## Overview Radial fracture is a break of the main forearm bone. In adult horses it is often catastrophic, resulting from kicks, falls, or racing injuries. Complete fractures cause non-weight-bearing lameness, swelling, deformity, and crepitus. Open fractures are common. Prognosis in adults is extremely poor. ## Causes Trauma or propagation of a stress fracture. ## Diagnosis Clinical signs and radiographs. ## 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 Grave in adults. Guarded in foals. ## Prevention Monitoring for stress fractures in racehorses.
acute severe non-weight-bearing forelimb lameness; swelling and deformity of the forearm; crepitus; may be open
## Overview Radial fracture is a break of the main forearm bone. In adult horses it is often catastrophic, resulting from kicks, falls, or racing injuries. Complete fractures cause non-weight-bearing lameness, swelling, deformity, and crepitus. Open fractures are common. Prognosis in adults is extremely poor. ## Causes Trauma or propagation of a stress fracture. ## Diagnosis Clinical signs and radiographs. ## 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 Grave in adults. Guarded in foals. ## Prevention Monitoring for stress fractures in racehorses.
acute severe non-weight-bearing forelimb lameness; swelling and deformity of the forearm; crepitus; may be open