CHIP FRACTURES OF THE INTERMEDIATE CARPAL BONE IN THE HORSE - CORRELATION BETWEEN RADIOGRAPHIC AND ARTHROSCOPIC FINDINGS

A retrospective survey on the distribution of fractures within the rad iocarpal joint in horses that underwent arthroscopic surgery at the Bo ren Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Oklahoma State University be tween September 1989 and September 1992 was performed. Evaluation of t he incidence of fractures in this joint revealed the distal dorsal mar gin of the radius was the most affected bone. The intermediate carpal bone was the second most affected bone and the proximal dorsal medial surface (PDMS) was the most frequently affected area on the intermedia te carpal bone. A thorough morphologic radiographic exam was required to consistently establish an accurate diagnosis and consisted of five standard views and sky-line projections of the proximal row of carpal bones and distal radius. During arthroscopic surgery, this area requir ed careful visual examination and mechanical probing due to the high i ncidence of multiple fractures observed at this site.