FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 9000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Home / Equine Research Bank / Animals (Basel) / Histological and Histopathological Features of the Third Met...
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2024; 14(13); 1942; doi: 10.3390/ani14131942

Histological and Histopathological Features of the Third Metacarpal/Tarsal Parasagittal Groove and Proximal Phalanx Sagittal Groove in Thoroughbred Horses with Racing History.

Abstract: Information regarding the histopathology of the proximal phalanx (P1) sagittal groove in racehorses is limited. Twenty-nine cadaver limbs from nine Thoroughbred racehorses in racing/race-training underwent histological examination. Histological specimens of the third metacarpal/metatarsal (MC3/MT3) parasagittal grooves and P1 sagittal grooves were graded for histopathological findings in hyaline cartilage (HC), calcified cartilage (CC), and subchondral plate and trabecular bone (SCB/TB) regions. Histopathological grades were compared between (1) fissure and non-fissure locations observed in a previous study and (2) dorsal, middle, and palmar/plantar aspects. (1) HC, CC, and SCB/TB grades were more severe in fissure than non-fissure locations in the MC3/MT3 parasagittal groove ( < 0.001). SCB/TB grades were more severe in fissure than non-fissure locations in the P1 sagittal groove ( < 0.001). (2) HC, CC, and SCB/TB grades including SCB collapse were more severe in the palmar/plantar than the middle aspect of the MC3/MT3 parasagittal groove ( < 0.001). SCB/TB grades including SCB collapse were more severe in the dorsal and middle than the palmar/plantar aspect of the P1 sagittal groove ( < 0.001). Histopathology in the SCB/TB region including bone fatigue injury was related to fissure locations, the palmar/plantar MC3/MT3 parasagittal groove, and the dorsal P1 sagittal groove.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2024-06-30 PubMed ID: 38998057PubMed Central: PMC11240324DOI: 10.3390/ani14131942Google 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 study explores the pathological features of specific bone structures in Thoroughbred racehorses, examining the histopathology of particular grooves in the limbs of horses potentially impacted by racing activities.

Methodology

  • 29 cadaver limbs from nine Thoroughbred racehorses who had history of racing or race-training were selected for this study.
  • The focus was on the histological examination of the third metacarpal/metatarsal (MC3/MT3) parasagittal grooves and the proximal phalanx (P1) sagittal grooves of these horses.
  • These specimens were carefully screened and graded for histopathological findings, specifically in three regions: the hyaline cartilage (HC), calcified cartilage (CC), and subchondral plate and trabecular bone (SCB/TB) regions.

Results

  • The pathology grades were compared across different pairs: between fissure and non-fissure locations seen in a previous study, and between three aspects of the MC3/MT3 groove (dorsal, middle, and palmar/plantar).
  • The study found that the HC, CC, and SCB/TB grades were more severe in fissure than non-fissure locations in the MC3/MT3 parasagittal groove. Specifically for P1 sagittal groove, SCB/TB grades were more severe in fissure than non-fissure locations.
  • Additionally, the researchers found more severe HC, CC, and SCB/TB grades, which also included cases of SCB collapse, in the palmar/plantar aspect than the middle aspect of the MC3/MT3 parasagittal groove.
  • In the case of the P1 sagittal grove, it was found that SCB/TB grades, including SCB collapse, were more severe in the dorsal and middle than the palmar/plantar aspect.
  • Lastly, the study revealed that histopathology in the SCB/TB region, including bone fatigue injury, was related to fissure locations, the palmar/plantar MC3/MT3 parasagittal groove, and the dorsal P1 sagittal groove.

Conclusion

  • The findings from this study provide valuable insights into the histopathological changes that occur in the limb grooves of Thoroughbred racehorses due to race-training or racing. The research shows that certain regions and grooves in these horses’ limbs present more severe histopathological grades, potentially indicating more damage or stress on these areas.
  • Understanding these changes could be important for developing preventive strategies, and for better management of these horses’ well-being and performance in the long run.

