Arthroscopic removal of discrete palmar carpal osteochondral fragments in horses: 25 cases (1999-2013).

This research article covers a study on horses with palmar carpal fragmentation, in which small pieces of bone break off in the horse’s wrist. The researchers investigated how pre-existing osteoarthritis and surgical removal of these bone fragments impacted the horses’ outcomes and ability to function.

Research Methods

• The study is based on a retrospective analysis of 25 horses diagnosed with palmar carpal fragmentation. The diagnosis was confirmed through a review of medical records and radiographic images.
• The researchers collected varied data about each case, including how the bone fragment fracture occurred, radiographic findings, and the horse’s health and performance both before and after the surgery to remove the bone fragment.

Findings

• Among the 25 horses in the study, 30 instances of palmar carpal fragmentation were identified. All horses were unilaterally affected, meaning only one of their wrists was affected.
• A majority (68%) of the bone fragment fractures in the horses were reportedly caused by a specific traumatic event. The study specifically noted that 68% of the horses had bone fragments in their antebrachiocarpal joint (the main joint in the wrist), while 28% had fragmentation in their middle carpal joint, and 4% in their carpometacarpal joint.
• The largest number of bone fragments were found in the radial carpal bone (the bone connecting the lower arm to the wrist), followed by the accessory carpal bone (an additional bone in the wrist).
• After going through surgery to remove the bone fragments, 76% of the horses were not lame (i.e., they could walk without difficulty) and were able to return to their normal activities. A smaller portion (16%) were only pasture sound, meaning they were not fit for work but could move well enough for pasture life. Unfortunately, two horses had to be euthanized due to severe post-surgery complications, including osteoarthritis and a long bone fracture.
• Regarding horses with preoperative osteoarthritis, 58% were able to function normally after surgery. Moreover, in the subset of horses with bone fragments in their antebrachiocarpal joint and middle carpal joint, most of them were able to return to their previous activity levels after surgery.

Conclusions

• The results of the study indicate that horses have a good prognosis after the arthroscopic removal of palmar carpal osteochondral fragments. This can be improved by identifying and treating the condition early, before the horses develop osteoarthritis.