Slab fractures extend from one side of the bone to the other ( see figure). There is a higher incidence of slab fractures when corticosteroids are repeatedly injected into the joint. They generally start as small fissures that, with repeated stress to the bone, can turn into a complete fracture. The horse will have mild lameness at the fissure stage, but as soon as it progresses to a fracture this changes to marked lameness and severe pain.