Cite This Article

APA
Lin ST, Foote AK, Bolas NM, Sargan DR, Murray RC. (2024). Histological and Histopathological Features of the Third Metacarpal/Tarsal Parasagittal Groove and Proximal Phalanx Sagittal Groove in Thoroughbred Horses with Racing History. Animals (Basel), 14(13), 1942. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14131942

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 14
Issue: 13
PII: 1942

Researcher Affiliations

Lin, Szu-Ting
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Rd, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK.
Foote, Alastair K
  • Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons, Cotton End Rd, Exning, Newmarket CB8 7NN, UK.
Bolas, Nicholas M
  • Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging, Unit 5 Bridge Park, Merrow Lane, Guildford GU4 7BF, UK.
Sargan, David R
  • Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Rd, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK.
Murray, Rachel C
  • Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons, Cotton End Rd, Exning, Newmarket CB8 7NN, UK.

Grant Funding

  • Friends of the College Fund / Robinson College, University of Cambridge
  • Charles Slater Fund 2021 / School of Biological Science, University of Cambridge
  • Not Available / Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge
  • SPrj53 / Horserace Betting Levy Board

Conflict of Interest Statement

N. Bolas is employed by Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging.

References

This article includes 53 references
  1. Parkin T, French N, Riggs C, Morgan K, Clegg P, Proudman C, Singer E, Webbon P. Risk of fatal distal limb fractures among thoroughbreds involved in the five types of racing in the United Kingdom.. Vet. Rec. 2004;154:493–497.
    doi: 10.1136/vr.154.16.493pubmed: 15130054google scholar: lookup
  2. Parkin T.D. Epidemiology of racetrack injuries in racehorses.. Vet. Clin. N. Am. Equine Pract. 2008;24:1–19.
    doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2007.11.003pubmed: 18314033google scholar: lookup
  3. Ramzan P.H, Palmer L. Musculoskeletal injuries in Thoroughbred racehorses: A study of three large training yards in Newmarket, UK (2005–2007). Vet. J. 2011;187:325–329.
    doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.12.019pubmed: 20089426google scholar: lookup
  4. Johnson B, Stover S.M, Daft B.M, Kinde H, Read D, Barr B, Anderson M, Moore J, Woods L, Stoltz J. Causes of death in racehorses over a 2 year period.. Equine Vet. J. 1994;26:327–330.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1994.tb04395.xpubmed: 8575402google scholar: lookup
  5. Parkin T, Clegg P, French N, Proudman C, Riggs C, Singer E, Webbon P, Morgan K. Horse-level risk factors for fatal distal limb fracture in racing Thoroughbreds in the UK.. Equine Vet. J. 2004;36:513–519.
    doi: 10.2746/0425164044877387pubmed: 15460076google scholar: lookup
  6. Riggs C, Boyde A. Effect of exercise on bone density in distal regions of the equine third metacarpal bone in 2-year-old Thoroughbreds.. Equine Vet. J. 1999;31:555–560.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb05283.xpubmed: 10659317google scholar: lookup
  7. Liley H, Davies H, Firth E, Besier T, Fernandez J. The effect of the sagittal ridge angle on cartilage stress in the equine metacarpo-phalangeal (fetlock) joint.. Comput. Methods Biomech. Biomed. Eng. 2017;20:1140–1149.
    doi: 10.1080/10255842.2017.1339795pubmed: 28631937google scholar: lookup
  8. Muir P, McCarthy J, Radtke C, Markel M, Santschi E.M, Scollay M, Kalscheur V. Role of endochondral ossification of articular cartilage and functional adaptation of the subchondral plate in the development of fatigue microcracking of joints.. Bone. 2006;38:342–349.
    doi: 10.1016/j.bone.2005.08.020pubmed: 16275175google scholar: lookup
