Rib fracture as a cause of hindlimb lameness in a horse

Abstract

SummaryA 2‐year‐old racing Thoroughbred gelding in training was presented with moderate (6/10) right hindlimb lameness unresponsive to regional anaesthesia of the right hindlimb. Gamma scintigraphic examination revealed severe, focal, increased radio‐pharmaceutical uptake over the dorsal aspect of the right 18th rib, which had an abnormal contour. Ultrasonographic examination of this area confirmed the presence of a complete, displaced fracture of the proximal aspect of the right 18th rib. Local infiltration with anaesthetic solution around the right 18th right rib (10 mL cranial and 10 mL caudal to the fracture site) abolished the right hindlimb lameness. A diagnosis of rib fracture causing moderate ipsilateral hindlimb lameness was made. The horse returned to walking exercise after 12 weeks of rest and was reported to be sound on the same limb 12 months after presentation. Caudal rib fractures should be considered as a possible cause of hindlimb lameness. Local diagnostic anaesthesia around the fracture site can aid localisation of the origin of lameness.

Rib fractures in horses

“…The case report by (Jimenez-Rihuete et al, 2024) describes an interesting case of rib fracture in a racehorse with an attributable hindlimb lameness. This case is the first to suggest that caudal rib fractures are a cause of hindlimb lameness and peri-regional diagnostic analgesia of a rib fracture can be used to alleviate hindlimb lameness.…”

“…In this case of hindlimb lameness due to a fracture of the 18th rib (Jimenez-Rihuete et al, 2024), the horse took 12 months to recover and resume ridden exercise with conservative therapy.…”