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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2023; 14(1); doi: 10.3390/ani14010034

Follow-Up Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Sagittal Groove Disease of the Equine Proximal Phalanx Using a Classification System in 29 Non-Racing Sports Horses.

Abstract: Evolution of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in horses with sagittal groove disease (SGD) of the proximal phalanx is relatively sparsely described. This retrospective, descriptive, longitudinal study describes the findings of sequential low-field MRI fetlock examinations in horses with SGD of the proximal phalanx using a classification system. Twenty-nine horses were included, predominantly warmbloods used for show jumping (79%). For 29 limbs re-examined during the initial rehabilitation period, classification remained constant (n = 18), increased (n = 2), decreased (n = 7), and fluctuated (n = 2). Notably, two limbs with initial classification 4b (bone oedema-like signal with subchondral microfissure) and one with 4c (bone oedema-like signal with subchondral demineralisation) progressed to classification 5 (incomplete macrofissure/fracture), highlighting their potential as prodromal or imminent fissure pathology. Following conservative (n = 28) and surgical (n = 1) treatment, 86% of the horses re-entered full training and competition with a mean ± sd recovery time of 9.4 ± 4.4 months. In total, 20% of horses in the study subsequently presented for repeat MRI due to recurrent lameness after resuming full work, with classification that was the same (n = 2), increased (n = 2), or decreased (n = 2) compared with the last scan. This study underscores the variability in progression of SGD MRI findings, emphasising the need for further larger-scale research into patterns of progression.
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Publication Date: 2023-12-21 PubMed ID: 38200766PubMed Central: PMC10778323DOI: 10.3390/ani14010034Google 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.

This research monitored the progress of sagittal groove disease (SGD) in non-racing sports horses, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a classification system. The study also examined the animals’ recuperation period following surgical or conservative treatment and the rate of relapse.

Research Objective

  • The main objective of this study was to track the development of sagittal groove disease in the proximal phalanx of non-racing sports horses. The researchers aimed to accomplish this objective by using a classification system and magnetic resonance imaging tests.

Methodology

  • The researchers applied a longitudinal research design for their study, and the sample size consisted of 29 non-racing sports horses primarily used for show jumping. These horses demonstrated SGD of the proximal phalanx affected limb(s).
  • A series of low-field MRI fetlock examinations were carried out during the horses’ rehabilitation period.
  • A classification system was used to categorize the MRI findings. The categories were constant (no change from previous classification), increased, decreased, or fluctuated.

Key Findings

  • A total of 29 limbs were re-examined. The classification remained consistent for 18 limbs, increased for 2, decreased for 7, and fluctuated for 2.
  • Two limbs that were initially classified as 4b (bone oedema-like signal with subchondral microfissure) and one limb classified as 4c (bone oedema-like signal with subchondral demineralisation) progressed to the classification 5 (incomplete macrofissure/fracture). These findings indicate that the conditions can progress to more severe forms if not addressed.
  • 86% of the horses resumed full training and competition post-treatment (either conservative or surgical). This recuperation process took, on average, 9.4 months.
  • 20% of the horses in the study presented for a repeat MRI due to recurring lameness after returning to full work. The classification during these repeat scans was the same, increased, or decreased compared to their previous MRI results.

Conclusion

  • This study emphasizes the unpredictable progression of SGD evident in MRIs, necessitating more expansive research into the patterns of this progression. The variation in the diseases evolution, recurrence after treatment, and the notable number of horses that were able to return to their pre-disease activities highlight the complexities surrounding diagnosis and treatment of SGD.

Cite This Article

APA
Faulkner JE, Joostens Z, Broeckx BJG, Hauspie S, Mariën T, Vanderperren K. (2023). 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), 14(1). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14010034

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 14
Issue: 1

Researcher Affiliations

Faulkner, Josephine E
  • Department of Morphology, Imaging, Orthopaedics, Rehabilitation, and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
Joostens, Zoë
  • Equitom Equine Clinic, Paalstraat 8, 3560 Lummen, Belgium.
Broeckx, Bart J G
  • Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
Hauspie, Stijn
  • Equitom Equine Clinic, Paalstraat 8, 3560 Lummen, Belgium.
Mariën, Tom
  • Equitom Equine Clinic, Paalstraat 8, 3560 Lummen, Belgium.
Vanderperren, Katrien
  • Department of Morphology, Imaging, Orthopaedics, Rehabilitation, and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 6 times.
  1. De Zani D, Rabbogliatti V, Rabba S, Auletta L, Longo M, Zani DD. Subchondral and Osteochondral Unit Bone Damage in the Fetlock Region of Sport Horses Using Low-Field MRI: Case Series. Animals (Basel) 2025 Dec 2;15(23).
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  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.
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  3. Lin ST, Foote AK, Bolas NM, Sargan DR, Murray RC. Histological and Histopathological Features of the Third Metacarpal/Tarsal Parasagittal Groove and Proximal Phalanx Sagittal Groove in Thoroughbred Horses with Racing History. Animals (Basel) 2024 Jun 30;14(13).
    doi: 10.3390/ani14131942pubmed: 38998057google scholar: lookup
  4. Schiavo S, Beccati F, Pokora R, Lin ST, Milmine RC, Bak L, Peter VG, Murray RC. Lesion Distribution in the Metacarpophalangeal and Metatarsophalangeal Region of 341 Horses Using Standing Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Animals (Basel) 2024 Jun 25;14(13).
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  5. van Veggel ECS, Vanderperren K, Selberg KT, Bergman HJ, Hoogelander B. The Evolution of Lesions on Follow-Up Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Proximal Metacarpal Region in Non-Racing Sport Horses That Returned to Work (2015-2023). Animals (Basel) 2024 Jun 8;14(12).
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