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The Journal of veterinary medical science2019; 81(4); 593-597; doi: 10.1292/jvms.18-0530

Bone marrow oedema-type signal in the proximal phalanx of Thoroughbred racehorses.

Abstract: This study focused on 8 Thoroughbred racehorses showing bone marrow oedema-type signal in the proximal sagittal groove of the proximal phalanx, with the aim of understanding its clinical significance. Standing magnetic resonance imaging played an important role in assessing osseous abnormalities that were not radiographically identifiable. Further, a histopathological result from one of the cases showed there was oedema surrounding adipose tissues with increase in density of trabecular scaffolding. This may indicate presence of osseous injury within the area of decreased elasticity due to subchondral bone modeling. This study suggests that detection of osseous abnormality based on bone marrow oedema-type signal, and application of appropriate care following injury would contribute to prevent deterioration of stress-related fractures of the proximal phalanx.
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Publication Date: 2019-03-04 PubMed ID: 30828037PubMed Central: PMC6483912DOI: 10.1292/jvms.18-0530Google Scholar: Lookup
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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 research involved a study on Thoroughbred racehorses that showed signs of bone marrow swelling in the upper portion of small bones in their feet. The aim was to understand the implications of these findings, using imaging techniques that allowed for detection of bone abnormalities not visible in X-rays. One horse showed swelling around fat tissues with increased density of the supporting structure of bone, suggesting a bone injury in the area. The research suggested that early identification and treatment of such bone abnormalities could help prevent worsening of stress-related fractures.

Understanding the Research

  • The study was conducted on eight Thoroughbred racehorses that showed potential signs of bone marrow edema, which relates to swelling often associated with injuries, illnesses, or abnormal bone reactions. Specifically, these signals were identified in the upper small bones of their feet (proximal phalanx).
  • The primary aim of the investigation was to comprehend the clinical significance of such edema-type signals. Put differently, the researchers wanted to understand why these signals were occurring and what they might mean for the health of the racehorses.

Techniques Utilised

  • The study utilised standing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a valuable technique often used in diagnosing bone and joint abnormalities. In this case, it was essential for assessing bone irregularities which were not discernible through standard radiographic methods (X-rays).
  • Furthermore, histopathological analysis was conducted on one of the cases, which involves examination of the tissue under a microscope. This allowed for more precise observation of the cellular changes and abnormalities related to the edema.

Key Findings

  • The histopathological analysis revealed oedema around the adipose tissues (fat) within the bone, accompanied by an increase in the density of the trabecular scaffolding, which essentially is the supportive structure of the bone.
  • These findings suggest a bone injury in the area, ostensibly resulting from decreased elasticity due to subchondral bone modeling, a natural process impacting the structure and resilience of the bone.

Implications and Conclusions

  • The study posits the importance of early detection of such bone abnormalities, through the identification of bone marrow edema-type signals. Additionally, providing appropriate care post injury can prevent the aggravation of stress-related fractures in the proximal phalanx.
  • This research could thus be a significant step towards preempting and managing bone health issues within racehorses, improving their quality of life and potentially extending their racing careers.

Cite This Article

APA
Mizobe F, Nomura M, Ueno T, Yamada K. (2019). Bone marrow oedema-type signal in the proximal phalanx of Thoroughbred racehorses. J Vet Med Sci, 81(4), 593-597. https://doi.org/10.1292/jvms.18-0530

Publication

The Journal of veterinary medical science
ISSN: 1347-7439
NlmUniqueID: 9105360
Country: Japan
Language: English
Volume: 81
Issue: 4
Pages: 593-597

Researcher Affiliations

Mizobe, Fumiaki
  • Racehorse Hospital, Miho Training Center, Japan Racing Association, Ibaraki 300-0493, Japan.
Nomura, Motoi
  • Racehorse Hospital, Ritto Training Center, Japan Racing Association, Shiga 520-3085, Japan.
Ueno, Takanori
  • Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Tochigi 329-0412, Japan.
Yamada, Kazutaka
  • Laboratory of Veterinary Radiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Kanagawa 252-5201, Japan.

MeSH Terms

  • Adipose Tissue / pathology
  • Animals
  • Bone Marrow Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Bone Marrow Diseases / veterinary
  • Edema / diagnosis
  • Edema / veterinary
  • Female
  • Forelimb / diagnostic imaging
  • Fractures, Stress / diagnostic imaging
  • Fractures, Stress / veterinary
  • Horses
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / veterinary
  • Male

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This article includes 20 references
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Citations

This article has been cited 4 times.
  1. Germonpré J, Lorenz I, Vandekerckhove LMJ, Duchateau L, Diekhoff T, Vanderperren K. Dual-Energy Computed Tomography for the Detection of Bone Edema-Like Lesions in the Equine Foot: Standing Horses and Cadaveric Specimens. Vet Sci 2025 Jun 24;12(7).
    doi: 10.3390/vetsci12070614pubmed: 40711274google scholar: lookup
  2. Nagy A, Dyson SJ. Combined standing low-field magnetic resonance imaging and fan-beam computed tomographic diagnosis of fetlock region pain in 27 sports horses. Equine Vet J 2025 Sep;57(5):1313-1327.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.14504pubmed: 40123444google scholar: lookup
  3. Germonpré J, Vandekerckhove LMJ, Raes E, Chiers K, Jans L, Vanderperren K. Post-mortem feasibility of dual-energy computed tomography in the detection of bone edema-like lesions in the equine foot: a proof of concept. Front Vet Sci 2023;10:1201017.
    doi: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1201017pubmed: 38249561google scholar: lookup
  4. Faulkner JE, Joostens Z, Broeckx BJG, Hauspie S, Mariën T, Vanderperren K. Follow-Up Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Sagittal Groove Disease of the Equine Proximal Phalanx Using a Classification System in 29 Non-Racing Sports Horses. Animals (Basel) 2023 Dec 21;14(1).
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