Osteochondral fragments of the pastern joint at the origin of the collateral ligament of the distal sesamoid bone: performance after arthroscopic removal (2000-2015).
Authors: Moyer Christine T, Bramlage Lawrence R, Werre Stephen R, Ruggles Alan, Embertson Rolf, Hopper Scott
Journal: Veterinary surgery : VS
Summary
# Editorial Summary Osteochondral fragments arising from the collateral ligament origin at the distal sesamoid bone represent a specific lesion of the pastern joint in racehorses, yet their clinical significance has remained unclear. Moyer and colleagues reviewed 39 thoroughbreds that underwent arthroscopic removal of these fragments between 2000 and 2015, predominantly from hind limbs (92% of cases), comparing their subsequent racing performance against 169 age- and sex-matched siblings. Post-operative outcomes proved encouraging: 69% of treated horses returned to racing compared with 76% of controls (not statistically significant), whilst career race earnings showed no meaningful difference between the two groups across their 2-year-old season, 3-year-old season, or entire racing careers. These findings suggest that arthroscopic fragment removal from the dorsal PIP joint does not compromise future athletic function or performance potential in flat racehorses. For practitioners evaluating pastern joint lesions in young racehorses, this evidence supports the use of arthroscopic surgery as a viable treatment option, offering prognostication comparable to unaffected cohorts, though careful case selection and rehabilitation protocols remain essential for optimising return to competition.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Osteochondral fragments at the collateral ligament origin in the PIP joint can be successfully removed arthroscopically without compromising racing ability or earnings potential
- •Most affected cases are hindlimb lesions; prognosis for return to racing is good, with 69% of treated horses racing compared to 76% of unaffected siblings
- •This condition should not be viewed as career-ending; surgical intervention appears warranted given equivalent long-term performance outcomes to unaffected horses
Key Findings
- •39 thoroughbreds with osteochondral PIP fragments (42 joints affected) were treated arthroscopically; 92% were hindlimb lesions
- •Post-surgical race-starting rate was 69% in treated horses vs 76% in matched siblings (P=0.15), showing no significant difference
- •Race earnings did not differ between treated horses and siblings at 2-year-old, 3-year-old, or career stages (all P>0.40)
- •Arthroscopic removal of dorsal PIP joint fragments resulted in racing performance equivalent to unaffected matched controls