Where does a rib fracture on a foal typically occur?

Where does a rib fracture on a foal typically occur?

• A. Single rib at costochondral junction
• B. Ribs ventral to sternum
• C. Multiple ribs dorsal to costochondral junction
• D. Ribs near the thoracic inlet

Answer: (C)

Rib fractures in foals caused by birth trauma tend to involve multiple ribs along the dorsal part of the rib cage, behind the costochondral junction. The forces of passage through the birth canal produce bending and compressive stresses that commonly affect the posterior ribs, and because several ribs are exposed to these stresses together, multiple fractures along the dorsal shaft are typical. In contrast, fractures at the ventral costochondral junction or near the thoracic inlet reflect different injury patterns and are less commonly seen in neonatal rib trauma.

Rib fractures in foals caused by birth trauma tend to involve multiple ribs along the dorsal part of the rib cage, behind the costochondral junction. The forces of passage through the birth canal produce bending and compressive stresses that commonly affect the posterior ribs, and because several ribs are exposed to these stresses together, multiple fractures along the dorsal shaft are typical. In contrast, fractures at the ventral costochondral junction or near the thoracic inlet reflect different injury patterns and are less commonly seen in neonatal rib trauma.