Can quantitative computed tomography detect bone morphological changes associated with catastrophic proximal sesamoid bone fracture in Thoroughbred racehorses?

Abstract

Differences in proximal sesamoid bone morphology were identified between fracture and control horses. As improved technology becomes accessible, quantitative CT could potentially be used as a clinical imaging technique to estimate proximal sesamoid bone fracture risk in Thoroughbred racehorses.

Letter to the Editor: Can quantitative computed tomography detect bone morphological changes associated with catastrophic proximal sesamoid bone fracture in Thoroughbred racehorses?

“…Finding suitable controls is extremely challenging and often one of the key difficulties lies in defining what is the same population when compared to the research subjects. In Cresswell et al's study, signalment, circumstances of death and availability of necropsy material were the defining criteria for the research subjects [1]. In our editorial discussing the design of diagnostic imaging studies, we point out that while use of horses known not to have the target pathology, i.e.…”

“…We would like to expand the correspondence relating to the study 'Can quantitative computed tomography detect bone morphological changes associated with catastrophic proximal sesamoid bone fracture in Thoroughbred racehorses?' [1] and a subsequent letter in which Reesink and Palmer sought to clarify the control populations used and the rationale behind those choices [2]. The cases and controls in this study were both drawn from a population of Thoroughbred racehorses that underwent necropsy having died or been subjected to euthanasia on racetracks.…”

“…Study of sudden catastrophic disease is challenging and the etiopathogenesis of catastrophic bone failure is currently being evaluated in numerous laboratories across the globe. To that end, Cresswell et al's study explores whether horses with proximal sesamoid bone fracture have greater bone density than those that do not have this fracture [1]. As such, Cresswell's work makes an important contribution to the understanding of fatal musculoskeletal injuries and, as editors, we are proud to endorse work on this theme by publishing it in Equine Veterinary Journal.…”

How to publish diagnostic imaging studies: Common mistakes and recommendations

“…However, the data derived have to be analysed in light of why the horse was subjected to euthanasia. In the paper by Cresswell et al ., CT was used to characterise the morphology of fractured proximal sesamoid bones compared to control horses . Fractured sesamoid bones were found to have worse morphology, but we should question at what point are these changes clinically relevant?…”

Clinical insights: Imaging of the equine fetlock in Thoroughbred racehorses: Identification of imaging changes to predict catastrophic injury

“…Fracture of the proximal sesamoid bones (PSB) being the most common fatal musculoskeletal injury in US racehorses, Cresswell et al studied the potential of CT to detect bone morphological changes associated with this catastrophic fracture. This post‐mortem study was conducted on New York racetracks.…”