Association between navicular bone fragmentation and shape in Belgian Warmblood horses.

The study explores the relationship between the fragmentation of navicular bones in Belgian Warmblood horses and their shape. The findings indicate that distal border fragments may potentially occur due to unfavorable loading of the navicular region, influenced by the shape of the bone.

Scope and Methods

• The research focused on the navicular bones (NB) of warmbloods, specifically Belgian Warmblood horses. The study aimed to understand whether the fragmentation of the distal border of these bones is connected with the shape of the proximal articular border or other radiological findings.
• The methodology involved reviewing radiographs from the front feet of 325 normal, subadult horses that were considered for admission as breeding stallions. The total number of navicular bones examined was 650.

Research Results

• The proximal articular border of the studied navicular bones was categorized into four – straight (278 bones), convex (184 bones), undulating (147 bones), and concave (41 bones).
• Among these, distal border fragments were present in 57 navicular bones (8.8%). The prevalence of fragments was discernibly higher in navicular bones possessing concave (22%) or undulating (13%) proximal articular border. This was compared to the navicular bones with a straight (6%) or convex shape (7%).
• The researchers found no significant correlations apart from the established association between the bone shape and fragmentation.

Conclusions and Implications

• In conclusion, the study found potential evidence suggesting that the fragmentation of the distal border of navicular bones might be a result of unfavorable loading patterns in the navicular region.
• This correlation might bear implications on the force distribution during locomotion in horses due to shape-dependent biomechanics of the navicular bone.
• The study opens up possible further exploration of preventive and therapeutic strategies for conditions associated with navicular bone fragmentation in horses.