Characterisation of the type and location of fractures of the third metacarpal metatarsal condyles in 135 horses in central Kentucky (1986-1994)

The objective of this retrospective study was to provide a detailed descrip tion of the characteristics of condylar fractures represented in a populati on of 135 horses who sustained 145 fractures, Records and radiographic stud ies were examined. Fifty-nine percent of the horses were male and the major ity Thoroughbreds. The distribution of fractures was 37% incomplete-nondisp laced, 30% complete-nondisplaced and 32% complete-displaced, The right fron t was more likely to sustain a complete-displaced fracture, whereas the lef t front was more likely to sustain an incomplete-nondisplaced fracture. For elimbs (81%) and lateral condyles (85%) were more likely to be involved. Co ntrary to previous studies, the right forelimb was slightly more often invo lved than the left, Fractures tended to involve the middle portion of the c ondyle (59%), The mean length of all fractures was 75 +/- 3.8 mm, Axial fra ctures and medial condyle fractures tended to be longer. Fifteen percent of the fractures had definitive articular comminution, Ninety-five percent of fractures with articular comminution were associated with complete fractur es, When fractures entered the middle area of the condyle, 23% had articula r comminution, Eight of the fractures spiralled, all involved forelimbs, Co ncurrent lesions included proximal phalanx chip fractures, sesamoid fractur es, sesamoiditis, proximal phalanx fractures, 'splint' bone periostitis and ligamentous injuries,The complete description of the: fractures in this gr oup of horses allows us better to define the condylar fracture, compare the se fractures to previous studies and establish new data for use in defining prognosis.