Outcome of Pelvic Fractures Identified in 75 Horses in a Referral Centre: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of fracture location and horse sporting discipline as prognostic indicators after a pelvic fracture in a referral centre caseload.

Materials and Methods Data were collected for the short- and long-term follow-up of all cases with a diagnosis of pelvic fracture in a 7-year period. Information was obtained for 75 horses through a postal and internet survey. The proportion of horses returning to competition following fractures was compared between groups according to the competition discipline and the characteristics of the fracture.

Results Forty-six of 75 horses returned to or began their intended activity. This proportion was significantly lower in the group of horses that sustained a comminuted fracture irrespective of the fracture location (11/25, p = 0.05). The proportion of Standardbred trotter racehorses returning to a sporting career after pelvic fracture (9/20) was not significantly different from horses competing in other disciplines (37/55). Cases of multiple pelvic fractures in the study population, and particularly those involving the acetabulum, had the worst sports prognosis (2/8 and 0/4). Nevertheless, two foals and one yearling (3/5) with isolated fracture of the acetabulum went on to race.

Clinical Significance A clear characterization of the fracture is essential for prognosis, as comminuted fractures seem to entail a poorer athletic prognosis. Despite a lack of significance, prognosis seems poorer for Standardbred trotter racehorses and for cases with acetabulum involvement in multiple fractures. These results should be confirmed in larger samples.

Keywords

pelvis - fracture - athletic prognosis - racehorses - sporthorses

Author Contribution

Claire H. Moiroud contributed to conception of study, study design, acquisition of data and data analysis and interpretation. Virginie Coudry contributed to conception of study and data analysis and interpretation. Jean-Marie Denoix contributed to conception of study, study design and data analysis and interpretation. All authors drafted, revised and approved the submitted manuscript.

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