Palmar carpal osteochondral fragments in racehorses: 31 cases (1994-2004).
Abstract: To evaluate records of racehorses with palmar carpal osteochondral fragments and determine whether the fragments were indicators of the severity of pathologic joint changes or prognosis. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: 31 racehorses. Methods: Medical records, radiographs, and videos of arthroscopic procedures were reviewed. Information gathered included signalment; location, number, and size of the primary lesion; number and size of palmar carpal fragments; and details pertaining to surgical procedures. Outcome variables were obtained from race records. Results: 31 horses met the selection criteria. Multiple palmar fragments were diagnosed in 58% of horses; small fragments (< 3 mm in diameter) were most common (52% of horses). Fifty-two percent of the horses returned to racing, 48% returned to racing and earned money, and 32% had at least 5 more starts. Horses with multiple fragments had significantly less earnings per start and lower performance index values after surgery than those with 1 fragment. Horses with palmar fragments < 3 mm in diameter were significantly less likely to return to racing and have 5 starts or to win money after surgery than horses with larger fragments. Conclusions: Palmar carpal osteochondral fragments can be used as an indicator of clinically important joint pathology and as a prognostic indicator in racehorses. Horses with multiple small fragments were less likely to successfully return to racing than horses with only dorsally located carpal fragments or horses with 1 or 2 large palmar fragments. When possible, removal of palmar carpal osteochondral fragments should be considered.
Publication Date: 2006-05-09 PubMed ID: 16677125DOI: 10.2460/javma.228.10.1551Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research aimed to evaluate the significance of palmar carpal osteochondral fragments in racehorses, establishing their relation to joint pathology and prognosis for race performance post-surgery.
Study Methodology
- The method employed was a retrospective case series drawn from the records of 31 racehorses.
- Radiographs, videos of arthroscopic procedures, and medical records were used in this study.
- The details gathered included signalment, location, number, and size of the primary lesion, as well as number and size of palmar carpal fragments, and information regarding the surgical procedures conducted.
- Outcome variables were obtained from race records as a measure of performance post-surgery.
Results
- From the selected horses, multiple palmar fragments were found in 58% of horses while small fragments (< 3 mm in diameter) were most common, being present in 52% of the horses.
- Post-surgery, about half (52%) of the horses returned to racing, with 48% of those horses earning money, and 32% having at least 5 more starts.
- There was evidence of a negative impact on earnings per start and a lower performance index for horses with multiple fragments compared to those with only one fragment.
- The likelihood of returning to racing with at least 5 starts or to earn money post-surgery was significantly less in horses with palmar fragments of less than 3 mm in diameter compared to those with larger fragments.
Conclusions
- The presence of palmar carpal osteochondral fragments can serve as significant indicators of joint pathology in racehorses, also affecting prognosis in terms of performance post-surgery.
- Multiple small fragments impacted a horse’s ability to return successful post-surgery, as seen in comparison with horses with dorsally located carpal fragments or those with one or two larger fragments located palmarly.
- When feasible, removal of palmar carpal osteochondral fragments should be considered, given this correlation to reduced performance.
Cite This Article
APA
Getman LM, Southwood LL, Richardson DW.
(2006).
Palmar carpal osteochondral fragments in racehorses: 31 cases (1994-2004).
J Am Vet Med Assoc, 228(10), 1551-1558.
https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.228.10.1551 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Studies-New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Arthroscopy / veterinary
- Carpal Bones / diagnostic imaging
- Carpal Bones / injuries
- Carpal Bones / surgery
- Carpus, Animal / diagnostic imaging
- Carpus, Animal / injuries
- Carpus, Animal / surgery
- Female
- Fractures, Bone / diagnostic imaging
- Fractures, Bone / surgery
- Fractures, Bone / veterinary
- Horses / injuries
- Horses / surgery
- Male
- Prognosis
- Radiography
- Retrospective Studies
- Sports
- Treatment Outcome
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Hewitt-Dedman CL, O'Neill HD, Bladon BM. Arthroscopic removal of palmar intermediate carpal bone fracture fragments in four horses using a transthecal approach through the carpal flexor tendon sheath. Vet Surg 2022 Aug;51(6):929-939.
- Bonilla AG, Santschi EM. Comminuted fracture of the accessory carpal bone removed via an arthroscopic-assisted arthrotomy. Can Vet J 2015 Feb;56(2):157-61.
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