Injuries of the Sagittal Groove of the Proximal Phalanx in Warmblood Horses Detected with Low-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging: 19 Cases (2007-2016)
Abstract: Sagittal groove injuries of the proximal phalanx are an important cause of lameness in performance horses. The purpose of this retrospective case series study was to describe standing low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of these injuries in a group of Warmblood horses. Horses with an MRI diagnosis of sagittal groove injuries involving the proximal phalanx and that had follow-up MRI and clinical outcome information were included. Findings from clinical examinations, diagnostic tests, and other imaging modalities were recorded. All MRI studies were retrieved for re-evaluation by an experienced, board-certified veterinary radiologist. A total of 19 horses met inclusion criteria. All horses had MRI lesions consistent with unilateral or bilateral sagittal groove injuries of the proximal phalanx and abnormal mineralization of the sagittal ridge of the third metacarpal/metatarsal bone. Fifteen horses (79%) had concurrent osteoarthritis of the affected metacarpophalangeal/metatarsophalangeal joint. Eighteen horses received conservative therapy and all horses still had osseous abnormalities detected at the time of follow-up MRI. Thirteen horses (68.5%) were still lame at the time of follow-up, whereas the other six horses (31.5%) had become sound and returned to the previous level of exercise. Findings indicated that, for mature Warmblood horses, acute or chronic injuries of the sagittal groove of the proximal phalanx may have variable standing low-field MRI characteristics. Based on this sample of 19 horses, findings also indicated that the prognosis for performance soundness in horses diagnosed with sagittal groove injury of the proximal phalanx and concurrent osteoarthritis is poor.
© 2017 American College of Veterinary Radiology.
Publication Date: 2017-03-09 PubMed ID: 28281306DOI: 10.1111/vru.12488Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research conducted retrospectively analyses cases of Warmblood horses with sagittal groove injuries of the proximal phalanx. The research suggests that the injuries, despite treatment, often result in the horses remaining lame. Based on the sample size of 19 horses, the prognosis for performance soundness in horses diagnosed with this specific injury and concurrent osteoarthritis is poor.
Objective of the Research
- The study was designed to analyze the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of sagittal groove injuries in the proximal phalanx of Warmblood horses. These injuries are a significant cause of lameness in horses, particularly those that are older or engaged in performance activities.
Methodology
- The research included horses that had an MRI-diagnosed sagittal groove injury, as well as a subsequent MRI and related clinical outcome data.
- Specific details were logged from each horse’s clinical exams, diagnostic tests, and other imaging results.
- An seasoned veterinary radiologist re-evaluated all of the MRI scans.
- In total, the study examined 19 horses that met these requirements.
Findings
- All horses showed MRI lesions consistent with either unilateral or bilateral sagittal groove injuries, and abnormal mineralization within the sagittal ridge of the third metacarpal/metatarsal bone was found in all studied cases.
- Of the horses studied, 79% showed concurrent osteoarthritis in the corresponding joint.
- Despite 18 of the horses being treated with conservative therapy, their follow-up MRI scan revealed persisting bone abnormalities.
- By the time of follow-up, 68.5% of the horses were still lame, whereas 31.5% had recovered and returned to their previous level of exercise.
Conclusion
- The findings suggest that sagittal groove injuries of the proximal phalanx in mature Warmblood horses can exhibit various characteristics in a standing low-field MRI.
- Based on this sample of 19 horses, the research also indicates the prognosis for performance soundness in horses diagnosed with a sagittal groove injury of the proximal phalanx and concurrent osteoarthritis is generally poor.
Cite This Article
APA
Gold SJ, Werpy NM, Gutierrez-Nibeyro SD.
(2017).
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, 58(3), 344-353.
https://doi.org/10.1111/vru.12488 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- B.W. Furlong & Associates, Oldwick, NJ, 08858.
- Equine Diagnostic Imaging, Archer, FL, 32618.
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, 61802.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Female
- Horses / injuries
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging / veterinary
- Male
- Retrospective Studies
- Toe Phalanges / diagnostic imaging
- Toe Phalanges / injuries
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Mizobe F, Nomura M, Ueno T, Yamada K. Bone marrow oedema-type signal in the proximal phalanx of Thoroughbred racehorses.. J Vet Med Sci 2019 Apr 16;81(4):593-597.
- Lipreri G, Bladon BM, Giorio ME, Singer ER. 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 Oct;47(7):908-915.
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