Fractures of the talus usually occur secondary to external trauma (eg, kick from another horse) or during high-speed exercise. The most commonly reported fractures of the talus are located in the trochlear ridges (see ). These fractures are associated with moderate to severe tarsocrural joint effusion and lameness, depending on the size of the fracture.
Dorsomedial-plantarolateral radiograph of a horse, showing a complete, oblique fracture of the lateral trochlear ridge of the talus, with proximal and lateral displacement.
Courtesy of Dr. Hilary Rice.
Diagnosis of talus fractures is based on standard radiographic views of the tarsus, plus flexed lateral views to assess the plantar aspect of the talus.
Arthroscopic removal of small fracture fragments is recommended to minimize the development of osteoarthritis in the joint. Larger talus fractures can be repaired using cortical screws in lag fashion under arthroscopic guidance to regain the integrity of the joint surface. Sagittal fractures of the talus are rare and occur most commonly in racehorses.
Horses with talus fractures present with moderate to severe effusion of the tarsocrural joint and lameness. These fractures are often incomplete or nondisplaced, making them challenging to diagnose with standard radiographic views. Nuclear scintigraphy and CT are occasionally required for accurate diagnosis. CT is recommended for preoperative planning of surgical implants.
With surgical repair of acute, simple sagittal fractures, the prognosis for return to athletic function is fair. In the case of comminuted fractures of the talus (see ), the prognosis for return to athletic function is guarded to poor.
Dorsolateral-plantaromedial radiograph of a horse, showing a severely comminuted fracture of the talus and calcaneus.
Courtesy of Dr. Hilary Rice.
For More Information
Also see pet owner content regarding disorders of the tarsus in horses.
