Arthroscopic removal of abaxial fracture fragments of the proximal sesamoid bones in horses: 47 cases (1989-1997).
Abstract: To determine the outcome of horses after arthroscopic removal of abaxial fracture fragments of the proximal sesamoid bone and association of fracture grade with outcome. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 47 horses. Methods: Information obtained from dorsopalmar and dorsoplantar radiographic views of metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints was used to classify fractures as grade 1 ( 25 mm long) and type 1 (abaxial) and type 2 (apical-abaxial). Outcome was determined by whether the horse returned to its intended use, raced in the same class or higher (racehorses), or performed satisfactorily (nonracehorses). Number of starts, performance index, and money earned were also used to evaluate performance of racehorses. Results: Follow-up information was obtained for 41 horses (35 racehorses, 6 nonracehorses). Twenty-five racehorses were able to return to racing (16 in the same class, 9 in a lower class). All 6 nonracehorses were able to return to performance at the same level. Horses with small fracture fragments or fractures involving the abaxial aspect of the proximal sesamoid bone only had a more favorable outcome, compared with horses with large or apical-abaxial fractures. Conclusions: Overall, horses with abaxial fractures of the proximal sesamoid bone have a favorable prognosis for return to racing, but only a fair prognosis for return to racing in the same class, after arthroscopic removal of fracture fragments. Successful results can be expected for nonracehorses.
Publication Date: 1998-10-20 PubMed ID: 9777001
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
The study examines the outcomes of horses after arthroscopic removal of specific bone fracture fragments and how fracture grade impacts these outcomes. The research tracked the recovery of 47 horses, assessing their return to intended use or performance level.
Methodology
- The researchers conducted a retrospective study on 47 horses that had undergone an arthroscopic surgery to remove abaxial fracture fragments of the proximal sesamoid bone.
- Fractures were classified using radiographic views of two different joints. The classification was based on the length of the fractures and whether they were abaxial or apical-abaxial types.
- Three grades of fractures were identified: grade 1 – under 15 millimeters long, grade 2 – between 15 to 25 millimeters long, and grade 3 – over 25 millimeters long.
- Horses’ outcomes were assessed through combination of factors – whether they could return to their intended use, compete in races at the same or higher level (for racehorses), or perform satisfactorily (for nonracehorses).
Results
- Follow-up information was collected for 41 of the horses, 35 of which were racehorses while 6 were not.
- Out of the 35 racehorses, 25 were able to return to racing, with 16 competing at the same level and 9 at a lower level.
- All six non-racehorses were able to return to achieve equivalent performance levels as before their injury.
- Horses with smaller fractures or fractures located on the abaxial aspect of the proximal sesamoid bone showed better recovery compared to those with larger or apical-abaxial fractures.
Conclusions
- The researchers concluded that arthroscopic removal of fracture fragments from the proximal sesamoid bone generally results in horses being able to return to racing, although they may not compete at the same level.
- Non-racehorses showed good recovery and were able to return to their pre-injury performance levels.
- The size and location of the fractures were found to be key factors in determining the prognosis for a horse’s recovery.
Cite This Article
APA
Southwood LL, Trotter GW, McIlwraith CW.
(1998).
Arthroscopic removal of abaxial fracture fragments of the proximal sesamoid bones in horses: 47 cases (1989-1997).
J Am Vet Med Assoc, 213(7), 1016-1021.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins 80523, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Age Factors
- Animals
- Arthroscopy / veterinary
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Forelimb
- Fractures, Bone / classification
- Fractures, Bone / surgery
- Fractures, Bone / veterinary
- Hindlimb
- Horses / injuries
- Horses / surgery
- Male
- Prognosis
- Radiography
- Retrospective Studies
- Sesamoid Bones / diagnostic imaging
- Sesamoid Bones / injuries
- Sesamoid Bones / surgery
- Treatment Outcome
Citations
This article has been cited 0 times.Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
