What are the options for treating broken legs in horses?

chronic pain from the injury. This is also not acceptable for his welfare. These are just some of the factors that may lead an owner and veterinarian to decide that euthanasia is the most realistic and painfree option for the horse. 
So what can we do for broken legs?
Well this mostly depends on where the break is and what type of break it is. If we are dealing with severe fractures of the long leg bones like the femur radius humerus or tibia theres often no other option than euthanasia. That said in foals given their small size and weights we may be able to attempt some form of treatment.  
Rest and symptomatic care
Breaks of the third phalanx the coffin bone that are clean and not displaced can often be treated with a corrective shoe whilst the fracture heals. Fractures involving small chips may require arthroscopy for removal of the fragments. While fractures of the second and fourth metatarsal and metacarpal bones the splint bones may require surgical removal to allow healing. Rest may also be sufficient for the healing of minor fractures of smaller bones in the hock or knee. 
Following rest the horse will be gradually turned out before being assessed for its suitability to return to work and an appropriate rehabilitation routine will be devised to give it the best chance of a good recovery.  
Surgery
Surgery is often required for fractures that have become displaced are more severe unstable or affect other soft tissue structures like the sesamoid bones. Pins plates and screws are used to stabilise and reduce the fracture. We can now even perform standing surgery for some fractures using local anaesthesia helping to avoid the potential complications of a general anaesthesia where the knockdown and recovery processes are all potentially detrimental to a fracture. 
Even when surgery is appropriate it is still just the start of the treatment process. The horse must undergo a prolonged period of strict rest perhaps in conjunction with other modalities like shockwave therapy before it can be given the all clear to begin a rehabilitation program which will help restore the movement and function of the affected leg and help its return to fitness.  
Appropriate attention to the recovery phase is very important carefully recuperating a horse and later guiding him through a dedicated rehabilitation program can make the difference between retirement and successful return to his prior use.