FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 10000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Equine veterinary journal. Supplement2007; (36); 411-416; doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2006.tb05578.x

Association of type of sport and performance level with anatomical site of orthopaedic injury diagnosis.

Abstract: Although anecdotal reports of increased orthopaedic injury risk in equine sports exist, there is little scientific evidence to support this. Objective: To test whether horses undertaking a single competitive sport have increased risk of specific injuries compared to those used for general purpose riding (GP); and whether injury type varies with sport category and performance level. Methods: Data from 1069 records of horses undergoing orthopaedic evaluation (1998-2003) and meeting inclusion criteria were reviewed. Sport category (GP, showjumping, dressage, eventing, racing), level (nonelite or elite) and diagnosis were recorded. Effects of sport category and level on probability of a specific diagnosis were assessed using chi-squared tests. Logistic regression was used to determine which competitive sports and levels increased risk of injury compared with GP. Results: Overall there was a significant effect of sport category and level on diagnosis (P<0.0001). There was significant difference between anatomical site injured and sport category (P<0.0001); a high risk of forelimb superficial digital flexor tendon injury in elite eventing (P<0.0001) and elite showjumping (P = 0.02); distal deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) injury in elite showjumping (P = 0.002); and hindlimb suspensory ligament injury in elite (P<0.0001) and nonelite (P = 0.001) dressage. There was a low risk of tarsal injury in elite eventing (P = 0.01) and proximal DDFT injury in dressage (P = 0.01). Conclusions: Horses competing in different sports are predisposed to specific injuries; particular sports may increase the risk of injury at certain anatomical sites; and the type and site of injury may reflect the type and level of performance. Conclusions: These findings could guide clinicians in the diagnosis of sport related injuries.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2007-04-04 PubMed ID: 17402457DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2006.tb05578.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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.
LinkedInCopy
  • 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.

This research studies the correlation between different types of sports and performance levels as indicators of specific orthopaedic injury risks in horses. The study reveals that certain competitive sports and performance levels may lead to higher chances of specific injuries compared to general-purpose riding. The findings may be beneficial for clinicians in diagnosing sport-related injuries in horses.

Research Methodology and Data Collection

  • The researchers collected data from 1,069 horses that underwent orthopaedic evaluation from 1998 till 2003. All horses met the inclusion criteria set by the researchers.
  • The sport category (general-purpose riding, showjumping, dressage, eventing, racing), performance level (non-elite or elite), and diagnosis were all documented for analysis.
  • The analysis was focused on assessing the effects of the sport category and performance level on the likelihood of a particular diagnosis.
  • The tools used for the assessment were chi-squared tests and logistic regression. Chi-squared tests were utilized to evaluate the possible relationships, and logistic regression helped in identifying which competitive sports and levels increased injury risk compared to general-purpose riding.

Key Findings

  • The study confirms a significant influence of sport category and performance level on the type of injury that may occur in horses.
  • There was a noticeable difference in the anatomical site of injury based on the sport category.
  • The research highlighted a higher risk of forelimb superficial digital flexor tendon injury in elite eventing and elite showjumping.
  • Elite showjumping also showed a greater possibility of distal deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) injuries.
  • Elite and non-elite dressage condition had a high propensity for hindlimb suspensory ligament injuries.
  • There was a lower risk of tarsal injury in elite eventing and proximal DDFT injuries in dressage.

Significance of the Findings

  • The research illuminates how the risk of specific injuries in horses can substantially vary depending on the type of sport and the performance level of the horse.
  • This information can be extremely useful to clinicians as it guides them in accurate diagnoses of sport-related injuries in horses.
  • The understanding of potential risks and injuries can also contribute to amending training practices and prevention strategies in horse-related sports.

