FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 9000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Surg / Computed tomographic assessment of fracture characteristics ...
Veterinary surgery : VS2022; 51(3); 426-437; doi: 10.1111/vsu.13770

Computed tomographic assessment of fracture characteristics and subchondral bone injury in Thoroughbred racehorses with lateral condylar fractures and their relationship to outcome.

Abstract: To investigate the effects of fracture characteristics and concurrent subchondral bone pathology identified with computed tomography (CT) on the racing performance of Thoroughbred racehorses with fractures of the MC3/MT3 lateral condyle. Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Thoroughbred racehorses (n = 50) with a fracture of the MC3/MT3 lateral condyle, which had preoperative CT and internal fixation performed. Methods: Medical records were reviewed for age, sex, limb, and surgical treatment. Computed tomography scans were evaluated to determine fracture characteristics including length, whether the fracture was incomplete or complete, and displacement. The presence of subchondral bone injury (SBI), sesamoid bone fracture, articular comminution, and fragmentation in the joint was noted. Racing data was obtained from an online database. Univariable and multivariable analyses determined associations between independent variables and outcomes. Results: Thirty-three (66%) horses raced after surgery. Horses with sesamoid bone fractures (P = .021), MC3/MT3 comminution (P = .016) and intra-articular fragmentation (P = .015) were less likely to race postoperatively. Concurrent SBI did not affect outcome. In the final multivariable model, sex (P = .015) and whether a fracture was incomplete or complete (P = .007) were the most significant predictors of racing postoperatively with females and horses with complete fractures being less likely to race. Conclusions: The prognosis for racing after a lateral condylar fracture is favorable but is decreased in horses with complete fractures and certain concurrent joint pathology. Conclusions: Horses presenting with lateral condylar fractures commonly have concurrent joint pathology. Computed tomography can aid in preoperative evaluation and prognostication by enabling more complete fracture assessment.
© 2022 American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2022-02-14 PubMed ID: 35165910DOI: 10.1111/vsu.13770Google 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 aims to study the impact of fracture characteristics and concurrent subchondral bone injury on the racing performance of Thoroughbred racehorses using computed tomography. The study concludes that horses with complete fractures and certain joint conditions are less likely to race post-surgery, although the prognosis for racing after a lateral condylar fracture is generally favorable.

Methodology

  • The study used a retrospective cohort method, involving 50 Thoroughbred racehorses that have suffered a fracture of the MC3/MT3 lateral condyle and underwent preoperative computed tomography and internal fixation treatment.
  • Medical records of the horses were reviewed for information on age, sex, limb, and surgical treatment that the horses received.
  • The computed tomography scans were analyzed to determine the characteristics of the fracture including the length of the fracture, whether the fracture was incomplete or complete, and whether the fracture exhibited any displacement.
  • The study also noted the presence of any subchondral bone injury (SBI), sesamoid bone fracture, articular comminution (comminution refers to the fragmentation of a bone), and fragmentation in the joint.
  • Racing data was also collected using an online database. This data was examined to determine if there were associations between the independent variables (e.g., fracture characteristics) and outcomes (i.e., performance post-treatment).

Results

  • It was found that of all the horses studied, 33 or 66% raced after undergoing surgery.
  • Horses that had sesamoid bone fractures, MC3/MT3 comminution, and intra-articular fragmentation were less likely to race after surgery.
  • Surprisingly, the presence of concurrent subchondral bone injury did not affect the post-surgery racing outcome of the horses.
  • In terms of predictors for racing postoperatively, two factors were most significant: the sex of the horse and whether a fracture was incomplete or complete. Females and horses with complete fractures were less likely to race after surgery.

Conclusions

  • The research concluded that the prognosis for racing after having a lateral condylar fracture is generally positive.
  • However, horses that had complete fractures and certain concurrent joint pathology were not as likely to race after surgery.
  • Another significant finding is that Thoroughbreds with lateral condylar fractures commonly exhibited concurrent joint pathology.
  • The study supports the use of computed tomography in preoperative evaluations as it provides a more complete understanding of the fracture, which aids in prognostication.

Cite This Article

APA
Cianci JM, Wulster KB, Richardson DW, Stefanovski D, Ortved KF. (2022). Computed tomographic assessment of fracture characteristics and subchondral bone injury in Thoroughbred racehorses with lateral condylar fractures and their relationship to outcome. Vet Surg, 51(3), 426-437. https://doi.org/10.1111/vsu.13770

Publication

Veterinary surgery : VS
ISSN: 1532-950X
NlmUniqueID: 8113214
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 51
Issue: 3
Pages: 426-437

