Relationship between the shape of the central and third tarsal bones and the presence of tarsal osteoarthritis.

This research investigates the correlation between the shape of certain bones in the foot of horses (specifically, the central tarsal bone and the third tarsal bone) and the development of osteoarthritis, a common ailment in equine species. The study shows that the shape change, referred to as “wedging,” might contribute to the onset of osteoarthritis.

Research Methodology

• The research subject was the relationship between the shape of the central tarsal bone (CTB) and the third tarsal bone (TTB) in the horse’s foot and the onset of osteoarthritis.
• The researchers used computed tomographic (CT) images to analyze the bones and the related joints, which included the proximal intertarsal (PIT), distal intertarsal (DIT), and the tarsometatarsal (TMT) joints.
• The height of the CTB and TTB at their dorsal and plantar aspects were measured in three parasagittal planes using cadaver specimens. From these measurements, a “wedging index” was calculated as the ratio between the dorsal and plantar measurements.
• All tarsal bones were evaluated for osteoarthritis based on the CT images.

Research Findings

• The study found a moderate negative correlation between the wedging index of the CTB and osteoarthritis of the PIT, DIT, and TMT joints. This suggests that as the wedging of the CTB increases, the likelihood of osteoarthritis in these joints also increases.
• The researchers observed dorsal wedging of the TTB in cases of mild to moderate osteoarthritis. However, in cases of severe osteoarthritis, there was evidence of plantar wedging.
• In simpler terms, the researchers noted that an altered shape of the small tarsal bones may play a role in the development of osteoarthritis in the associated joints.

Research Implication

• The findings from this study suggest that care should be taken in foals (young horses) to prevent the development of bone wedging. Presumably, doing so could potentially help prevent the onset of osteoarthritis in these animals as they age.
• This research contributes valuable knowledge to the field of equine health and could guide treatment and preventative measures for osteoarthritis in horses.