Introduction to radial fractures
1. Causes
Fractures of the equine radius are usually secondary to trauma, often caused by a kick by another horse.
2. Fracture types overview
The most common types of radial fractures are:
- Proximal physeal fracture (I)
- Diaphyseal fractures
- Incomplete fissure fracture (II)
-Mid-diaphyseal transverse fractures (III)
- "Other" simple fractures (IV)
- Comminuted (V) - Distal physeal fracture (VI)
3. Imaging
A complete series of radiographs, including DP, LM and oblique views are necessary to demonstrate the fracture and delineate all fracture lines.
Left: complete series of a comminuted diaphyseal radius fracture (V) in a pony.
