I M Wright1, G J Minshall. 1. Newmarket Equine Hospital, Cambridge Road, Newmarket, Suffolk, UK. referrals@neh.uk.com
Abstract
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Although a well recognised clinical entity, only small numbers of osteochondromata on the caudal distal radius have previously been published and its occurrence in young racing Thoroughbreds has not previously been reported. Identification and management of associated lesions in the deep digital flexor tendon have received scant attention in the literature. HYPOTHESIS: Osteochondromata of the caudal distal radius occur commonly in young racing Thoroughbreds. They vary in size and location, sagittally and proximodistally, but the majority cause impingement damage to the deep digital flexor tendon. METHODS: Case records and diagnostic images of horses with osteochondromata of the caudal distal radius were reviewed retrospectively and follow-up information obtained. RESULTS: Twenty-five osteochondromata were identified in 22 horses, 19 of which were Thoroughbreds. All osteochondromata were metaphyseal. Twenty-two were in the middle one-third of the bone and laceration of the adjacent deep digital flexor tendon was identified in 21 limbs. Treatment in all cases consisted of removal of the osteochondroma with debridement of the deep digital flexor tendon when this was affected. All horses returned to work and none exhibited any evidence of recurrence. CONCLUSION: Osteochondromata of the caudal distal radius occur in young racing Thoroughbreds but are also identified in other horses. They have a consistent metaphyseal location and most are found in the middle one-third of the radius. Size varies, but most cause laceration of the adjacent deep digital flexor tendon. Treatment by removal of the mass and debridement of the tendon is associated with a good prognosis. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Osteochondromata of the caudal distal radius are an important cause of tenosynovitis of the carpal sheath of the digital flexor tendons in young racing Thoroughbreds. When present in the most common location of the middle one-third of the bone, they are likely to cause impingement damage to the deep digital flexor tendon. Tenoscopic surgery offers a good prognosis.
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Although a well recognised clinical entity, only small numbers of osteochondromata on the caudal distal radius have previously been published and its occurrence in young racing Thoroughbreds has not previously been reported. Identification and management of associated lesions in the deep digital flexor tendon have received scant attention in the literature. HYPOTHESIS: Osteochondromata of the caudal distal radius occur commonly in young racing Thoroughbreds. They vary in size and location, sagittally and proximodistally, but the majority cause impingement damage to the deep digital flexor tendon. METHODS: Case records and diagnostic images of horses with osteochondromata of the caudal distal radius were reviewed retrospectively and follow-up information obtained. RESULTS: Twenty-five osteochondromata were identified in 22 horses, 19 of which were Thoroughbreds. All osteochondromata were metaphyseal. Twenty-two were in the middle one-third of the bone and laceration of the adjacent deep digital flexor tendon was identified in 21 limbs. Treatment in all cases consisted of removal of the osteochondroma with debridement of the deep digital flexor tendon when this was affected. All horses returned to work and none exhibited any evidence of recurrence. CONCLUSION: Osteochondromata of the caudal distal radius occur in young racing Thoroughbreds but are also identified in other horses. They have a consistent metaphyseal location and most are found in the middle one-third of the radius. Size varies, but most cause laceration of the adjacent deep digital flexor tendon. Treatment by removal of the mass and debridement of the tendon is associated with a good prognosis. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Osteochondromata of the caudal distal radius are an important cause of tenosynovitis of the carpal sheath of the digital flexor tendons in young racing Thoroughbreds. When present in the most common location of the middle one-third of the bone, they are likely to cause impingement damage to the deep digital flexor tendon. Tenoscopic surgery offers a good prognosis.