Qualitative and quantitative documentation of the racing performance of 461 Thoroughbred racehorses after arthroscopic removal of dorsoproximal first phalanx osteochondral fractures (1986-1995).

Summary

Dorsoproximal first phalanx chip fractures are common in racing Thoroughbreds, yet their long-term impact on performance after arthroscopic fragment removal has been poorly documented. Colón and colleagues followed 461 Thoroughbreds treated arthroscopically for these fractures (659 fragments removed across 574 joints between 1986–1995), tracking their subsequent racing careers and performance levels. Remarkably, 89% of horses returned to racing post-operatively, with 82% competing at equal or higher class than before injury; notably, 68% went on to race in Stake or Allowance races, demonstrating that both quantity and quality of performance were maintained. The findings confirm that arthroscopic fragment removal does not compromise competitive longevity or racing ability, making it a valuable intervention for preserving both equine welfare and economic value. For practitioners, this evidence supports early arthroscopic intervention for suspected dorsoproximal P1 fragmentation as a means of facilitating genuine return to previous performance rather than relegating affected horses to lower-class racing or retirement.

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Key Findings

• •89% of 461 horses (411/461) returned to racing after arthroscopic chip fracture removal, with 82% racing at the same or higher class
• •Average of 1.43 fragment sites per horse and 1.25 affected joints per horse were identified
• •68% of postoperative racehorses competed in Stake or Allowance races
• •Arthroscopic treatment preserved economic value and did not diminish quantity or quality of racing performance

Conditions Studied