Cite This Article

APA
Murray RC, Dyson SJ, Tranquille C, Adams V. (2007). Association of type of sport and performance level with anatomical site of orthopaedic injury diagnosis. Equine Vet J Suppl(36), 411-416. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2006.tb05578.x

Publication

Equine veterinary journal. Supplement
NlmUniqueID: 9614088
Country: United States
Language: English
Issue: 36
Pages: 411-416

Researcher Affiliations

Murray, R C
  • Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kenfford, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7UU, UK.
Dyson, S J
    Tranquille, C
      Adams, V

        MeSH Terms

        • Animals
        • Athletic Injuries / diagnosis
        • Athletic Injuries / etiology
        • Athletic Injuries / veterinary
        • Bone and Bones / injuries
        • Chi-Square Distribution
        • Diagnosis, Differential
        • Female
        • Horses / injuries
        • Horses / physiology
        • Logistic Models
        • Male
        • Physical Conditioning, Animal / adverse effects
        • Physical Conditioning, Animal / physiology
        • Physical Examination / veterinary
        • Risk Factors
        • Sports

        Citations

        This article has been cited 37 times.
        1. Rohlf CM, Garcia TC, Marsh LJ, Acutt EV, le Jeune SS, Stover SM. Effects of Jumping Phase, Leading Limb, and Arena Surface Type on Forelimb Hoof Movement. Animals (Basel) 2023 Jun 27;13(13).
          doi: 10.3390/ani13132122pubmed: 37443919google scholar: lookup
        2. Baccarin RYA, Seidel SRT, Michelacci YM, Tokawa PKA, Oliveira TM. Osteoarthritis: a common disease that should be avoided in the athletic horse's life. Anim Front 2022 Jun;12(3):25-36.
          doi: 10.1093/af/vfac026pubmed: 35711506google scholar: lookup
        3. Hobbs SJ, Clayton HM. The Olympic motto through the lens of equestrian sports. Anim Front 2022 Jun;12(3):45-53.
          doi: 10.1093/af/vfac025pubmed: 35711501google scholar: lookup
        4. Melotti L, Carolo A, Elshazly N, Boesso F, Da Dalt L, Gabai G, Perazzi A, Iacopetti I, Patruno M. Case Report: Repeated Intralesional Injections of Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cells Combined With Platelet-Rich Plasma for Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon Healing in a Show Jumping Horse. Front Vet Sci 2022;9:843131.
          doi: 10.3389/fvets.2022.843131pubmed: 35252428google scholar: lookup
        5. Riley CB, Rogers CW, Thompson KR, Guiver D, Padalino B. A Survey-Based Analysis of Injuries to Horses Associated with Transport by Road in New Zealand. Animals (Basel) 2022 Jan 21;12(3).
          doi: 10.3390/ani12030259pubmed: 35158585google scholar: lookup
        6. O' Brien C, Pegg J. A Preliminary Investigation into Ridden Water Submersion Training as an Adjunct to Current Condition Training Protocols in Performance Horses. Animals (Basel) 2021 Sep 7;11(9).
          doi: 10.3390/ani11092629pubmed: 34573594google scholar: lookup
        7. Maleas G, Mageed M. Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma and Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate as Treatments for Chronic Hindlimb Proximal Suspensory Desmopathy. Front Vet Sci 2021;8:678453.
          doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.678453pubmed: 34222402google scholar: lookup
        8. Dyson S, Pollard D. Application of the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram to Horses Competing at the Hickstead-Rotterdam Grand Prix Challenge and the British Dressage Grand Prix National Championship 2020 and Comparison with World Cup Grand Prix Competitions. Animals (Basel) 2021 Jun 18;11(6).
          doi: 10.3390/ani11061820pubmed: 34207251google scholar: lookup
        9. Sapone M, Martin P, Ben Mansour K, Chateau H, Marin F. The Protraction and Retraction Angles of Horse Limbs: An Estimation during Trotting Using Inertial Sensors. Sensors (Basel) 2021 May 30;21(11).
          doi: 10.3390/s21113792pubmed: 34070859google scholar: lookup