  9. Riggs C. Osteochondral injury and joint disease in the athletic horse.. Equine Vet. Educ. 2006;18:100–112.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3292.2006.tb00426.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  10. Riggs C, Whitehouse G, Boyde A. Pathology of the distal condyles of the third metacarpal and third metatarsal bones of the horse.. Equine Vet. J. 1999;31:140–148.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb03807.xpubmed: 10213426google scholar: lookup
  11. Muir P, Peterson A, Sample S, Scollay M, Markel M, Kalscheur V. Exercise-induced metacarpophalangeal joint adaptation in the Thoroughbred racehorse.. J. Anat. 2008;213:706–717.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2008.00996.xpmc: PMC2666139pubmed: 19094186google scholar: lookup
  12. Parkin T, Clegg P, French N, Proudman C, Riggs C, Singer E, Webbon P, Morgan K. Catastrophic fracture of the lateral condyle of the third metacarpus/metatarsus in UK racehorses–fracture descriptions and pre-existing pathology.. Vet. J. 2006;171:157–165.
    doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2004.10.009pubmed: 16427592google scholar: lookup
  13. Radtke C.L, Danova N.A, Scollay M.C, Santschi E.M, Markel M.D, Gómez T.D.C, Muir P. Macroscopic changes in the distal ends of the third metacarpal and metatarsal bones of Thoroughbred racehorses with condylar fractures.. Am. J. Vet. Res. 2003;64:1110–1116.
    doi: 10.2460/ajvr.2003.64.1110pubmed: 13677388google scholar: lookup
  14. Johnston G.C, Ahern B.J, Palmieri C, Young A.C. Imaging and gross pathological appearance of changes in the parasagittal grooves of Thoroughbred racehorses.. Animals. 2021;11:3366.
    doi: 10.3390/ani11123366pmc: PMC8697963pubmed: 34944142google scholar: lookup
  15. Turley S.M, Thambyah A, Riggs C.M, Firth E.C, Broom N.D. Microstructural changes in cartilage and bone related to repetitive overloading in an equine athlete model.. J. Anat. 2014;224:647–658.
    doi: 10.1111/joa.12177pmc: PMC4025892pubmed: 24689513google scholar: lookup
  16. Dubois M.-S, Morello S, Rayment K, Markel M.D, Vanderby R Jr, Kalscheur V.L, Hao Z, McCabe R.P, Marquis P, Muir P. Computed tomographic imaging of subchondral fatigue cracks in the distal end of the third metacarpal bone in the thoroughbred racehorse can predict crack micromotion in an ex-vivo model.. PLoS ONE. 2014;9:e101230.
    doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0101230pmc: PMC4117462pubmed: 25077477google scholar: lookup
  17. Ramzan P, Powell S. Clinical and imaging features of suspected prodromal fracture of the proximal phalanx in three Thoroughbred racehorses.. Equine Vet. J. 2010;42:164–169.
    doi: 10.2746/042516409X478695pubmed: 20156254google scholar: lookup
  18. Smith M, Wright I. Are there radiologically identifiable prodromal changes in Thoroughbred racehorses with parasagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx?. Equine Vet. J. 2014;46:88–91.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.12093pubmed: 23663185google scholar: lookup
  19. Kuemmerle J.M, Auer J.A, Rademacher N, Lischer C.J, Bettschart-Wolfensberger R, Fürst A.E. Short incomplete sagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx in ten horses not used for racing.. Vet. Surg. 2008;37:193–200.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1532-950X.2007.00359.xpubmed: 18251814google scholar: lookup
  20. Dyson S, Nagy A, Murray R. Clinical and diagnostic imaging findings in horses with subchondral bone trauma of the sagittal groove of the proximal phalanx.. Vet. Radiol. Ultrasound. 2011;52:596–604.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2011.01852.xpubmed: 21831247google scholar: lookup
  21. Gold S.J, Werpy N.M, Gutierrez-Nibeyro S.D. Injuries of the sagittal groove of the proximal phalanx in warmblood horses detected with low-field magnetic resonance imaging: 19 cases (2007–2016). Vet. Radiol. Ultrasound. 2017;58:344–353.
    doi: 10.1111/vru.12488pubmed: 28281306google scholar: lookup
  22. Ammann L, Fürst A.E, Jackson M.A. Complete fractures through osseous cyst-like lesions of the proximal phalanx in three horses.. Equine Vet. Educ. 2024.
    doi: 10.1111/eve.13965google scholar: lookup
