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Equine veterinary journal1999; 31(2); 140-148; doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb03807.x

Pathology of the distal condyles of the third metacarpal and third metatarsal bones of the horse.

Abstract: This study examined material from Thoroughbred horses, the majority of which had been in race training, for evidence of pathology in the third metacarpal (McIII) and third metatarsal (MtIII) bones which might be related to the occurrence of distal condylar fractures. Whole bone samples were studied and documented by macrophotography prior to macroradiography and computed tomographic (CT) imaging. Microradiographs were made from 100 microm thick mediolateral sections cut perpendicular to the dorsal and palmar/plantar articular surfaces of distal condylar regions of McIII and MtIII. Blocks were prepared for morphological imaging using the backscattered electron mode of scanning electron microscopy (BSE SEM). Linear defects in mineralised articular cartilage and subchondral bone were found in the palmar/plantar aspects of the condylar grooves adjacent to the sagittal ridge. These were closely related to the pattern of densification of the subchondral bone and were associated with intense focal remodelling of the immediately adjacent and subjacent bone. Parasagittal fractures of the condyles originated in similar defects. A unifying hypothesis for the aetiopathogenesis of these fractures is presented.
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Publication Date: 1999-04-23 PubMed ID: 10213426DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb03807.xGoogle 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 conducted a thorough investigation on Thoroughbred horses, especially ones that have been in race training, in search of evidence that could explain the occurrence of distal condylar fractures in the third metacarpal (McIII) and third metatarsal (MtIII) bones. The study employed various imaging techniques and discovered that linear defects on these bones closely related to the densification pattern are also associated with intense bone remodelling.

Study Objective and Methodology

  • The prime objective of this research was to search for possible evidence or pathology that could justify the occurrence of distal condylar fractures in Thoroughbred horses’ McIII and MtIII bones. The horses in the study were primarily ones involved in race training
  • The researchers used whole bone samples collected from the horses. These samples underwent documentation via macrophotography before proceeding with macroradiography and computed tomographic (CT) imaging
  • Microradiographs were created from the mediolateral sections. These sections were placed perpendicular to the dorsal and palmar/plantar articular surfaces of condylar regions of McIII and MtIII bones
  • The team also prepared blocks for morphological imaging using the backscattered electron mode of scanning electron microscopy (BSE SEM).

Findings

  • The research team discovered linear defects in the mineralised articular cartilage and subchondral bone in the palmar/plantar aspects of the horse’s condylar grooves beside the sagittal ridge
  • These defects had a close relationship with the pattern of densification of the subchondral bone and were found to be associated with an intense level of focal remodelling of the immediately adjacent and subjacent bone
  • The researchers also noted that parasagittal fractures of the condyles originated in similar defects.

Theoretical Explanation

  • Based on their observations, the researchers proposed a unifying hypothesis for the aetiopathogenesis of these fractures
  • While the actual hypothesis isn’t detailed in the abstract, it likely revolves around the identified linear defects and their direct relation to the pattern of densification of the subchondral bone
  • The hypothesis also likely takes into account the remarkable level of remodelling that the horse’s body undertakes to rectify any damage to these crucial physical structures.

Cite This Article

APA
Riggs CM, Whitehouse GH, Boyde A. (1999). Pathology of the distal condyles of the third metacarpal and third metatarsal bones of the horse. Equine Vet J, 31(2), 140-148. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb03807.x

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 31
Issue: 2
Pages: 140-148

Researcher Affiliations

Riggs, C M
  • Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, University of Liverpool, Neston, UK.
Whitehouse, G H
    Boyde, A

      MeSH Terms

      • Animals
      • Fractures, Bone / diagnostic imaging
      • Fractures, Bone / etiology
      • Fractures, Bone / pathology
      • Fractures, Bone / veterinary
      • Horses / injuries
      • Metacarpal Bones / diagnostic imaging
      • Metacarpal Bones / pathology
      • Metatarsal Bones / diagnostic imaging
      • Metatarsal Bones / pathology
      • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
      • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / veterinary

      Citations

      This article has been cited 28 times.
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