Basal sesamoidean fractures in horses: 57 cases (1980-1991).
Abstract: Medical records of 57 horses admitted between 1980 and 1991 because of basal sesamoidean fractures were evaluated. Radiographic measurements of fragment size and fracture characteristics were recorded to determine their relationship to outcome. A successful outcome was assessed on the basis of the ability to return to racing, ability to race more than one time, and ability to finish first, second, or third. Any change in racing class also was assessed. There was a significant (P < 0.001) overrepresentation of Thoroughbreds, compared with other breeds in the hospital population. Fractures of the forelimbs accounted for 50 of the 57 fractures, and the right front medial sesamoid was affected significantly (P < 0.0001) more frequently than other proximal sesamoids. Fifty-nine percent of the horses returned to race at least 1 time regardless of treatment, and 41% finished first, second, or third. Horses with smaller fragments (shorter dorsopalmar length) tended to do better than horses with larger fragments. Horses without comminuted fractures tended to do better than horses with comminuted fractures, and horses with fragments only mildly (< 3 mm) displaced had significantly (P 3 mm) displacement of fragments raced more than once, whereas 63% of horses with mild displacement of fragments returned to race more than once. Seventy-three percent of the horses that had the fragment removed surgically returned to race, and 57% dropped in class. Only 48% of the horses that did not have the fragment removed returned to race, and 87% dropped in class.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Publication Date: 1993-04-15 PubMed ID: 8496091
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research analyzes data from 57 horses treated for basal sesamoidean fractures over an 11-year period, studying the size and characteristics of the fractures and their impact on the horses’ ability to return to racing.
Study Overview
- The study reviewed medical records between 1980 and 1991, focusing on horses that were admitted due to fractures in the basal sesamoid, which is a bone situated at the back of the horse’s foot.
- Various parameters were observed in the study, including radiographic measurements of the size of the fracture fragments, characteristics of the fracture, and the relationship of these factors with the outcome.
- The study specifically assessed the success of the outcome based on specific criteria: the horse’s ability to return to racing; its capacity to race more than once; and its ability to finish in the top three positions in a race.
- The researchers also considered the changes in each horse’s racing class for evaluation of outcomes.
Key Findings
- The study found a statistically significant overrepresentation of Thoroughbreds in the sample, when compared with other horse breeds admitted to the hospital.
- Among fractures reviewed, 50 out of 57 were located in the forelimbs, and fractures were most commonly seen specifically in the right front medial sesamoid bone.
- The study indicated that treatment effectiveness varied based on the size and characteristics of the fracture. Horses with smaller fragments, less complex fractures, and mild displacements (< 3mm) had significantly better outcomes.
- Outcomes were less promising for horses with moderate to severe fragment displacement (> 3mm). Only 19% of these horses were able to race more than once post-injury.
- Results suggested that surgical intervention improved outcomes. 73% of horses who had their fracture fragments surgically removed were able to return to racing, compared to 48% of horses that did not undergo this procedure.
- However, most of the horses experienced a drop in racing class post-injury, regardless of treatment. This drop in class was more pronounced in horses that did not have the fragment removed (87%) compared to those that had undergone surgery (57%).
Cite This Article
APA
Parente EJ, Richardson DW, Spencer P.
(1993).
Basal sesamoidean fractures in horses: 57 cases (1980-1991).
J Am Vet Med Assoc, 202(8), 1293-1297.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Studies, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square 19348.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Breeding
- Female
- Forelimb / injuries
- Fractures, Bone / therapy
- Fractures, Bone / veterinary
- Horses / injuries
- Lameness, Animal / etiology
- Male
- Prognosis
- Retrospective Studies
- Sesamoid Bones / injuries
- Treatment Outcome
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Li G, Yin J, Gao J, Cheng TS, Pavlos NJ, Zhang C, Zheng MH. Subchondral bone in osteoarthritis: insight into risk factors and microstructural changes. Arthritis Res Ther 2013;15(6):223.
- Merritt JS, Davies HM, Burvill C, Pandy MG. Influence of muscle-tendon wrapping on calculations of joint reaction forces in the equine distal forelimb. J Biomed Biotechnol 2008;2008:165730.
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