The dorsal cortical fracture drilled to allow endosteal migration to the fracture. A lag screw used to compress the stress fracture. The screw will be removed in 6-8 weeks. Traumatic fractures in adults have a poor prognosis. The prognosis is grave if the nutrient artery is cut by the fracture or if the fracture is compound with contamination.
Foals have a better prognosis for physeal fractures and transverse fractures.
Non-displaced stress fractures normally have a good prognosis. The prognosis of displaced fractures depends on the amount of joint damage. The prognosis for dorsal cortical fractures is good though there is a slight chance for recurrence at either another site or the same site. Particularly susceptible is the third carpal bone, the distal radial carpal bone, the proximal intermediate carpal bone, and the lateral and medial distal radius. These areas appear to absorb the shock of the concussion.