Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Computed Tomographic and Radiographic Findings in the Metacarpophalangeal Joints of 40 Non-Lame Thoroughbred Yearlings

Annamaria Nagy, Koppány Boros, Sue Dyson

Background: The authors aimed to describe MRI, CT and radiographic findings in the metacarpophalangeal joints of non-lame Thoroughbred yearlings entering racehorse training. They wanted to provide reference data on abnormalities that may be present in young Thoroughbreds before intensive training.

Study: The authors performed low-field MRI, fan-beam CT and radiographic examinations of both metacarpophalangeal joints of 40 Thoroughbreds. They assessed the images subjectively and recorded the presence and location of abnormalities in the bone and soft tissues.

Methods: The authors used a 0.27 T open magnet for MRI, a 16-detector multislice helical scanner for CT and a digital radiography system for radiographs. They acquired images in different planes and sequences and used medical viewing software to review them. They followed a protocol adapted to each imaging modality and reached consensus on the findings.

Results: The authors found various abnormalities in the metacarpophalangeal joints, such as lesions consistent with osteochondrosis in the sagittal ridge of the third metacarpal bone, increased bone density in the metacarpal condyles and the sagittal ridge, hypoattenuating lesions in the subchondral bone of the proximal phalanx and the metacarpal condyles, enlarged vascular channels in the metacarpal condyles and the proximal sesamoid bones, and asymmetry in size of the suspensory ligament branches and the oblique sesamoidean ligaments.

Limitations: The authors acknowledged the limitations of their study, such as a relatively small sample size, the inherent limitations of low-field MRI, the lack of histological evaluation of the lesions, the variability in exercise patterns and conformation of the horses, and the inability to differentiate between adaptive and pathological changes.

Conclusions: The authors concluded that early adaptive trabecular bone changes and lesions consistent with osteochondrosis can be seen in the metacarpophalangeal joints of non-lame yearling Thoroughbreds. They also suggested that hypoattenuating lesions in the subchondral bone may indicate developmental abnormalities or subtle injuries. They recommended further studies to investigate the progression of these abnormalities and their association with performance and injury risk.

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