Researcher Affiliations

Cianci, Justine M
  • Department of Clinical Studies New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.
Wulster, Kathryn B
  • Department of Clinical Studies New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.
Richardson, Dean W
  • Department of Clinical Studies New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.
Stefanovski, Darko
  • Department of Clinical Studies New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.
Ortved, Kyla F
  • Department of Clinical Studies New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Bone and Bones
  • Female
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / veterinary
  • Fractures, Bone / diagnostic imaging
  • Fractures, Bone / pathology
  • Fractures, Bone / veterinary
  • Horse Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Horse Diseases / surgery
  • Horses
  • Humans
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / veterinary

References

This article includes 30 references
  1. Zekas L, Bramlage L, Embertson R, Hance S. Characterisation of the type and location of fractures of the third metacarpal/metatarsal condyles in 135 horses in Central Kentucky (1986-1994).. Equine Vet J 1999;31(4):304-308.
  2. Bassage LH, Richardson DW. Longitudinal fractures of the condyles of the third metacarpal and metatarsal bones in racehorses: 224 cases (1986-1995).. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1998;212(11):1757-1764.
  3. Jacklin BD, Wright IM. Frequency distributions of 174 fractures of the distal condyles of the third metacarpal and metatarsal bones in 167 thoroughbred racehorses (1999-2009).. Equine Vet J 2012;44(6):707-713.
  4. Parkin TDH, Clegg PD, French NP. Risk of fatal distal limb fractures among thoroughbreds involved in the five types of racing in the United Kingdom.. Vet Rec 2004;154(16):493-497.
  5. Riggs CM. Aetiopathogenesis of parasagittal fractures of the distal condyles of the third metacarpal and third metatarsal bones - review of the literature.. Equine Vet J 1999;31(2):116-120.
  6. Johnson BJ, Stover SM, Daft BM. Causes of death in racehorses over a 2 year period.. Equine Vet J 1994;26(4):327-330.
  7. Whitton RC, Trope GD, Ghasem-Zadeh A. Third metacarpal condylar fatigue fractures in equine athletes occur within previously modelled subchondral bone.. Bone 2010;47(4):826-831.
  8. Stepnik MW, Radtke CL, Scollay MC. Scanning electron microscopic examination of third metacarpal/third metatarsal bone failure surfaces in thoroughbred racehorses with condylar fracture.. Vet Surg 2004;33(1):2-10.
  9. Janes JG, Kennedy LA, Garrett KS, Engiles JB. Common lesions of the distal end of the third metacarpal/metatarsal bone in racehorse catastrophic breakdown injuries.. J Vet Diagnostic Investig 2017;29(4):431-436.
  10. Parkin TDH, Clegg PD, French NP. Catastrophic fracture of the lateral condyle of the third metacarpus/metatarsus in UKracehorses - fracture descriptions and pre-existing pathology.. Vet J 2006;171(1):157-165.
  11. Tranquille CA, Parkin TDH, Murray RC. Magnetic resonance imaging-detected adaptation and pathology in the distal condyles of the third metacarpus, associated with lateral condylar fracture in thoroughbred racehorses.. Equine Vet J 2012;44(6):699-706.
  12. Barr ED, Pinchbeck GL, Clegg PD, Boyde A, Riggs CM. Post mortem evaluation of palmar osteochondral disease (traumatic osteochondrosis) of the metacarpo/metatarsophalangeal joint in thoroughbred racehorses.. Equine Vet J 2009;41(4):366-371.
  13. Pinchbeck GL, Clegg PD, Boyde A, Barr ED, Riggs CM. Horse-, training- and race-level risk factors for palmar/plantar osteochondral disease in the racing Thoroughbred.. Equine Vet J 2013;45(5):582-586.
  14. Norrdin RW, Kawcak CE, Capwell BA, McIlwraith CW. Subchondral bone failure in an equine model of overload arthrosis.. Bone 1998;22(2):133-139.
  15. Stewart HL, Kawcak CE. The importance of subchondral bone in the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis.. Front Vet Sci 2018;5:178.
  16. Rick MC, O'Brien TR, Pool RR, Meagher D. Condylar fractures of the third metacarpal bone and third metatarsal bone in 75 horses: radiographic features, treatments, and outcome.. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1983;183(3):287-296.
  17. Zekas L, Bramlage L, Embertson R, Hance S. Results of treatment of 145 fractures of the third metacarpal/metatarsal condyles in 135 horses (1986-1994).. Equine Vet J 1999;31(4):309-313.
  18. Barclay WP, Foerner JJ, Phillips TN. Axial sesamoid injuries associated with lateral condylar fractures in horses.. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1985;186:278-279.
  19. Morgan JW, Santschi EM, Zekas LJ. Comparison of radiography and computed tomography to evaluate metacarpo/metatarsophalangeal joint pathology of paired limbs of thoroughbred racehorses with severe condylar fracture.. Vet Surg 2006;35(7):611-617.
  20. Loughridge AB, Hess AM, Parkin TD, Kawcak CE. Qualitative assessment of bone density at the distal articulating surface of the third metacarpal in thoroughbred racehorses with and without condylar fracture.. Equine Vet J 2017;49(2):172-177.
  21. Bogers SH, Rogers CW, Bolwell C, Roe W, Gee E, McIlwraith CW. Quantitative comparison of bone mineral density characteristics of the distal epiphysis of third metacarpal bones from thoroughbred racehorses with or without condylar fracture.. Am J Vet Res 2016;77(1):32-38.
  22. Radtke C, Danova N, Scollay M. Macroscopic changes in the distal ends of the third metacarpal and metatarsal bones of thoroughbred racehorses with condylar fractures.. Am J Vet Res 2003;64(9):1110-1116.
  23. O'Brien T, Baker TA, Brounts SH. Detection of articular pathology of the distal aspect of the third metacarpal bone in thoroughbred racehorses: comparison of radiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.. Vet Surg 2011;40(8):942-951.
  24. Curtiss AL, Ortved KF, Dallap-Schaer B. Validation of standing cone beam computed tomography for diagnosing subchondral fetlock pathology in the thoroughbred racehorse.. Equine Vet J 2021;53(3):510-523.
  25. Martin GS. Factors associated with racing performance of thoroughbreds undergoing lag screw repair of condylar fractures of the third metacarpal or metatarsal bone.. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2000;217(12):1870-1877.
  26. Smith MRW, Wright IM. Radiographic configuration and healing of 121 fractures of the proximal phalanx in 120 thoroughbred racehorses (2007-2011).. Equine Vet J 2014;46(1):81-87.
  27. Smith MRW, Corletto FC, Wright IM. Parasagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx in thoroughbred racehorses in the UK: outcome of repaired fractures in 113 cases (2007-2011).. Equine Vet J 2017;49(6):784-788.
  28. O'Brien TR, Hornof WJ, Meagher DM. Radiographic detection and characterization of palmar lesions in the equine fetlock joint.. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1981;178(3):231-237.
  29. Tull TM, Bramlage LR. Racing prognosis after cumulative stress-induced injury of the distal portion of the third metacarpal and third metatarsal bones in thoroughbred racehorses: 55 cases (2000-2009).. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2011;238(10):1316-1322.
  30. Riggs CM, Whitehouse GH, Boyde A. Pathology of the distal condyles of the third metacarpal and third metatarsal bones of the horse.. Equine Vet J 1999;31(2):140-148.

