Lesion Distribution in the Metacarpophalangeal and Metatarsophalangeal Region of 341 Horses Using Standing Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
Authors: Schiavo Stefano, Beccati Francesca, Pokora Rachel, Lin Szu Ting, Milmine Rebecca C, Bak Lars, Peter Vanessa G, Murray Rachel C
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Editorial Summary: MCP/MTP Lesion Patterns on Standing MRI Standing MRI of the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal regions is becoming routine in equine lameness investigation, yet little has been published on the distribution patterns of pathology across different limbs and disciplines. Researchers at multiple centres reviewed 341 standing MRI reports to characterise the range of abnormalities present in these regions and identify whether lesion patterns differed between forelimbs and hindlimbs, or between horses competing in different sports. Subchondral bone pathologies predominated—including bone plate irregularities, defects, sclerosis and increased STIR signal intensity—alongside condylar and proximal phalanx lesions, with a notable medial bias in forelimbs versus lateral predominance in hindlimbs, likely reflecting asymmetric loading mechanics. Discipline-specific patterns emerged clearly: racehorses and endurance competitors showed higher frequencies of bone pathology at the MCP/MTP joint, whereas dressage and show-jumping horses exhibited more soft tissue injuries, particularly suspensory apparatus involvement including distal sesamoidean ligament damage. These findings provide a useful clinical framework for interpreting standing MRI findings and suggest that lameness investigation protocols and rehabilitation strategies should be tailored not only to anatomical location but also to the specific discipline-related stresses the horse experiences.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Standing MRI reveals sport-specific injury patterns: expect bone pathology in racehorses and endurance athletes, but soft tissue suspensory injuries in dressage and jumping horses—tailor your diagnostic approach and rehabilitation accordingly.
- •Medial lesions in front feet versus lateral lesions in hind feet reflect asymmetrical loading; consider these predispositions when assessing lame horses and planning farriery or training modifications.
- •Subchondral bone defects and sclerosis are common incidental findings in MCP/MTP regions of sport horses; clinical correlation with lameness localization remains essential before attributing lameness to these lesions.
Key Findings
- •Subchondral bone plate irregularities, sclerosis and defects were frequently identified in MCP/MTP regions across 341 horses examined by standing MRI.
- •Medial pathology predominated in forelimbs while lateral pathology was more common in hindlimbs, suggesting different loading patterns between limbs.
- •Race and endurance horses showed significantly higher rates of MCP/MTP bone pathology compared to other disciplines.
- •Dressage and show-jumping horses had higher incidence of soft tissue injuries, particularly in the suspensory apparatus and distal sesamoidean ligaments, compared to racing disciplines.