        10. Ribitsch I, Oreff GL, Jenner F. Regenerative Medicine for Equine Musculoskeletal Diseases. Animals (Basel) 2021 Jan 19;11(1).
          doi: 10.3390/ani11010234pubmed: 33477808google scholar: lookup
        11. Mostafa MB, Elemmawy YM. Relationships between morphometric measurements and musculoskeletal disorders in jumping Thoroughbred horses. J Equine Sci 2020 Jun;31(2):23-27.
          doi: 10.1294/jes.31.23pubmed: 32617072google scholar: lookup
        12. Yamada ALM, Pinheiro M, Marsiglia MF, Hagen SCF, Baccarin RYA, da Silva LCLC. Ultrasound and clinical findings in the metacarpophalangeal joint assessment of show jumping horses in training. J Vet Sci 2020 May;21(3):e21.
          doi: 10.4142/jvs.2020.21.e21pubmed: 32476309google scholar: lookup
        13. Sapone M, Martin P, Ben Mansour K, Château H, Marin F. Comparison of Trotting Stance Detection Methods from an Inertial Measurement Unit Mounted on the Horse's Limb. Sensors (Basel) 2020 May 25;20(10).
          doi: 10.3390/s20102983pubmed: 32466104google scholar: lookup
        14. Read RM, Boys-Smith S, Bathe AP. Subclinical Ultrasonographic Abnormalities of the Suspensory Ligament Branches Are Common in Elite Showjumping Warmblood Horses. Front Vet Sci 2020;7:117.
          doi: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00117pubmed: 32258068google scholar: lookup
        15. Ribitsch I, Gueltekin S, Keith MF, Minichmair K, Peham C, Jenner F, Egerbacher M. Age-related changes of tendon fibril micro-morphology and gene expression. J Anat 2020 Apr;236(4):688-700.
          doi: 10.1111/joa.13125pubmed: 31792963google scholar: lookup
        16. Johnson S, Symons J. Measuring Volumetric Changes of Equine Distal Limbs: A Pilot Study Examining Jumping Exercise. Animals (Basel) 2019 Sep 30;9(10).
          doi: 10.3390/ani9100751pubmed: 31575002google scholar: lookup
        17. Seghrouchni M, Bollo E, Piro M, Alyakine H, Bouayad H, Chakir J, Azrib R, Allali KE. Osteochondroma of the First Phalanx in Tbourida Horses. Front Vet Sci 2018;5:328.
          doi: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00328pubmed: 30671439google scholar: lookup
        18. Riccio B, Fraschetto C, Villanueva J, Cantatore F, Bertuglia A. Two Multicenter Surveys on Equine Back-Pain 10 Years a Part. Front Vet Sci 2018;5:195.
          doi: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00195pubmed: 30191152google scholar: lookup
        19. Beerts C, Suls M, Broeckx SY, Seys B, Vandenberghe A, Declercq J, Duchateau L, Vidal MA, Spaas JH. Tenogenically Induced Allogeneic Peripheral Blood Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Allogeneic Platelet-Rich Plasma: 2-Year Follow-up after Tendon or Ligament Treatment in Horses. Front Vet Sci 2017;4:158.
          doi: 10.3389/fvets.2017.00158pubmed: 29018808google scholar: lookup
        20. Rhodin M, Egenvall A, Haubro Andersen P, Pfau T. Head and pelvic movement asymmetries at trot in riding horses in training and perceived as free from lameness by the owner. PLoS One 2017;12(4):e0176253.
          doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176253pubmed: 28441406google scholar: lookup
        21. Rogers CW, Bolwell CF, Gee EK. Proactive Management of the Equine Athlete. Animals (Basel) 2012 Dec 19;2(4):640-55.
          doi: 10.3390/ani2040640pubmed: 26487168google scholar: lookup
        22. Marković L, Vićić I, Lazarević Macanović M, Francuski Andrić J, Kovačević Filipović M, Radaković M. Degenerative Changes in MCP/MTP Joints of Working Horses Without Lameness: Integrating CT-Based Assessment and Synovial Fluid Biomarkers. Animals (Basel) 2025 Nov 24;15(23).
          doi: 10.3390/ani15233392pubmed: 41375451google scholar: lookup
        23. Boado A, Pollard D, Lopez-Sanroman FJ, Dyson S. Orthopaedic Injuries in 272 Dressage Horses: A Retrospective Study. Animals (Basel) 2025 Oct 14;15(20).
          doi: 10.3390/ani15202972pubmed: 41153899google scholar: lookup
        24. Tommasa SD, Raspe S, Farí G, Imperante A, Brehm W. Autologous conditioned serum IRAP efficacy for tendon and ligament injuries in horses: An observational study. Open Vet J 2025;15(8):3787-3793.
