Is removal of proximo-plantar osteochondral fragments necessary in young Thoroughbreds?

  • Julia Dubuc Clinical Assistant Professor The University of Nottingham Sutton Bonington Campus Sutton Bonington Leicestershire LE12 5RD
  • Christopher Akkari Ringneill Equine Clinic, 53 Ringneill Road, Comber, Newtownards, BT23 6EF

Published:

2019-10-03

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DOI

https://doi.org/10.18849/ve.v4i4.186

Abstract

PICO question

In young Thoroughbreds with osteochondral fragments of the proximo-plantar aspect of the proximal phalanx, does pre-emptive surgical removal of the fragments compared to conservative (non-surgical) management reduce the incidence of subsequent lameness?

Clinical bottom line

There is currently insufficient data to determine the impact, on subsequent lameness, of conservative versus surgical management of proximo-plantar osteochondral fragments in young Thoroughbreds. Indeed, only three relevant studies were found, which include one retrospective study and two smaller case series. Since there are no substantive studies that have specifically focused on the treatment of plantar osteochondral fragmentation in Thoroughbred racehorses, the strength of evidence currently available is low.

 

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References

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Vol. 4 No. 4 (2019): The fourth issue of 2019

Section: Knowledge Summaries

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