Lag screw compression effectively treats proximal subchondral bone cysts and fissures in the first phalanx of mature performance horses.
Abstract: To determine the outcome of skeletally mature performance horses with subchondral bone cysts and fissures in the proximal aspect of the first phalanx treated by lag screw compression. Unassigned: Case records of horses that underwent lag screw compression to treat subchondral bone lesions in the proximal aspect of the first phalanx were reviewed. Performance horses > 5 years old with lameness referrable to the fetlock region; radiographic or other advanced imaging evidence of subchondral bone lesions, with no other concurrent cause for lameness; and at least 6 months of follow-up data were included. Follow-up information was obtained from referring veterinarians and telephone questionnaires with owners. Unassigned: 41 horses met the inclusion criteria: 29 horses with subchondral bone cysts and 12 horses with subchondral bone fissures. Warmblood was the predominant breed type, and show jumping was the predominant athletic discipline. At 6 months postoperatively, 85% (35 of 41) of horses were sound (95% CI, 74.6% to 96.2%), with a return to previous athletic level in 73% (30 of 41; 95% CI, 59.7% to 86.7%). Horses treated for subchondral bone cysts had higher rates of soundness (90% vs 75%; risk difference, 14.7%; Cohen's h = 0.36) and return to intended use (76% vs 67%; risk difference, 9.2%; Cohen's h = 0.28) compared with those treated for subchondral bone fissures. However, these differences were not statistically significant. Unassigned: Lag screw compression may be beneficial in the treatment of subchondral bone lesions in the proximal aspect of P1. Unassigned: This surgical technique may provide an effective treatment for subchondral lesions of the first phalanx where conservative therapies have failed, and may have mitigated the risk of progression to macrofracture.
Publication Date: 2025-06-13 PubMed ID: 40523628DOI: 10.2460/javma.25.03.0134Google 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.
- 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 focuses on determining the effectiveness of lag screw compression in treating horses suffering from subchondral bone cysts and fissures in the proximal aspect of the first phalanx.
Research Objective
- The study aimed to analyze the outcome of mature performance horses who were treated for subchondral bone cysts and fissures in the proximal aspect of the first phalanx using the lag screw compression surgical technique.
Methods
- The researchers examined the case records of horses that underwent lag screw compression for subchondral bone lesions in the specified region.
- Criteria for inclusion encompassed performance horses older than 5 years, showing lameness attributed to the fetlock area, having radiographic or advanced imaging proof of subchondral bone lesions with no other concurrent causes for lameness, and having a minimum of 6 months’ follow-up data.
- Detailed follow-up data was garnered from referring veterinarians and through phone questionnaires conducted with the horse owners.
Results
- A total of 41 horses met the set criteria, including 29 horses presenting with subchondral bone cysts, and 12 horses with subchondral bone fissures. The majority breed type was the Warmblood and the most common athletic discipline was show jumping.
- At 6 months after the operation, 85% of the horses treated had resumed soundness with 73% returning to their previous athletic level.
- Comparing those treated for bone cysts with those treated for bone fissures, the former had higher rates of regained soundness (90% vs 75%) and return to intended use (76% vs 67%). However, these differences were statistically insignificant.
Conclusion
- Lag screw compression appears to be beneficial in treating proximal subchondral bone lesions in the first phalanx.
- The research concludes that the surgical technique could potentially provide an effective treatment for subchondral lesions in case regular therapies have failed. It might also help in preventing the progression to macrofracture.
Cite This Article
APA
Maguire M, Brusie R.
(2025).
Lag screw compression effectively treats proximal subchondral bone cysts and fissures in the first phalanx of mature performance horses.
J Am Vet Med Assoc, 263(9), 1127-1135.
https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.25.03.0134 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