Citations

This article has been cited 6 times.
  1. Steel C, Ahern B, Zedler S, Vallance S, Galuppo L, Richardson J, Whitton C, Young A. Comparison of Radiography and Computed Tomography for Evaluation of Third Carpal Bone Fractures in Horses. Animals (Basel) 2023 Apr 25;13(9).
    doi: 10.3390/ani13091459pubmed: 37174496google scholar: lookup
  2. Irandoust S, Whitton C, Henak C, Muir P. Tuning and validation of a virtual mechanical testing pipeline for condylar stress fracture risk assessment in Thoroughbred racehorses. R Soc Open Sci 2025 May;12(5):241935.
    doi: 10.1098/rsos.241935pubmed: 40370600google scholar: lookup
  3. Malekipour F, Whitton RC, Lee PV. Advancements in Subchondral Bone Biomechanics: Insights from Computed Tomography and Micro-Computed Tomography Imaging in Equine Models. Curr Osteoporos Rep 2024 Dec;22(6):544-552.
    doi: 10.1007/s11914-024-00886-ypubmed: 39276168google scholar: lookup
  4. Irandoust S, O'Neil LM, Stevenson CM, Franseen FM, Ramzan PHL, Powell SE, Brounts SH, Loeber SJ, Ergun DL, Whitton RC, Henak CR, Muir P. Comparison of radiography and computed tomography for identification of third metacarpal structural change and associated assessment of condylar stress fracture risk in Thoroughbred racehorses. Equine Vet J 2025 May;57(3):723-736.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.14131pubmed: 39143731google scholar: lookup
  5. Bergstrom TC, Spriet M, Carpenter RS, Jacques KL, Stover SM. Condylar fracture location is correlated to exercise history in Thoroughbred racehorses. Equine Vet J 2025 Jan;57(1):76-86.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.14091pubmed: 38584321google scholar: lookup
  6. Lin ST, Foote AK, Bolas NM, Peter VG, Pokora R, Patrick H, Sargan DR, Murray RC. Three-Dimensional Imaging and Histopathological Features of Third Metacarpal/Tarsal Parasagittal Groove and Proximal Phalanx Sagittal Groove Fissures in Thoroughbred Horses. Animals (Basel) 2023 Sep 14;13(18).
    doi: 10.3390/ani13182912pubmed: 37760312google scholar: lookup
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,344 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.