Racing performance after arthroscopic removal of apical sesamoid fracture fragments in Thoroughbred horses age ≥ 2 years: 84 cases (1989–2002)

  1. L. V. SCHNABEL1,*,
  2. L. R. BRAMLAGE1,
  3. H. O. MOHAMMED2,
  4. R. M. EMBERTSON1,
  5. A. J. RUGGLES1,
  6. S. A. HOPPER1

Article first published online: 5 JAN 2010

DOI: 10.2746/042516406778400655

Issue

Equine Veterinary Journal

Equine Veterinary Journal

Volume 38, Issue 5, pages 446–451, September 2006

Additional Information

How to Cite

SCHNABEL, L. V., BRAMLAGE, L. R., MOHAMMED, H. O., EMBERTSON, R. M., RUGGLES, A. J. and HOPPER, S. A. (2006), Racing performance after arthroscopic removal of apical sesamoid fracture fragments in Thoroughbred horses age ≥ 2 years: 84 cases (1989–2002). Equine Veterinary Journal, 38: 446–451. doi: 10.2746/042516406778400655

Author Information

  1. 1

    Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, PO Box 12070, 2150 Georgetown Road, Lexington, Kentucky 40580

  2. 2

    Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA.

* Box 25, Department of Clinical Sciences, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 5 JAN 2010
  2. Article first published online: 5 JAN 2010
  3. Paper received for publication 29.11.05; Accepted 20.03.06

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Keywords:

  • horse;
  • racing performance;
  • apical sesamoid fracture;
  • arthroscopy

Summary

Reasons for performing study: Studies have shown that surgical removal of apical fracture fragments in Standardbred racehorses carries the best prognosis for return to racing performance, but there are no reports involving mature Thoroughbred (TB) racehorses.

Objectives: To describe the incidence of apical proximal sesamoid fractures in TB racehorses and determine probability and quality of racing performance after arthroscopic removal of such fractures in TB racehorses age ≥2 years.

Methods: Medical records and pre- and post operative race records of TB racehorses age ≥2 years that underwent arthroscopic surgery for removal of apical proximal sesamoid fracture fragments were reviewed.

Results: Sixty-four percent of fractures occurred in the hindlimbs and 36% in the forelimbs. Horses with forelimb fractures had a reduced probability of return to racing (67%) compared to those with hindlimb fractures (83%), but the majority (77%) of treated horses recovered to return to race post operatively. Horses with medial forelimb fractures raced at only a 47% rate; those with suspensory desmitis at 63%. Unlike Standardbreds, there was no difference in probability of racing post operatively between horses that had, and had not, raced preoperatively.

Conclusions: Data show that arthroscopic removal of apical proximal sesamoid fracture fragments is successful at restoring ability to race in skeletally mature TB horses without evidence of severe suspensory ligament damage. Prognosis for return to racing is excellent (83%) in horses with hindlimb fractures and good (67%) in those with forelimb fractures. Medial fractures of the forelimb have the worst prognosis.

Potential relevance: The determination of prognosis for differing sites in TB racehorses should increase knowledge of apical proximal sesamoid bone fractures and improve communication from veterinarian to owner, and trainer, on the potential for arthroscopic restoration of the ability to race.

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