## Overview Stress fractures are incomplete cracks from repetitive loading rather than a single traumatic event. They are common in racehorses in bones such as the tibia, humerus, pelvis, and cannon. Early signs are subtle lameness or poor performance. Bone scan detects them before complete fracture occurs. Rest allows healing. ## Causes Cyclical fatigue of bone. ## Diagnosis Nuclear scintigraphy. Radiographs may be normal early. ## Treatment Strict rest, often 60 to 90 days or longer depending on the bone. ## Recovery and Prognosis Excellent if rested before propagation. Catastrophic if the fracture completes. ## Prevention Monitoring of racehorses and modification of training when early soreness appears.
subtle lameness or poor performance; positive bone scan; radiographs often normal early; risk of catastrophic completion
## Overview Stress fractures are incomplete cracks from repetitive loading rather than a single traumatic event. They are common in racehorses in bones such as the tibia, humerus, pelvis, and cannon. Early signs are subtle lameness or poor performance. Bone scan detects them before complete fracture occurs. Rest allows healing. ## Causes Cyclical fatigue of bone. ## Diagnosis Nuclear scintigraphy. Radiographs may be normal early. ## Treatment Strict rest, often 60 to 90 days or longer depending on the bone. ## Recovery and Prognosis Excellent if rested before propagation. Catastrophic if the fracture completes. ## Prevention Monitoring of racehorses and modification of training when early soreness appears.
subtle lameness or poor performance; positive bone scan; radiographs often normal early; risk of catastrophic completion