Distribution of Pelvic Fractures in Racing and Non-racing Sport Horses: A Retrospective Study of 86 Cases Examined in a Referral Centre

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to analyse the pelvic fracture distribution and location in a referral centre caseload.

Materials and Methods Medical records of 6,717 horses examined in a referral centre over a 7-year period were reviewed to identify all horses diagnosed with a pelvic fracture. Eighty-six horses were identified and divided into three disciplines, namely Thoroughbred racehorses (TBR), Standardbred trotter racehorses (STR) and non-racing sport horses (NRSH).

Results A pelvic fracture was diagnosed in 1.3% of the cases examined during the study period. Prevalence was significantly higher in TBR (4.2%) and, regardless of the discipline, in horses under the age of 6 years (2.2%) (p < 0.01). STR were significantly younger than TBR and NRSH at the time of fracture (median ages = 1, 3 and 4 years old, respectively; p < 0.01). The fractures occurred most frequently in the ilium (44/86). No ilial wing fractures were diagnosed in STR and isolated acetabular fractures were only diagnosed in foals and yearlings. Fatigue fractures were diagnosed in TBR alone, affecting 9/22 TBR (foals and yearlings excluded) and most often located in the ilial wing (7 fatigue fractures out of the 12 ilial wing fractures) (p < 0.01). The median age of horses suffering from a pelvic fatigue fracture was 4 years.

Clinical Significance This study confirms that young horses (under the age of 6 years) as well as TBR are likely to be at higher risk of a pelvic fracture. Fatigue fractures of the ilial wing seem to be a rare condition in STR while they are more frequent in young TBR in training.

Keywords

pelvis - fracture - racehorses - sport horses - equine

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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