Metacarpophalangeal Joint Pathology and Bone Mineral Density Increase with Exercise but Not with Incidence of Proximal Sesamoid Bone Fracture in Thoroughbred Racehorses.
- Journal Article
Summary
The research focuses on the connection between proximal sesamoid bone (PSB) fracture and bone density in Thoroughbred racehorses, exploring how exercise may contribute to higher bone mineral density but not necessarily to a higher risk of these fractures.
Objective of the Study
The main objectives of this study were twofold. First, the researchers aimed to inspect the third metacarpal and PSB’s density and mineral content using multiple technologies: dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), computed tomography (CT), and Raman spectroscopy. Second, the team studied the quality of the PSB and the pathology of the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) using Raman spectroscopy and CT.
Sample Used in the Study
The researchers used forelimbs from 29 deceased Thoroughbred racehorses (14 with PSB fracture, 15 without) for DXA and CT imaging. The PSBs were sectioned for Raman spectroscopy and ash fraction measurements.
Findings from the Study
- The researchers found that the Bone Mineral Density (BMD) was greater in the third metacarpal condyles and the PSBs of horses that had raced more high-speed furlongs. This suggests that more intense exercise contributes to denser bone structure.
- The researchers discovered an increase in MCPJ diseases, including palmar osteochondral disease (POD), third metacarpal condylar sclerosis, and third metacarpal subchondral lysis in horses with more high-speed furlongs. This indicates that high-speed exercise may increase the risk of joint pathology.
- Interestingly, the researchers found no significant differences in BMD or the parameters from Raman spectroscopy between the horses that had had a fracture and those that hadn’t. This suggests that higher bone density is not necessarily linked with higher fracture risk.
Conclusion from the Study
- Using Raman spectroscopy and ash fraction measurements, researchers identified regional differences in PSB BMD and tissue composition. They attributed this to the advanced technology’s ability to deliver more detailed scans.
- Despite a correlation existing between MC3 and PSB bone mineral density and high-speed furlongs, the researchers did not observe a correlation between these parameters and fracture incidence. This significant finding leads to the conclusion that a stronger bone structure due to intense exercise does not necessarily result in higher fracture risk.
Cite This Article
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
Grant Funding
- NSF CMMI 1452852 / National Science Foundation
- HLR / Harry M. Zweig Memorial Fund for Equine Research
Conflict of Interest Statement
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