Use of ultrasound-guided autologous bone marrow transfer for treatment of suspensory ligament desmitis in 30 race horses (2003-2010).

The research paper presents an evaluation of the effectiveness of autologous bone marrow injections in treating ligament lesions in racehorses. The study found that afflicted horses demonstrate promising prospects for return to racing after the treatment.

Research Methodology

• The study involved a retrospective cohort of 30 racehorses, comprised of 13 Standardbreds and 17 Thoroughbreds.
• In the treatment process, autologous bone marrow was aspirated from the sternebrae (a segment of the horse’s sternum), and subsequently introduced, under ultrasound guidance, into suspensory ligament core lesions.
• To gauge the treatment’s efficacy, the horses’ racing records were scrutinized to delineate their performance before and after the surgery.

Findings of the Research

• Out of the 13 Standardbred horses, 9 (69%) managed to participate in at least one race within the post-treatment follow-up period. The same number also succeeded in five or more starts.
• For the 17 Thoroughbred horses, 15 (88%) partook in at least one race within the follow-up period, and 12 (71%) had five or more starts.
• There were 8 Standardbred horses and 13 Thoroughbreds that had at least one race both pre and post-surgery.
• While the earnings per start did not significantly deviate in Standardbreds for the three races following surgery vis-a-vis the three races preceding it, there was a drop in earnings for Thoroughbreds post-surgery.

Conclusions

From the outcome of this study, it was inferred that a horse with a core lesion in the branch or body of the suspensory ligament exhibits a favorable prognosis for a return to racing, following treatment with intralesional injection of bone marrow aspirate. Consequently, the ultrasound-guided autologous bone marrow injection can be considered as a viable therapeutic approach in the treatment of ligament lesions in racehorses.