## Overview Pelvic stress fractures are incomplete cracks from repetitive loading, seen mainly in racehorses and most often involving the ilium or pubis. They cause hind-limb lameness that worsens with exercise and may present only as poor performance. Nuclear scintigraphy is the gold-standard diagnostic tool. Rest resolves most cases if complete fracture is avoided. ## Causes Cyclical fatigue of bone. ## Diagnosis Bone scan. Ultrasound may detect more advanced cracks. ## Treatment Strict stall rest, often 60 days or longer. Hand-walking is usually avoided because muscle pull can propagate the fracture. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good if rested before complete fracture. Propagation to a complete fracture worsens the outlook dramatically. ## Prevention Careful monitoring of racehorses and modification of training when early soreness appears.
hind-limb lameness that worsens with exercise; poor performance; no obvious trauma; diagnosed on bone scan
## Overview Pelvic stress fractures are incomplete cracks from repetitive loading, seen mainly in racehorses and most often involving the ilium or pubis. They cause hind-limb lameness that worsens with exercise and may present only as poor performance. Nuclear scintigraphy is the gold-standard diagnostic tool. Rest resolves most cases if complete fracture is avoided. ## Causes Cyclical fatigue of bone. ## Diagnosis Bone scan. Ultrasound may detect more advanced cracks. ## Treatment Strict stall rest, often 60 days or longer. Hand-walking is usually avoided because muscle pull can propagate the fracture. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good if rested before complete fracture. Propagation to a complete fracture worsens the outlook dramatically. ## Prevention Careful monitoring of racehorses and modification of training when early soreness appears.
hind-limb lameness that worsens with exercise; poor performance; no obvious trauma; diagnosed on bone scan