  23. Ammann L, Ohlerth S, Fürst A.E, Jackson M.A. Differences of morphological attributes between 62 proximal and distal subchondral cystic lesions of the proximal phalanx as determined by radiography and computed tomography.. Am. J. Vet. Res. 2022;83:ajvr.22.04.0071.
    doi: 10.2460/ajvr.22.04.0071pubmed: 36315450google scholar: lookup
  24. Faulkner J.E, Joostens Z, Broeckx B.J, Hauspie S, Mariën T, Vanderperren K. 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. 2023;14:34.
    doi: 10.3390/ani14010034pmc: PMC10778323pubmed: 38200766google scholar: lookup
  25. Noble P, Singer E.R, Jeffery N.S. Does subchondral bone of the equine proximal phalanx adapt to race training?. J. Anat. 2016;229:104–113.
    doi: 10.1111/joa.12478pmc: PMC5341590pubmed: 27075139google scholar: lookup
  26. Lin S.-T, Foote A.K, Bolas N.M, Peter V.G, Pokora R, Patrick H, Sargan D.R, Murray R.C. Three-Dimensional Imaging and Histopathological Features of Third Metacarpal/Tarsal Parasagittal Groove and Proximal Phalanx Sagittal Groove Fissures in Thoroughbred Horses.. Animals. 2023;13:2912.
    doi: 10.3390/ani13182912pmc: PMC10525482pubmed: 37760312google scholar: lookup
  27. Pinilla M, Tranquille C, Blunden A, Chang Y, Parkin T, Murray R. Histological features of the distal third metacarpal bone in thoroughbred racehorses, with and without lateral condylar fractures.. J. Comp. Pathol. 2017;157:1–10.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2017.04.002pubmed: 28735663google scholar: lookup
  28. Shapiro F, Wu J.Y. Woven bone overview: Structural classification based on its integral role in developmental, repair and pathological bone formation throughout vertebrate groups.. Eur. Cells Mater. 2019;38:137–167.
    doi: 10.22203/eCM.v038a11pubmed: 31571191google scholar: lookup
  29. Sugiyama T, Meakin L.B, Browne W.J, Galea G.L, Price J.S, Lanyon L.E. Bones’ adaptive response to mechanical loading is essentially linear between the low strains associated with disuse and the high strains associated with the lamellar/woven bone transition.. J. Bone Miner. Res. 2012;27:1784–1793.
    doi: 10.1002/jbmr.1599pmc: PMC3427886pubmed: 22431329google scholar: lookup
  30. Herman B.C, Cardoso L, Majeska R.J, Jepsen K.J, Schaffler M.B. Activation of bone remodeling after fatigue: Differential response to linear microcracks and diffuse damage.. Bone. 2010;47:766–772.
    doi: 10.1016/j.bone.2010.07.006pmc: PMC2939191pubmed: 20633708google scholar: lookup
  31. Whitton R, Ayodele B, Hitchens P, Mackie E. Subchondral bone microdamage accumulation in distal metacarpus of Thoroughbred racehorses.. Equine Vet. J. 2018;50:766–773.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.12948pubmed: 29660153google scholar: lookup
  32. Mapp P.I, Walsh D.A. Mechanisms and targets of angiogenesis and nerve growth in osteoarthritis.. Nat. Rev. Rheumatol. 2012;8:390–398.
    doi: 10.1038/nrrheum.2012.80pubmed: 22641138google scholar: lookup
  33. Donell S. Subchondral bone remodelling in osteoarthritis.. EFORT Open Rev. 2019;4:221.
    doi: 10.1302/2058-5241.4.180102pmc: PMC6549114pubmed: 31210964google scholar: lookup
  34. Murray R, Zhu C, Goodship A, Lakhani K, Agrawal C, Athanasiou K. Exercise affects the mechanical properties and histological appearance of equine articular cartilage.. J. Orthop. Res. 1999;17:725–731.
    doi: 10.1002/jor.1100170516pubmed: 10569483google scholar: lookup
  35. Santschi E.M. Articular fetlock injuries in exercising horses.. Vet. Clin. N. Am. Equine Pract. 2008;24:117–132.
    doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2007.11.011pubmed: 18314039google scholar: lookup
  36. Bramlage L.R. Part I: Operative orthopedics of the fetlock joint of the horse: Traumatic and developmental diseases of the equine fetlock joint.. Proc. Am. Ass. Equine Pr. 2009;55:96–143.
  37. Vanderperren K, Saunders J.H. Diagnostic imaging of the equine fetlock region using radiography and ultrasonography. Part 1: Soft tissues.. Vet. J. 2009;181:111–122.
    doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2008.03.005pubmed: 18445536google scholar: lookup
