CT Study Reveals Severe Comminution in Greyhound Tarsal Bone Fractures

Computed Tomographic Characteristics of Greyhound Central Tarsal Bone Fractures

Rachel Procter, Tim Pearson

Background

Central tarsal bone fractures are one of the most common major injuries in racing greyhounds, typically affecting the right hind limb due to high cyclic loading during counter-clockwise track racing. Historically, radiographs have been used to classify fractures into five main types, but radiography has limited sensitivity for detecting comminution. Computed tomography (CT) offers improved accuracy, but fracture type distribution has not been previously studied using CT in greyhounds.

Methods

This retrospective study included 66 greyhounds (67 limbs) presented with central tarsal bone fractures between 2017 and 2024 at two referral hospitals in Queensland, Australia. Inclusion required complete medical records and CT imaging. Fractures were classified using a modified Dee system with an additional “luxation” category. Concomitant tarsal injuries were recorded. Statistical tests assessed correlations between fracture type and other injuries.

Results

Of the 67 fractures:
-59 were Type V (severely comminuted)
-6 were Type I dorsal slab fractures
-1 was Type IV fracture
-1 was a luxation
-No Type II or III fractures were identified.

Most injuries (59/67) occurred in the right limb. Concomitant injuries were common (52/67 limbs), most often involving the fourth tarsal bone (30/67) and calcaneus (25/67). Presence of other tarsal injuries strongly predicted severe comminution (positive predictive value: 98.1%).

Limitations

As a retrospective study, potential selection bias and incomplete capture of all cases are possible. Some catastrophic injuries may not have been referred, and less severe cases may have been managed in general practice. Only cases with CT imaging were included, limiting comparison with radiographic diagnoses. The dataset lacked long-term outcome data.

Conclusions

CT imaging revealed that the vast majority of central tarsal bone fractures in racing greyhounds are severely comminuted Type V fractures, in contrast to earlier radiograph-based studies reporting higher rates of reconstructible slab fractures. Concomitant tarsal injuries were highly predictive of severe comminution. CT is recommended as the imaging modality of choice for diagnosis and surgical planning in these cases, while radiographs may significantly underestimate fracture severity.

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