Bone marrow oedema-type signal in the proximal phalanx of Thoroughbred racehorses

Abstract

This study focused on 8 Thoroughbred racehorses showing bone marrow oedema-type signal in the proximal sagittal groove of the proximal phalanx, with the aim of understanding its clinical significance. Standing magnetic resonance imaging played an important role in assessing osseous abnormalities that were not radiographically identifiable. Further, a histopathological result from one of the cases showed there was oedema surrounding adipose tissues with increase in density of trabecular scaffolding. This may indicate presence of osseous injury within the area of decreased elasticity due to subchondral bone modeling. This study suggests that detection of osseous abnormality based on bone marrow oedema-type signal, and application of appropriate care following injury would contribute to prevent deterioration of stress-related fractures of the proximal phalanx.

Magnetic resonance imaging of equine stifles: Technique and observations in 76 clinical cases

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“…These foci which are the result of fatigue damage of the bone matrix, act as stress risers that can compromise the mechanical integrity of the whole bone. 67,68 A strong body of evidence indicates that such lesions are part of the pathophysiological pathway to most common fractures that occur in racehorses, including sagittal fractures of the proximal phalanx, 69,70 parasagittal fractures of the distal condyles of the third metacarpal and metatarsal bones, 71 transverse fractures of the distal metaphysis of the third metacarpal bone, 72 complete diaphyseal fractures of the third metacarpal bone, 73 transverse fractures of the proximal sesamoid bones, [74][75][76] slab fractures of the third carpal bone, 77 and stress fractures of the humerus, 67,68 scapula, 78,79 tibia, 80 ilium and lumbar vertebrae. 81…”

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