  38. Richardson D.W. Fractures of the proximal phalanx.. Equine Fract. Repair. 2019;53:295–319.
  39. Shepherd M, Meehan J. The European Thoroughbred.. Equine Scintigr. 2003;117:150.
  40. Suri S, Walsh D.A. Osteochondral alterations in osteoarthritis.. Bone. 2012;51:204–211.
    doi: 10.1016/j.bone.2011.10.010pubmed: 22023932google scholar: lookup
  41. Kenkre J, Bassett J. The bone remodelling cycle.. Ann. Clin. Biochem. 2018;55:308–327.
    doi: 10.1177/0004563218759371pubmed: 29368538google scholar: lookup
  42. Hauge E.M, Qvesel D, Eriksen E.F, Mosekilde L, Melsen F. Cancellous bone remodeling occurs in specialized compartments lined by cells expressing osteoblastic markers.. J. Bone Miner. Res. 2001;16:1575–1582.
    doi: 10.1359/jbmr.2001.16.9.1575pubmed: 11547826google scholar: lookup
  43. Kawcak C.E, McIlwraith C.W, Norrdin R, Park R, James S. The role of subchondral bone in joint disease: A review.. Equine Vet. J. 2001;33:120–126.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2001.tb00589.xpubmed: 11266060google scholar: lookup
  44. Seref-Ferlengez Z, Kennedy O.D, Schaffler M.B. Bone microdamage, remodeling and bone fragility: How much damage is too much damage?. BoneKEy Rep. 2015;4:644.
    doi: 10.1038/bonekey.2015.11pmc: PMC4371415pubmed: 25848533google scholar: lookup
  45. Brama P, Tekoppele J, Bank R, Karssenberg D, Barneveld A, Van Weeren P. Topographical mapping of biochemical properties of articular cartilage in the equine fetlock joint.. Equine Vet. J. 2000;32:19–26.
    doi: 10.2746/042516400777612062pubmed: 10661380google scholar: lookup
  46. Singer E, Garcia T, Stover S. How does bone strain vary between the third metacarpal and the proximal phalangeal bones of the equine distal limb?. J. Biomech. 2021;123:110455.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2021.110455pubmed: 34004392google scholar: lookup
  47. Bailey R.E, Dyson S.J, Parkin T.D. Focal increased radiopharmaceutical uptake in the dorsoproximal diaphyseal region of the equine proximal phalanx.. Vet. Radiol. Ultrasound. 2007;48:460–466.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1740-8261.2007.00279.xpubmed: 17899983google scholar: lookup
  48. Lipreri G, Bladon B.M, Giorio M.E, Singer E.R. Conservative versus surgical treatment of 21 sports horses with osseous trauma in the proximal phalangeal sagittal groove diagnosed by low-field MRI.. Vet. Surg. 2018;47:908–915.
    doi: 10.1111/vsu.12936pmc: PMC6690071pubmed: 30216476google scholar: lookup
  49. Faulkner J.E, Joostens Z, Broeckx B.J, Hauspie S, Mariën T, Vanderperren K. Low-field magnetic resonance imaging of sagittal groove disease of the proximal phalanx in non-racing sport horses.. Equine Vet. J. 2024.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.14088pubmed: 38566459google scholar: lookup
  50. Bergstrom T.C, Spriet M, Carpenter R.S, Jacques K.L, Stover S.M. Condylar fracture location is correlated to exercise history in Thoroughbred racehorses.. Equine Vet. J. 2024.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.14091pubmed: 38584321google scholar: lookup
  51. Bertuglia A, Lacourt M, Girard C, Beauchamp G, Richard H, Laverty S. Osteoclasts are recruited to the subchondral bone in naturally occurring post-traumatic equine carpal osteoarthritis and may contribute to cartilage degradation.. Osteoarthr. Cartil. 2016;24:555–566.
    doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2015.10.008pubmed: 26505663google scholar: lookup
  52. Ganghoffer J.-F, Rahouadj R, Boisse J, Forest S. Phase field approaches of bone remodeling based on TIP.. J. Non-Equilib. Thermodyn. 2016;41:49–75.
    doi: 10.1515/jnet-2015-0048google scholar: lookup
  53. Martin R, Gibson V, Stover S, Gibeling J, Griffin L. In vitro fatigue behavior of the equine third metacarpus: Remodeling and microcrack damage analysis.. J. Orthop. Res. 1996;14:794–801.
    doi: 10.1002/jor.1100140517pubmed: 8893774google scholar: lookup

Citations

This article has been cited 0 times.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,357 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.