Exostoses of the caudal perimeter of the radial physis as a cause of carpal synovial sheath tenosynovitis and lameness in horses: 10 cases (1999-2003).

This research investigates the effects of exostoses, growths originating from bone tissue, on the physical well-being of horses. These growths, surfacing from the rear of the radial physis, cause tenosynovitis and lameness in horses. The study also assesses the outcomes of surgically removing these exostoses.

Overview of the Study

• The primary aim of the research was to examine the clinical, radiographic, ultrasonographic, and arthroscopic evidence of tenosynovitis—a painful inflammation of the fluid-filled sheath around a tendon—and lameness caused by distances exostoses on the distal radius in horses.
• This research was retrospective, meaning it used previous data for its analysis. The study scrutinized the medical records of ten horses exhibiting symptoms of tenosynovitis and lameness. These horses were examined from 1999 to 2003.
• All of the studied horses displayed intermittent mild to moderate fluid accumulation (effusion) in the carpal synovial sheath and lameness in one forelimb.

Findings

• Radiography revealed the presence of exostoses on the rear of the distal radius. The location of these growths was near the closed physis, an area of growing tissue at the extremities of an animal’s long bones.
• Anesthesia was applied to the carpal synovial sheath, which aided in confirming that the discomfort and mobility impairments in the horses originated from this part of the body.
• Arthroscopic surgery was conducted for both verification and removal of the exostoses, which were found to have intruded into the carpal synovial sheath and affected the deep digital flexor tendon – a main tendon involved in the movement of horses.

Results and Conclusion

• All the horses that underwent surgery for the removal of exostoses were able to return to their prior athletic activity. However, one horse showed signs of recurrence a year later. These signs were mitigated with medical treatment.
• The study concluded that exostoses on the caudal radius were behind the tenosynovitis and lameness seen in the horses.
• Furthermore, it was observed that, although clinically and surgically similar to osteochondromas – another type of bone growth, these exostoses were distinct. They formed at the site of the distal radius’s closed physis and differed radiographically and microscopically.