Comminuted fracture of the distal sesamoid bone and distal rupture of the deep digital flexor tendon

• Published in: Veterinary radiology & ultrasound 2005-05, Vol.46 (3), p.234-237
• Main Authors: Hoegaerts, M, Pille, F, Clercq, T. de, Fulton, I.C, Saunders, J.H
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; case studies; computed tomography; deep digital flexor tendon; degeneration; Diagnosis, Differential; distal sesamoid bone; Female; fracture; Fractures, Comminuted - complications; Fractures, Comminuted - diagnosis; Fractures, Comminuted - veterinary; Horse Diseases - diagnosis; Horse Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Horse Diseases - pathology; horses; Horses - injuries; iatrogenic disorders; Lameness, Animal - etiology; navicular disease; Physical Conditioning, Animal; Radiography; rupture; Rupture - complications; Rupture - diagnosis; Rupture - veterinary; Sesamoid Bones - injuries; Tendon Injuries - complications; Tendon Injuries - diagnosis; Tendon Injuries - veterinary; ultrasonography
• ISSN: 1058-8183; 1740-8261
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2005.00039.x

A 10‐year‐old show jumper was evaluated for an acute severe lameness (grade 4 of 5) of the right foreleg. During weight bearing, the toe of the affected limb rotated dorsally suggesting rupture of the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT). Upon radiographic examination of the hoof, a severe erosion at the flexor surface and a parasagittal fracture of the distal sesamoid bone were found. Ultrasonographic examination confirmed rupture of the DDFT. These findings were confirmed on post‐mortem examination. Prior to the acute lameness, the horse was treated with corticosteroid injections into the podotrochlear bursa. Repeated intra‐bursal injections of corticosteroids as a possible cause for DDFT rupture are discussed as well as the possible association between a degenerative distal sesamoid bone, a distal sesamoid bone fracture and a DDFT rupture.