Auxiliary osseous findings in fetlocks of non-racing sports horses with sagittal groove disease of the proximal phalanx on low-field magnetic resonance imaging.
Authors: Faulkner Josephine E, Joostens Zoë, Broeckx Bart J G, Hauspie Stijn, Mariën Tom, Vanderperren Katrien
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary Sagittal groove disease (SGD) of the proximal phalanx represents a significant clinical concern in sports horses, typically classified as a bone stress injury arising from repetitive fetlock hyperextension under load. Faulkner and colleagues examined low-field MRI scans from non-racing sports horses to characterise not only the primary SGD lesions but also concurrent osseous changes in the fetlock region and dorsal sagittal ridge of the third metacarpus/metatarsus (MC3/MT3). Their findings illuminate the broader architectural and degenerative changes that accompany sagittal groove pathology, moving beyond viewing SGD as an isolated lesion and instead identifying it as part of a spectrum of fetlock joint stress injury. Understanding these auxiliary osseous findings—and their prevalence and significance—has important implications for how practitioners assess fetlock disease, counsel clients on prognosis, and potentially modify training or rehabilitation protocols. For farriers, vets and physiotherapists managing horses with fetlock lameness, this work reinforces the value of comprehensive imaging and the need to address not merely the primary lesion but the underlying biomechanical drivers and associated pathology throughout the kinetic chain.
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Practical Takeaways
- •When sagittal groove disease is identified in a sports horse, expect concurrent changes in the third metacarpus/metatarsus and assess both structures together on imaging
- •Fetlock hyperextension during high-load work is a key risk factor; consider workload management and riding technique modifications in affected horses
- •MRI is a useful diagnostic tool for characterizing bone stress injuries in fetlock disease, even with lower field strength equipment
Key Findings
- •Sagittal groove disease of the proximal phalanx is considered a bone stress injury in equine athletes
- •Repetitive hyperextension of the fetlock under high load contributes to sagittal groove disease development
- •Concurrent changes in the dorsal sagittal ridge of MC3/MT3 are commonly reported alongside proximal phalanx sagittal groove disease
- •Low-field MRI can identify auxiliary osseous findings in fetlock pathology of non-racing sports horses