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Home / Equine Research Bank / Anat Rec (Hoboken) / Morphological analysis of third metacarpus cartilage and sub...
Anatomical record (Hoboken, N.J. : 2007)2022; 305(12); 3385-3397; doi: 10.1002/ar.24918

Morphological analysis of third metacarpus cartilage and subchondral bone in Thoroughbred racehorses: An ex vivo study.

Abstract: Racehorses are exposed to repetitive overload during training and competition, causing joint hyperextension, tissue fatigue, and ultimately skeletal failure. Some degree of bone changes, such as sclerosis, are expected in equine athletes, as adaptation to the biomechanical rigors of training and racing. Understanding the imaging characteristics of the equine joint surface and subchondral bone would allow earlier detection of injuries or adaptation, improving prognosis and training programs. This study sought to describe the joint surface structural patterns and the periarticular structures of the third metacarpal bone (MC3). Both forelimbs of eight horses engaged in daily training programs, aged 3-5 years, which were euthanized for reasons unrelated to the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints, were collected. Specimens were evaluated through macroscopic inspection, radiography, ultrasonography, and microscopic examinations, such as optical microscopy and microtomography. Analysis of the microtomography images showed that 50% of the samples had higher trabecular thickness in the lateral condyle. Comparison of each imaging examination revealed that ultrasound images were most closely related to the histological examination (p = .29) in terms of sensitivity, while macroscopic and radiographic examinations differed most between evaluators. Finally, the irregularities and modifications observed in the articular cartilage surface and subchondral bone were normal adaptations of the anatomical structures of trained racehorses, which should be considered during clinical examination.
© 2022 American Association for Anatomy.
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Publication Date: 2022-04-16 PubMed ID: 35338614DOI: 10.1002/ar.24918Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

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 paper focuses on understanding the structural changes and adaptations that the joints and bones of racehorses undergo due to the stress and strain of training and racing. Prominently, the study observes the third metacarpal bone (MC3) in these horses, using a variety of imaging techniques to compare these observations with histological examinations for the most accurate results.

Study Methodology

The researchers designed this study with a controlled set of subjects:

  • They collected limbs from eight thoroughbred racehorses aged 3-5 years, which were euthanized due to reasons not connected with the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints.
  • The racehorses were part of daily training programs.

Data Collection and Analysis

Several techniques were employed for thorough examination which were compared to each other for the most precise observations:

  • The researchers conducted macroscopic inspections, radiography, ultrasonography, and microscopic examinations like optical microscopy and microtomography.
  • Microtomography imaging displayed that half of the samples had an increased trabecular thickness in the lateral condyle.
  • Various imaging tests were compared with each other and it was found that ultrasound imaging had the highest correlation with the histological examination while macroscopic and radiographic evaluations showed the most discrepancy amongst evaluators.

Findings

This section pertains to the outcomes that the researchers found at the end:

  • The irregular patterns and changes found in the articular cartilage surface and subchondral bone were considered as normal adaptations in these race horses because of training.
  • However, note of these adaptations should be taken during clinical examinations to avoid unnecessary diagnoses or treatments.

Implications of the Research

By providing a deep understanding of the joint and bone adaptations in racehorses due to their strenuous regimen, this study could help for:

  • Earlier detection of potential injuries.
  • Improving training programs so that they cause less damage to these animals.
  • Offering better prognosis of bone and joint health in racehorses.

Cite This Article

APA
Marsiglia MF, Yamada ALM, Agreste FR, de Sá LRM, Nieman RT, da Silva LCLC. (2022). Morphological analysis of third metacarpus cartilage and subchondral bone in Thoroughbred racehorses: An ex vivo study. Anat Rec (Hoboken), 305(12), 3385-3397. https://doi.org/10.1002/ar.24918

Publication

Anatomical record (Hoboken, N.J. : 2007)
ISSN: 1932-8494
NlmUniqueID: 101292775
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 305
Issue: 12
Pages: 3385-3397

Researcher Affiliations

Marsiglia, Marilia Ferrari
  • Cidade Universitária Armando de Salles Oliveira, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Yamada, Ana Lúcia Miluzzi
  • Cidade Universitária Armando de Salles Oliveira, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Agreste, Fernanda Rodrigues
  • Cidade Universitária Armando de Salles Oliveira, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
de Sá, Lilian Rose Marques
  • Cidade Universitária Armando de Salles Oliveira, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Nieman, Rodrigo Tavares
  • Cidade Universitária Armando de Salles Oliveira, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
da Silva, Luís Cláudio Lopes Correia
  • Cidade Universitária Armando de Salles Oliveira, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.

MeSH Terms

  • Horses
  • Animals
  • Metacarpal Bones / diagnostic imaging
  • Metacarpus / injuries
  • Metacarpus / pathology
  • Physical Conditioning, Animal
  • Cartilage, Articular / diagnostic imaging
  • Cartilage, Articular / pathology
  • Horse Diseases / etiology
  • Horse Diseases / pathology

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Citations

This article has been cited 3 times.
  1. Nocera I, Puccinelli C, Sgorbini M, Bagnoli E, Citi S. Ultrasonography of the Metacarpal/Tarsal-Phalangeal Joints in Healthy Racehorses: Normal Appearance, Breed-Related and Age-Related Features. Animals (Basel) 2022 Oct 3;12(19).
    doi: 10.3390/ani12192657pubmed: 36230398google scholar: lookup
  2. Malekipour F, Whitton RC, Lee PV. Advancements in Subchondral Bone Biomechanics: Insights from Computed Tomography and Micro-Computed Tomography Imaging in Equine Models. Curr Osteoporos Rep 2024 Dec;22(6):544-552.
    doi: 10.1007/s11914-024-00886-ypubmed: 39276168google scholar: lookup
  3. Pereira LO, DE Souza AF, Spagnolo JD, Yamada ALM, Salgado DMRA, DE Zoppa ALDV. Radiographic texture of the trabecular bone of the proximal phalanx in horses with metacarpophalangeal osteoarthritis. J Equine Sci 2024 Jul;35(2):21-28.
    doi: 10.1294/jes.35.21pubmed: 38962515google scholar: lookup
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