Racing and sales performance after unilateral or bilateral single transphyseal screw insertion for varus angular limb deformities of the carpus in 53 thoroughbreds.

The research paper investigates the impact of unilateral or bilateral single transphyseal screw (STS) insertion treatments on racing and sales performance of Thoroughbred horses diagnosed with varus angular limb deformities of the carpus. The study finds no significant differences in these horses’ performance when compared to their untreated maternal siblings, suggesting that STS treatment does not adversely impact performance.

Study Design and Methodology

• The researchers carried out a case series study focusing on Thoroughbred horses (n=53).
• The medical records of these horses, dating from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2006, were examined. The horses had been treated for carpal angular limb deformity through the insertion of a transphyseal screw in the distal segment of the radius.
• The retrieved data included the sex of the horse, dates of the surgery and screw removal, surgical site, appearance, type of angular limb deformity, and degree of angular deviation measured using a goniometer.
• Racing and sales data were collected from an online racing site for all of the treated horses and their maternal siblings to evaluate performance differences.

Results of the Study

• No significant differences were noted in the yearling sale price, 2-year-olds in training sale price, percent starters, percent winners, starts, earnings, and earnings/start made during their 2- and 3-year old years between the treated horses and their maternal siblings.
• These findings indicate that the treatment with STS doesn’t have any negative effects on the sales or racing performance of Thoroughbreds with varus angular limb deformities of the carpus.

Conclusions of the Research

• The research concludes that unilateral or bilateral single transphyseal screw (STS) insertion does not give rise to any detrimental effects on the sales or racing performance of Thoroughbreds being treated for varus carpal angular limb deformities.
• This suggests that STS treatment can be leveraged safely in thoroughbred horses without the fear of impacting their post-treatment performance or value.