Proximal physeal fractures
Fracture characteristics
Proximal physeal fractures occur exclusively in foals and are usually the result of a kick by another horse horse or secondary to an entrapment injury.
Typically the fracture extends across the lateral proximal radial physis and breaks into the medial metaphysis and is usually accompanied by a fracture of the ulna at or near the same level of the radial fracture.
Degree and direction of displacement is variable and dependent upon configuration of the fracture and severity of the inciting injury.
On rare occasion the displacement is cranial and there may be injury to the radial nerve as it crosses the cranial aspect of the proximal radius.
Clinical signs
Affected foals present with non-weight-bearing lameness. Axial instability and varus angulation originating in the region of the elbow are also present. Variable degrees of soft-tissue swelling are usually evident in the proximal radius.
