## Overview Fractures of the proximal sesamoid bones range from small apical or basilar chips to catastrophic biaxial fractures in which both sesamoids break and the fetlock collapses. Chip fractures cause lameness and effusion and are often removed arthroscopically. Biaxial fractures are usually fatal on the racetrack. ## Causes Hyperextension injury during high-speed work. ## Diagnosis Radiographs. The clinical appearance of a dropped fetlock indicates severe disruption. ## Treatment Arthroscopic removal for chips. Surgical repair or euthanasia for more severe fractures depending on configuration. Biaxial fractures are almost always fatal. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good for small chips. Poor to grave for comminuted or biaxial fractures. ## Prevention Monitoring for early suspensory or sesamoid changes in racehorses.
lameness and fetlock effusion with chips; catastrophic biaxial fracture causes the fetlock to drop to the ground
## Overview Fractures of the proximal sesamoid bones range from small apical or basilar chips to catastrophic biaxial fractures in which both sesamoids break and the fetlock collapses. Chip fractures cause lameness and effusion and are often removed arthroscopically. Biaxial fractures are usually fatal on the racetrack. ## Causes Hyperextension injury during high-speed work. ## Diagnosis Radiographs. The clinical appearance of a dropped fetlock indicates severe disruption. ## Treatment Arthroscopic removal for chips. Surgical repair or euthanasia for more severe fractures depending on configuration. Biaxial fractures are almost always fatal. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good for small chips. Poor to grave for comminuted or biaxial fractures. ## Prevention Monitoring for early suspensory or sesamoid changes in racehorses.
lameness and fetlock effusion with chips; catastrophic biaxial fracture causes the fetlock to drop to the ground