OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcome following conservative vs surgical management of sports horses with a diagnosis of subchondral bone trauma of the proximal aspect of the proximal phalanx (PP) by low-field MRI.
STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series.
ANIMALS: Twenty-one mature sports horses with evidence of high water signal within the proximal sagittal groove of the PP according to low-field MRI of the fetlock, with no definitive radiographic evidence of fracture.
METHODS: Medical records (2010-2017) of horses admitted to 2 referral hospitals were reviewed. Historical, clinical, radiographic, and MRI findings and treatment choice were recorded. Conservative management consisted of confinement to a stall followed by gradual reintroduction to exercise. Surgical management consisted of cortical screw fixation across the proximal aspect of the PP. Long-term outcome was determined by telephone questionnaire or by clinical records review. Fisher's exact test was used to compare outcome between the 2 treatment groups.
RESULTS: Follow-up was available in 17 of 21 horses in the study, including 8 horses treated conservatively and 9 treated surgically. No difference in outcome was detected in this study; 4 of 8 horses were sound after conservative management, and 5 of 9 horses were sound after surgery (Pā>ā.99).
CONCLUSION: Approximately half of the horses that had a diagnosis of osseous trauma within the proximal aspect of PP returned to athletic activity, regardless of conservative or surgical management.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The prognosis for return to athletic functions in horses with osseous trauma within the proximal aspect of the PP is guarded.
