Computed tomography assisted diagnosis and treatment of a comminuted fracture of the plantar aspect of the medial trochlear ridge and the proximal tubercle of the talus in a foal

Abstract

SummaryIsolated fractures of the proximal tubercle of the talus and the medial trochlear ridge of the talus have been reported in the equine literature. A comminuted, intra‐articular fracture of the plantar medial trochlear ridge and proximal tubercle of the talus has not been previously reported. The current case report describes this unique comminuted fracture in a 6‐week‐old Thoroughbred foal with acute onset lameness. The diagnosis was achieved by a combination of radiography, ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) followed by CT arthrography. Surgical removal of the fracture fragments was recommended; the intra‐articular fracture fragments were removed under arthroscopic visualisation of the plantar pouch of the tarsocrural joint; due to ligamentous attachments and partial extra‐articular nature, the fracture fragment of the proximal tubercle of the talus was removed via an arthrotomy extension of the medial arthroscopy portal. On follow‐up examination 12 months post‐operatively, the yearling showed no clinical evidence of lameness or radiographic evidence of secondary degenerative joint disease.