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RF Basal Sesamoid Bone Fracture and Medial Distal Oblique Sesamoid Ligament Rehabilitation
- Case Study 17

Right Fore (RF) basal sesamoid bone fracture in January 2025 following a field injury.

Patient Profile

Age: 2 year old

Ridden History: Prospective Dressage Horse

Date of Injury: January 2025

A 2-year-old dressage prospect sustained a right fore (RF) basal sesamoid bone fracture in January 2025 following a field injury. The horse completed 14 weeks of stall rest before beginning EqueStride rehabilitation on 23.04.2025. Follow-up imaging later identified involvement of the medial distal oblique sesamoidean ligament (MDOSL), which appeared hypoechoic and damaged on ultrasound examination.

At the start of rehabilitation:

  • The horse was sound at walk

  • No significant swelling was present

  • Fetlock posture remained upright without hyperextension

  • Exercise was limited to stable support and short periods of controlled walking

 

Ultrasound and radiographic monitoring showed:

  • Progressive fracture healing

  • Improvement in the MDOSL lesion over time

  • Excellent healing by September 2025

 

Rehabilitation progressed gradually through:

  • Controlled hand walking under sedation

  • Introduction of small paddock turnout with support

  • Progressive increase in turnout duration

  • Introduction of trot work and later lunging exercises

  • Controlled canter introduction during later rehabilitation phases

 

Throughout rehabilitation:

  • The horse remained consistently sound at walk

  • Became sound at trot while wearing EqueStride support

  • No swelling or pain on palpation developed

  • Fetlock stability remained excellent and upright

Outcome

After approximately six months of EqueStride-supported rehabilitation:

  • The fracture and associated ligament injury showed excellent healing

  • The horse successfully progressed to turnout, trot work, lunging, and controlled canter exercise

  • Ultrasound scans confirmed excellent soft tissue repair, with excellent longitudinal fibre pattern

  • A gradual withdrawal plan from EqueStride support was initiated following excellent clinical progress

EqueStride Equine Injury Management

Revolutionising the Rehabilitation of Tendon and Suspensory Ligament Injuries in Horses

We are dedicated to assist with all inquiries related to equine tendon or lower limb injuries, offering customised solutions for specific issues. Reach out to us to discuss how we can support your needs.

Contact Us

Marysborough House,

Glanmire, Co. Cork,

T45 VX26, Ireland.

info@equestride.com

00 353 (0)86 8336677

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