Osteochondral fragmentation in the synovial pad of the fetlock in Warmblood horses.
Abstract: To determine clinical and arthroscopic characteristics associated with fragments in the synovial pad of the fetlock and to characterize their morphology. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Warmblood horses (n=104) with fragment(s) in the synovial pad. Methods: Signalment and results of radiographic and clinical examination were collected before surgery. After arthroscopic fragment removal and joint evaluation for synovial and/or cartilage abnormalities, fragments were measured, and evaluated by histopathology. Results: Synovial pad fragments (n=142) were removed from 127 fetlocks. Two older horses had lameness. During arthroscopy, abnormalities were observed in 40 joints (31.5%) and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed a significant correlation between the observed arthroscopic abnormalities and the presence of large fragments (P=.016). Fragments were osteochondral bodies completely surrounded by fibrous tissue. At the edges of the hyaline cartilage cap an underlying fibrous structure was obvious in the extracellular matrix giving it a reactive pattern. Conclusions: Although the impact on lameness was minimal, there was a significant correlation between arthroscopic abnormalities and presence of large synovial pad fragments. On histopathology, these osteochondral fragments are embedded in fibrous tissue and show a reactive pattern. They are not a manifestation of any well-described joint pathology. Conclusions: Large synovial pad fragments in Warmblood horses can be associated with synovial and cartilage abnormalities, but further studies are warranted to determine their origin and clinical importance.
Publication Date: 2009-01-13 PubMed ID: 19134082DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-950X.2008.00426.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This study investigates the clinical and arthroscopic characteristics associated with fragments in the synovial pad of the fetlock in Warmblood horses, discussing their morphology and impact on the horse’s health.
Research Methodology
- The research studied a sample of Warmblood horses (104 in total) with one or more fragments in their synovial pads.
- Data were collected on each horse’s signalment (age, breed, sex) and results of their radiographic and clinical examinations prior to surgery.
- Post-surgery, arthroscopic fragment removal was carried out and the joint was evaluated for any abnormalities in the synovial membrane or cartilage.
- The removed fragments were then measured and evaluated using histopathology (the microscopic examination of tissue to study the manifestations of disease).
Results and Analysis
- A total of 142 synovial pad fragments were removed from 127 fetlocks.
- Among the entire sample, only two older horses were observed to have lameness.
- During arthroscopy, abnormalities were observed in 31.5% of the joints (40 joints).
- The study found a statistically significant correlation between the presence of arthroscopic abnormalities and large fragments via multivariate logistic regression analysis.
- The fragments were noted to be osteochondral bodies (bone and cartilage tissue) entirely surrounded by fibrous tissue.
- There existed an underlying fibrous structure at the edges of the hyaline cartilage cap visible in the extracellular matrix, which displayed a reactive pattern.
Conclusions of the Study
- Even though lameness caused by these fragments was minimal, the study found a significant correlation between the presence of large synovial pad fragments and arthroscopic abnormalities.
- The osteochondral fragments, embedded in fibrous tissue and showing a reactive pattern, did not correspond to any well-documented joint disease.
- Large synovial pad fragments in Warmblood horses could be associated with abnormalities in synovial tissue and cartilage. However, further research is necessary to ascertain their origin and clinical significance.
Cite This Article
APA
Declercq J, Martens A, Bogaert L, Boussauw B, Forsyth R, Boening KJ.
(2009).
Osteochondral fragmentation in the synovial pad of the fetlock in Warmblood horses.
Vet Surg, 37(7), 613-618.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-950X.2008.00426.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Surgery and Anaesthesia of Domestic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium. jeroen.declercq@UGent.be
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Arthroscopy / methods
- Arthroscopy / veterinary
- Cartilage, Articular / pathology
- Female
- Fractures, Bone / diagnostic imaging
- Fractures, Bone / pathology
- Fractures, Bone / surgery
- Fractures, Bone / veterinary
- Horse Diseases / diagnostic imaging
- Horse Diseases / pathology
- Horse Diseases / surgery
- Horses
- Lameness, Animal / etiology
- Male
- Physical Conditioning, Animal / physiology
- Radiography
- Retrospective Studies
- Synovectomy
- Synovial Membrane / diagnostic imaging
- Synovial Membrane / pathology
- Toe Joint / diagnostic imaging
- Toe Joint / pathology
- Toe Joint / surgery
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