Clinical findings associated with chronic ischial fracture in a gelding

An 8-year-old showjumper gelding was referred for examination as a result o f a purchase dispute for reported back pain. Clinical examination identifie d back pain and atrophy of the left semimembranosus and semitendinosus musc les, but no lameness. Standing pelvic radiography demonstrated a chronic no nunion fracture of the left ischium, the clinical significance of which was uncertain. The apparent back pain was thought to be probably unrelated to the pelvic lesion. We conclude that chronic ischial fracture in the horse c an lead to specific atrophy of the semimembranosus and semitendinosus muscl es, which originate from this bone.