          doi: 10.5455/OVJ.2025.v15.i8.43pubmed: 41036008google scholar: lookup
        25. Freeman KD, Adams MN, Salinger AE, White NA 2nd, Barrett JG. Comparison of Two Surgical Techniques for the Treatment of Equine Hindlimb Proximal Suspensory Desmopathy. Animals (Basel) 2025 Sep 4;15(17).
          doi: 10.3390/ani15172598pubmed: 40941393google scholar: lookup
        26. Tranquille C, Nankervis K, Tacey J, Hopkins E, Deckers I, Walker V, MacKechnie-Guire R, Newton R, Murray R. Does Muscle Development of Sport Horses Using Water Treadmill Exercise as Part of a Long-Term Training Programme Differ from That of Horses Not Using Water Treadmill Exercise?. Animals (Basel) 2025 Aug 19;15(16).
          doi: 10.3390/ani15162426pubmed: 40867754google scholar: lookup
        27. Uldahl M, Mellor DJ. Regulatory Integrity and Welfare in Horse Sport: A Constructively Critical Perspective. Animals (Basel) 2025 Jun 30;15(13).
          doi: 10.3390/ani15131934pubmed: 40646833google scholar: lookup
        28. Boado A, Pollard D, Dyson S. A Retrospective Study of the Evolution of Orthopaedic Injuries in 70 Dressage Horses. Animals (Basel) 2025 Jun 12;15(12).
          doi: 10.3390/ani15121740pubmed: 40564292google scholar: lookup
        29. Davis EL, Wood AD, Potier JFN. Prevalence and Progression of Resting ACTH, Insulin and Adiponectin Values as Indicators of Suspected Endocrine Diseases in Sport Horses and Ponies Compared to Non-Sport Horses, Ponies and Donkeys. Animals (Basel) 2025 May 1;15(9).
          doi: 10.3390/ani15091316pubmed: 40362130google scholar: lookup
        30. Scharf A, Acutt E, Bills K, Werpy N. Magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosing and managing deep digital flexor tendinopathy in equine athletes: Insights, advances and future directions. Equine Vet J 2025 Sep;57(5):1183-1203.
          doi: 10.1111/evj.14508pubmed: 40314097google scholar: lookup
        31. Guest DJ, Birch HL, Thorpe CT. A review of the equine suspensory ligament: Injury prone yet understudied. Equine Vet J 2025 Sep;57(5):1167-1182.
          doi: 10.1111/evj.14447pubmed: 39604165google scholar: lookup
        32. Tranquille CA, Chojnacka K, Murray RC. Musculoskeletal Injury and Illness Patterns in British Eventing Horses: A Descriptive Study. Animals (Basel) 2024 Sep 13;14(18).
          doi: 10.3390/ani14182667pubmed: 39335262google scholar: lookup
        33. Schiavo S, Beccati F, Pokora R, Lin ST, Milmine RC, Bak L, Peter VG, Murray RC. Lesion Distribution in the Metacarpophalangeal and Metatarsophalangeal Region of 341 Horses Using Standing Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Animals (Basel) 2024 Jun 25;14(13).
          doi: 10.3390/ani14131866pubmed: 38997978google scholar: lookup
        34. Carlier S, Depuydt E, Van Hecke L, Martens A, Saunders J, Spaas JH. Safety assessment of equine allogeneic tenogenic primed mesenchymal stem cells in horses with naturally occurring tendon and ligament injuries. Front Vet Sci 2024;11:1282697.
          doi: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1282697pubmed: 38468694google scholar: lookup
        35. Shelton AV, Tupper J, Bolt DM. Prejudicial findings regarding suitability for intended purpose during pre-purchase examinations in a mixed horse population-A retrospective observational study in the United Kingdom. Equine Vet J 2025 Jan;57(1):153-159.
          doi: 10.1111/evj.14061pubmed: 38233362google scholar: lookup
        36. Pechanec MY, Mienaltowski MJ. Decoding the transcriptomic expression and genomic methylation patterns in the tendon proper and its peritenon region in the aging horse. BMC Res Notes 2023 Oct 11;16(1):267.
          doi: 10.1186/s13104-023-06562-1pubmed: 37821884google scholar: lookup
        37. Shojaee A. Equine tendon mechanical behaviour: Prospects for repair and regeneration applications. Vet Med Sci 2023 Sep;9(5):2053-2069.
          doi: 10.1002/vms3.1205pubmed: 37471573google scholar: lookup
        Subscribe to our newsletter
        Join 99,780 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.