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Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J / Effect of high-speed exercise on subchondral bone in the met...
Equine veterinary journal2025; doi: 10.1111/evj.14524

Effect of high-speed exercise on subchondral bone in the metacarpo-/metatarsophalangeal joints of 2-year-old Thoroughbred racehorses in their first year of training.

Abstract: Stress-induced bone injury can lead to catastrophic injuries in Thoroughbred racehorses. Accumulation of high-speed exercise can increase the risk of subchondral bone injury. Objective: To investigate the effect of high-speed exercise on the subchondral bone of the metacarpo-metatarsophalangeal (MCP/MTP) joints using standing cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in young racing Thoroughbreds. Methods: Observational cohort study. Methods: Forty-one 2-year-old Thoroughbred racehorses during their first year of training were evaluated at 0, 6 and 12 months. Horses were evaluated for lameness and effusion of the MCP/MTP joints, and then standing CBCT was performed of the MCP/MTP joints. Subchondral bone hyperdensity (sclerosis) was measured (mm) at defined locations in the distal aspect of the third metacarpal (MC3)/metatarsal (MT3) bone and proximal phalanx (P1). CBCT scans were evaluated for subchondral bone hypodensity (pathology) in MC3/MT3, P1 and proximal sesamoid bones. Racing and training records were obtained from a national online database and trainers. Results: Subchondral bone sclerosis (coefficient = 0.45; p < 0.003; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.16-0.74) and pathology (IRR = 1.01; p < 0.001; 95% CI 1.00-1.01) increased significantly with the number of high-speed furlongs accumulated. Lameness was not associated with sclerosis or pathology; however, joint effusion was associated with both sclerosis (IRR = 1.01; p = 0.02; 95% CI 1.00-1.02) and pathology lesion (IRR = 1.14; p < 0.01; 95% CI 1.04-1.25). Conclusions: Limitations include attrition of horses over time and lack of control over training and husbandry. Conclusions: An increase in high-speed work was associated with both an increase in subchondral bone sclerosis and pathology.
© 2025 The Author(s). Equine Veterinary Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2025-05-05 PubMed ID: 40323137DOI: 10.1111/evj.14524Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • 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.

The research article investigates the link between high-speed exercise in young thoroughbred racehorses and subchondral bone injuries in the metacarpo-metatarsophalangeal (MCP/MTP) joints. Through the use of standing cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), the study reveals an increased risk of bone injuries as the accumulation of high-speed work intensifies.

Methods

  • The study conducted is an observational cohort investigation, engaging 41 Thoroughbred racehorses, all in their first year of training at 2 years old.
  • Assessment on the horses was done at the start of the study, the 6-month mark, and finally, at the end of 12 months.
  • Evaluations included lameness checks and checks for effusion (swelling due to excess fluid) in the MCP/MTP joints, followed by a CBCT scan on the same joints.
  • Measurements of subchondral bone hyperdensity (sclerosis) was carried out in the distal section (away from the center) of the third metacarpal/metatarsal bones and proximal (closer to the center) phalanx.
  • CBCT scans were also used to check for subchondral bone hypodensity (a sign of pathology or disease) in the metacarpal/metatarsal bones, proximal phalanx, and proximal sesamoid bones.

Results

  • Findings in the study showed a significant increase in both subchondral bone sclerosis and pathology as the number of high-speed furlongs (horse racing distances) the horses were exposed to increased.
  • Lameness in the horses showed no association with either sclerosis or pathology.
  • However, joint effusion (swelling) exhibited a connection with both subchondral bone sclerosis and pathology, indicating an increase in these conditions with increased swelling.

Conclusions

  • The research study did experience limitations such as a decrease in the number of horses over time and a lack of control over their training and routines.
  • The results, despite these limitations, draw a conclusion that an increase in high-speed exercises or work for these two-year-old Thoroughbreds showed a concurrent increase in subchondral bone sclerosis and pathology.

Cite This Article

APA
Ciamillo SA, Bills KW, Gassert TM, Richardson DW, Brown KA, Stefanovski D, Ortved KF. (2025). Effect of high-speed exercise on subchondral bone in the metacarpo-/metatarsophalangeal joints of 2-year-old Thoroughbred racehorses in their first year of training. Equine Vet J. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14524

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English

Researcher Affiliations

Ciamillo, Sarah A
  • Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA.
Bills, Kathryn W
  • Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA.
Gassert, Taryn M
  • Sports Medicine Associates of Chester County, Cochranville, Pennsylvania, USA.
Richardson, Dean W
  • Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA.
Brown, Kara A
  • Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA.
Stefanovski, Darko
  • Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA.
Ortved, Kyla F
  • Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA.

Grant Funding

  • Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation

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