Fractures and Luxations of the Hock

Reduction and external coaptation as successful treatment for tarsocrural joint luxation in an Arabian mare

“…Closed reduction and external coaptation is cheaper and technically less demanding, but external coaptation will be needed for extended periods of up to 8 weeks (Moll et al . ; Nixon ). Open reduction and internal fixation, particularly in cases with concurrent fractures, provides better stability, leading to shorter periods of external coaptation and reduction in potential complications.…”

“…The lateral malleolus is the site of attachment of the long and short lateral collateral ligaments of the tarsocrural joint; together with its medial counterparts they are the main stabilisers of the joint (O'Neill and Bladon ). Options for treatment of lateral malleolus fracture on its own include conservative management, removal via arthrotomy or arthroscopy or lag‐screw fixation (Nixon ). The latter can be performed when fragments are >30 mm in size, which might increase the stability of the tarsocrural joint (Auer ).…”

“…Tarsocrural joint luxations are rare and have been infrequently reported. They are regarded as having a poor prognosis for an athletic career and a guarded prognosis for pasture soundness due to difficulty in reduction, accompanying severe soft tissue trauma and associated fractures (Nixon ; Dyson and Ross ; Auer ). This case report describes the successful management and long‐term follow‐up of a mare with a tarsocrural luxation and fracture of the lateral malleolus.…”

Tarsal luxation in the horse: Management options and challenges

“…Tarsal luxations are commonly the result of a severe traumatic disruption, which will typically involve the tarsometatarsal or proximal intertarsal joints, and less often can also involve the tarsocrural joint. Luxation of the distal intertarsal joint is extremely rare due to its relationship with the fourth tarsal bone and to a lesser extent by the fused first and second tarsal bones (Nixon ; Bolt et al . ; Abuja et al .…”

“…). Clinical signs associated with this injury include severe nonweightbearing lameness, soft tissue swelling, palpable instability, crepitus and angular deviations of the limb (Nixon ; Bolt et al . ; Auer ; Abuja et al .…”