast work. Acute lameness, pastern swelling, and pain are typical. Displaced fractures are non-weight-bearing. Surgical screw fixation is the usual treatment for sagittal fractures. ## Causes High-speed loading, often propagating from a pre-existing stress lesion. ## Diagnosis Radiographs, including multiple oblique views. ## Treatment Lag-screw fixation for sagittal fractures. Comminuted fractures have a poorer prognosis and may require more complex repair or euthanasia in severe cases. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good for simple sagittal fractures with accurate repair. Guarded to poor for highly comminuted fractures. ## Prevention Monitoring for early stress changes in racehorses.
acute lameness during exercise; swelling over the pastern; pain on palpation; non-weight-bearing if displaced; radiographic fracture