Low‐field MRI findings and follow‐up of central tarsal bone fractures in four non‐racehorses

SummaryBackgroundCentral tarsal bone fractures in non‐racehorses are uncommon and their MRI appearance and follow‐up have not been described.ObjectivesTo describe the clinical and MRI characteristics and follow‐up of central tarsal bone fractures in non‐racehorses.Study designRetrospective descriptive case series.MethodsThe low‐field MRI appearance of central tarsal bone fractures in sports horses identified over a 9‐year period, was reviewed. Follow‐up MRI examinations, treatment and clinical outcome were included.ResultsFour horses with five vertical fractures of the central tarsal bone were included. There were three Warmbloods, of which two were showjumpers and one a dressage horse, and one Quarter Horse used for western performance. All fractures could consistently be visualised on low‐field standing MRI and were associated with marked sclerosis in the surrounding bone, with little to no associated bone marrow lesion of the central tarsal bone. One horse had bilateral fractures. Three fractures were complete (full‐thickness) slab fractures and two were incomplete (partial‐thickness) slab fractures. Fractures occurred in a consistent dorsomedial to plantarolateral oblique orientation and were non‐displaced. Incomplete fractures occurred at the dorsomedial proximal aspect of the central tarsal bone. All horses were treated conservatively initially. The dressage horse with bilateral fractures and the Quarter Horse remained lame after conservative treatment and were subsequently treated surgically. Three horses returned to their previous level of performance, one horse in spite of persistent MRI evidence of a fracture line (non‐union), while the Quarter Horse returned to a lower level of reining.Main limitationsSmall number of horses.ConclusionsStanding low‐field MRI is helpful in the diagnosis of central tarsal bone fractures. Central tarsal bone fractures occur in a dorsomedial to plantarolateral orientation in sports horses, can be complete or incomplete, unilateral or bilateral and remain non‐displaced. The prognosis is good for return to performance.