Lesion Distribution in the Metacarpophalangeal and Metatarsophalangeal Region of 341 Horses Using Standing Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
Abstract: Pain localised to the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and metatarsophalangeal (MTP) region represents a frequent cause of lameness in sport horses, and standing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of these regions is increasingly being acquired. This multicentre retrospective study describes the ranges of abnormalities identified on standing MRI of the MCP/MTP region and compares patterns of abnormalities between forelimbs, hindlimbs and different sports disciplines. In total, 341 MRI reports were reviewed. Subchondral bone plate irregularities, condylar and proximal phalanx pathologies were frequently identified with subchondral bone defect, sclerosis and increased intensity on STIR images often described. Medial pathology was frequently identified in the forelimbs, and more lateral pathology was reported in the hindlimbs, which could potentially reflect differences in the loading patterns. Significant differences in MRI findings were found between different sports activities, with MCP/MTP bone pathology occurring more frequently in MRI reports from race and endurance horses and MCP/MTP soft tissue injuries being reported more frequently in dressage and show-jumping horses, particularly in the suspensory apparatus, including the distal sesamoidean ligaments. The findings of this study identify patterns of MCP/MTP abnormalities detected using standing MRI, with differences seen between forelimbs and hindlimbs and between different sports disciplines.
Publication Date: 2024-06-25 PubMed ID: 38997978PubMed Central: PMC11240673DOI: 10.3390/ani14131866Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research presents a detailed analysis of the types and patterns of injuries in the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and metatarsophalangeal (MTP) regions in horses, based on data from standing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The study highlights differences noted in injuries between forelimbs and hindlimbs, and across different sporting disciplines.
Methodology and Findings
- The researchers conducted a multi-centre retrospective study reviewing 341 MRI reports of sport horses with pain located in the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and metatarsophalangeal (MTP) region. The use of standing MRI provides a non-invasive method of observing musculoskeletal structures effectively while the horse is standing and conscious.
- Through analysis of these reports, the team identified common sites of injury, including subchondral bone plate irregularities, condylar abnormalities andpathologies in the proximal phalanges.
- Additionally, frequently observed conditions were subchondral bone defects, sclerosis (hardening of tissue), and increased image intensity in Short Tau Inversion Recovery (STIR) images, which help visualize fluid and pathological changes on MRI.
Patterns of Pathologies and Sports Disciplines
- Medial pathologies were more common in the forelimbs, while lateral injuries were more reported in the hindlimbs. The authors suggest these differences could potentially be due to varying load patterns for the fore and hind limbs.
- They also noticed significant differences in MRI findings across different sports activities. Bone-related issues in the MCP/MTP region were more common in race and endurance horses. In contrast, soft tissue injuries in the same region were more frequent in dressage and show-jumping horses, particularly involving the suspensory apparatus such as the distal sesamoidean ligaments.
Implications and Conclusions
- The high occurrence of MCP/MTP region injuries in sports horses can lead to performance issues and lameness, underscoring the importance of understanding these injury patterns better.
- The research contributes to the understanding of patterns in MCP/MTP region abnormalities and the impact of different sports activities on the types of injuries seen in horses. This can aid in the development of targeted therapeutic and preventative measures for sport horses.
- It is suggested that this preliminary research could be furthered, for instance, to explore injury prevention and recovery strategies that take into account the specific stresses associated with different sports.
Cite This Article
APA
Schiavo S, Beccati F, Pokora R, Lin ST, Milmine RC, Bak L, Peter VG, Murray RC.
(2024).
Lesion Distribution in the Metacarpophalangeal and Metatarsophalangeal Region of 341 Horses Using Standing Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
Animals (Basel), 14(13).
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14131866 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons, Cotton End Rd, Exning, Newmarket CB8 7NN, UK.
- Sports Horse Research Centre, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
- Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons, Cotton End Rd, Exning, Newmarket CB8 7NN, UK.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Rd, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK.
- Dubai Equine Hospital, Dubai P.O. Box 9373, United Arab Emirates.
- Høejgård Equine Hospital, 8270 Højbjerg, Denmark.
- Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons, Cotton End Rd, Exning, Newmarket CB8 7NN, UK.
- Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons, Cotton End Rd, Exning, Newmarket CB8 7NN, UK.
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
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