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Published on: May 21, 2013
Palmar carpal osteochondral fragments in racehorses: 31 cases (1994-2004)
Liberty M Getman1, Louise L Southwood, Dean W Richardson
1Department of Clinical Studies-New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA.
Insights
Palmar carpal osteochondral fragments in racehorses can indicate joint disease severity and affect prognosis. Multiple small fragments are linked to poorer racing outcomes, suggesting surgical removal may improve success.
Area of Science:
- Equine Sports Medicine
- Veterinary Orthopedics
- Racehorse Performance Analysis
Background:
- Osteochondral fragments in the palmar carpus are a common finding in racehorses.
- The prognostic significance of these fragments, particularly their size and number, requires further clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess palmar carpal osteochondral fragments as indicators of joint pathology severity.
- To determine the prognostic value of these fragments for racehorse performance.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of 31 racehorses.
- Review of medical records, radiographs, and arthroscopic videos.
- Analysis of fragment characteristics and correlation with racing outcomes.
Main Results:
- 58% of horses had multiple palmar fragments; 52% had small fragments (<3mm).
- 52% of horses returned to racing, 48% earned money, 32% had ≥5 starts post-surgery.
- Multiple or small fragments were associated with significantly lower earnings and performance post-surgery.
Conclusions:
- Palmar carpal osteochondral fragments are indicators of joint pathology and prognosis in racehorses.
- Multiple small fragments negatively impact return to racing success.
- Surgical removal of palmar carpal osteochondral fragments should be considered.
Objective:
To evaluate records of racehorses with palmar carpal osteochondral fragments and determine whether the fragments were indicators of the severity of pathologic joint changes or prognosis.
Design:
Retrospective case series.
Animals:
31 racehorses.
Procedures:
Medical records, radiographs, and videos of arthroscopic procedures were reviewed. Information gathered included signalment; location, number, and size of the primary lesion; number and size of palmar carpal fragments; and details pertaining to surgical procedures. Outcome variables were obtained from race records.
Results:
31 horses met the selection criteria. Multiple palmar fragments were diagnosed in 58% of horses; small fragments (< 3 mm in diameter) were most common (52% of horses). Fifty-two percent of the horses returned to racing, 48% returned to racing and earned money, and 32% had at least 5 more starts. Horses with multiple fragments had significantly less earnings per start and lower performance index values after surgery than those with 1 fragment. Horses with palmar fragments < 3 mm in diameter were significantly less likely to return to racing and have 5 starts or to win money after surgery than horses with larger fragments.
Conclusions And Clinical Relevance:
Palmar carpal osteochondral fragments can be used as an indicator of clinically important joint pathology and as a prognostic indicator in racehorses. Horses with multiple small fragments were less likely to successfully return to racing than horses with only dorsally located carpal fragments or horses with 1 or 2 large palmar fragments. When possible, removal of palmar carpal osteochondral fragments should be considered.
