Slab fractures of the third carpal bone involving both radial and intermediate facets and outcomes after surgical repair in racing Quarter Horses.

This study explores the characteristics and outcomes of surgical repair in racing Quarter Horses suffering from third carpal bone (C3) slab fractures that involve both radial and intermediate facets. The study finds that horses with these types of fractures that undergo surgical repair have a favorable prognosis for retirement, breeding and potentially low-level athletic activity.

Research Methodology

The researchers used a retrospective method, collecting case records from racehorses who had experienced C3 slab fractures between 2008 and 2020. The criteria for participation in the study required that the horses had undergone an arthroscopic-guided repair for C3 slab fractures that involved both the radial and intermediate facets.

• Exclusions to the study included instances of routine C3 slab fractures that affected only a single facet, fractures in breeds other than Quarter Horses, and fractures treated with methods other than arthroscopic-guided repair.
• To gather outcomes, they used a standardized questionnaire. The data, presented as mean ± SD or as proportions with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Research Findings

The study found some common patterns in the horses facing these types of fractures:

• Out of the 22 Quarter Horses with C3 slab fractures involving both radial and intermediate facets, 91% were collapsing and had an avulsion (or tearing away) of the medial palmar intercarpal ligament.
• Articular cartilage erosion and osteochondral fracture of the radial carpal bone were observed in 91% and 41% of cases, respectively.

Looking at long-term outcomes after surgery:

• At an average of 5.5 years after surgery, 86% of the horses were alive and being used for breeding or were retired.
• Out of 18 horses with a follow-up period over a year, 39% had resumed some kind of athletic activity.

Conclusions

The study only included horses referred specifically for surgical repair. Horses with fractures considered too severe for surgical intervention, or those euthanized at the owner’s request, were not included in the study.

The responses collected from the questionnaire are susceptible to recall bias, which means the owners might not accurately remember specifics about the horse’s condition or recovery. The research concluded that horses with C3 slab fractures of both radial and intermediate facets that undergo surgical repair tend to have a good prognosis for retirement, breeding, and even some low-level athletic activity.