Horses with fractures restricted to the deltoid tuberosity on the humerus (a bony structure located near the midsection of the humerus, the bone located between the shoulder and elbow joints) can have an excellent prognosis if treated with conservative therapy, according to the results of a recent study completed by Andrew R. Fiske-Jackson, BVSc, MRCVS, a resident in equine surgery at the Royal Veterinary College in the U.K.

Fractures to the deltoid tuberosity (circled) can be successfully healed with conservative treatment.

Humerus fractures are uncommon in horses, notes Fiske-Jackson, as tremendous force is needed to fracture this short, thick bone, and a fracture will result in severe lameness. Generally the cause is a kick or a fall (e.g., on ice), although researchers note that some racehorses suffer stress fractures of the humerus due to the rigors of racing. Surface wounds typically accompany fractures caused by kicks as the skin will split due to the impact, Fiske-Jackson added