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The Veterinary record2004; 154(16); 493-497; doi: 10.1136/vr.154.16.493

Risk of fatal distal limb fractures among Thoroughbreds involved in the five types of racing in the United Kingdom.

Abstract: The risk of fatal distal limb fractures in thoroughbreds racing in the UK was calculated and shown to vary considerably between the different types of race. Flat turf racing was associated with the lowest risk (0.4 per 1000 starts) and national hunt flat racing was associated with the highest risk (2.2 per 1000 starts). The types of fracture were classified by detailed radiographic and postmortem examinations of all the cases recorded over two years, and the distribution of the different types of fracture in the five main types of racing was examined. Overall, lateral condylar fractures of the third metacarpus were the most common, and they were also the most common in national hunt-type races (hurdle, steeplechase and national hunt flat races). In all-weather flat racing biaxial proximal sesamoid fractures were most common, and in turf flat racing fractures of the first phalanx were most common. The risk of fractures of more than one bone was greater in national hunt-type races.
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Publication Date: 2004-05-08 PubMed ID: 15130054DOI: 10.1136/vr.154.16.493Google 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.

This research provides an analysis of the risk of fatal distal limb fractures in thoroughbred racehorses participating in five types of UK racing, revealing significant differences in fracture risk amongst them.

Study Overview

  • The study aimed to calculate the risk of fatal distal limb fractures in thoroughbred racehorses involved in five types of racing in the United Kingdom. These included flat turf racing, national hunt flat racing, and three other types listed as hurdle, steeplechase, and all-weather flat racing.
  • Incidents of fractures were recorded over two years, with each fracture case being subject to detailed radiographic and postmortem examinations.

Findings of the Study

  • The study found that the risk levels of fractures varied significantly between different types of races. While flat turf racing was associated with the lowest risk, with 0.4 fractures per 1000 starts, National hunt flat racing was found to carry the highest risk, with 2.2 fractures per 1000 starts.

Classification and Distribution of Fractures

  • The fractures were classified based on their incidence in the different types of racing. The overall most common fracture was the lateral condylar fracture of the third metacarpus.
  • This fracture was also the most common one in national hunt-type races, which include hurdle, steeplechase, and National hunt flat races.
  • Meanwhile, biaxial proximal sesamoid fractures were found to be most common in all-weather flat racing, while fractures of the first phalanx were the most common in turf flat racing.

Risks Associated with Multiple Bone Fractures

  • The research also identified that the risk of sustaining fractures to more than one bone was greater in national hunt-type races.

Cite This Article

APA
Parkin TD, Clegg PD, French NP, Proudman CJ, Riggs CM, Singer ER, Webbon PM, Morgan KL. (2004). Risk of fatal distal limb fractures among Thoroughbreds involved in the five types of racing in the United Kingdom. Vet Rec, 154(16), 493-497. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.154.16.493

Publication

The Veterinary record
ISSN: 0042-4900
NlmUniqueID: 0031164
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 154
Issue: 16
Pages: 493-497

Researcher Affiliations

Parkin, T D H
  • Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Chester High Road, Neston, South Wirral CH64 7TE.
Clegg, P D
    French, N P
      Proudman, C J
        Riggs, C M
          Singer, E R
            Webbon, P M
              Morgan, K L

                MeSH Terms

                • Animals
                • Athletic Injuries / epidemiology
                • Athletic Injuries / etiology
                • Athletic Injuries / veterinary
                • England / epidemiology
                • Forelimb / injuries
                • Fractures, Bone / epidemiology
                • Fractures, Bone / etiology
                • Fractures, Bone / veterinary
                • Hindlimb / injuries
                • Horses / injuries
                • Incidence
                • Physical Conditioning, Animal / methods

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