SEQUESTRUM FORMATION IN THE DISTAL RADIAL DIAPHYSIS IN 4 HORSES

Sequestrum formation is a common sequela of metacarpal and metatarsal injuries in horses, whereas sequestration in long bones is less freque nt. This report deals with cortical sequestrum formation with fistulat ion in the distal medial radial diaphysis in 4 horses. Despite several oblique views, fissure lines or fracture lines were not detectable ra diographically. Three horses were subjected to sequestrotomy. During r ecovery, two of the horses suffered from a comminuted fracture of the radius and had to be euthanized. During necropsy, old fissure lines ar ising from the sequester location could be identified in both fracture d radial bones. One horse recovered uneventfully, one was treated con servatively. It is concluded, that in cases of sequestration of the di stomedial radius radiographically undetectable fissure lines may be pr e sent, placing the animal at risk for radius fractures during recover y.