Catastrophic scapular fractures in Californian racehorses: pathology, morphometry and bone density.
Abstract: To enhance understanding of the nature and pathogenesis of scapular fractures in racehorses. Objective: Scapular fractures in racehorses have a consistent configuration related to sites of pre-existing stress modelling and remodelling. Methods: Fractured and intact scapulae collected post mortem were examined visually and with computed tomography (CT). Scapular fracture configuration, bone modelling changes and standardised CT morphometry and density measurements were recorded. Statistical comparisons were made between fractured, nonfractured contralateral and control scapulae. Results: Thirty-nine scapulae from 10 Thoroughbred (TB) and 10 Quarter Horse (QH) racehorses were obtained. All 14 fractured scapulae (from 12 horses) had a consistent comminuted fracture configuration. A complete fracture coursed transversely through the neck of the scapula at the level of the distal aspect of the spine (8.9 ± 0.9 cm proximal to the lateral articular margin of the glenoid cavity). The distal fragment of 13 fractured scapulae was split into 2 major fragments by a fracture in the frontal plane that entered the glenoid cavity (2.8 ± 0.4 cm caudal to the cranial articular margin). Focal areas of periosteal proliferation and/or radiolucency were present in the distal aspect of the scapular spine of all fractured and intact contralateral scapulae, but less commonly (P<0.01) in intact scapula from horses without a scapular fracture. Fractured scapulae had 7-10% lower mean density and 46-104% greater density heterogeneity in the spine adjacent to the transverse fracture compared to control scapulae (P<0.03). Conclusions: Thoroughbred and QH racehorses have a characteristic scapular fracture configuration that is associated with pre-existing pathology of the distal aspect of the spine. This location is consistent with scapular stress fractures diagnosed in lame TB racehorses. Catastrophic fracture is the acute manifestation of a more chronic process. Consequently, there are opportunities for early detection and prevention of fatalities.
© 2010 EVJ Ltd.
Publication Date: 2011-08-23 PubMed ID: 21883414DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00346.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The article explores and gains a deeper understanding of scapular fractures in racehorses, emphasizing the common fracture configuration and its link to prior stress modifications to the bone. This study used visual and computed tomography (CT) examinations on collected post mortem scapulae to analyze their structure and density. The findings reveal a pattern of stress-related fracture configuration, pointing out potential for preventative measures if detected early.
Methods Used in The Research
- The researchers collected and analyzed both fractured and intact scapulae from deceased Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racehorses.
- These bones were examined visually, as well as using computed tomography (CT), a method that produces detailed and sectional images of the body.
- The team recorded the fracture configuration, changes in bone structure, and standardized CT measurements of the scapulae’s shape and density.
- Statistical comparisons were conducted between fractured, non-fractured contralateral (occurring on the opposing side), and control scapulae to note any significant differences.
Findings of the Study
- Thirty-nine scapulae from 20 racehorses were obtained and all 14 fractured scapulae had a similar, comminuted (made up of several fragments) fracture configuration.
- The horse’s fractures went through the neck of the scapula, and the distal fragment was primarily split into two major fragments by a fracture in the frontal plane that entered the glenoid cavity.
- All fractured and intact contralateral scapulae showed signs of periosteal (outer layer of bone) proliferation and/or radiolucency in the area furthest from the centre of the scapular spine. This was less common in the non-fractured scapulae of horses without a scapular fracture.
- Fractured scapulae had a lower mean density and significantly greater density heterogeneity in the spine region adjacent to the transverse fracture compared to the control scapulae.
Conclusions from the Study
- Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racehorses have a characteristic scapular fracture pattern linked with a pre-existing pathology of the spine’s distal aspect.
- This fracture pattern aligns with the stress fractures commonly diagnosed in lame Thoroughbred racehorses.
- The catastrophic fractures are the acute manifestation of a more chronic process, meaning these fractures are not sudden, but the result of a more long-term condition.
- This study provides potential for early detection and prevention of fatalities by monitoring the mentioned stress points and abnormalities.
Cite This Article
APA
Vallance SA, Spriet M, Stover SM.
(2011).
Catastrophic scapular fractures in Californian racehorses: pathology, morphometry and bone density.
Equine Vet J, 43(6), 676-685.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00346.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA. savallance@ucdavis.edu
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Bone Remodeling
- Bony Callus
- Case-Control Studies
- Female
- Forelimb / pathology
- Fractures, Bone / diagnostic imaging
- Fractures, Bone / pathology
- Fractures, Bone / veterinary
- Horse Diseases / diagnostic imaging
- Horse Diseases / pathology
- Horses / injuries
- Male
- Radiography
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Physick-Sheard P, Avison A, Sears W. Factors Associated with Fatality in Ontario Thoroughbred Racehorses: 2003-2015.. Animals (Basel) 2021 Oct 13;11(10).
- Hopper N, Singer E, Henson F. Increased sclerostin associated with stress fracture of the third metacarpal bone in the Thoroughbred racehorse.. Bone Joint Res 2018 Jan;7(1):94-102.
- Noble P, Singer ER, Jeffery NS. Does subchondral bone of the equine proximal phalanx adapt to race training?. J Anat 2016 Jul;229(1):104-13.
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