Retrospective study of risk factors on the pre and intraoperative exam associated with the athletic return of racehorses with osteochondral fracture in the carpus submitted to arthroscopy

• Grant number: 24/23095-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Animal Clinics and Surgery
• Principal Investigator: Luis Cláudio Lopes Correia da Silva
• Grantee: Allana Maceron Dias
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Intra-articular (IA) fractures of the carpus are a frequent occurrence in Quarter Horses race,representing one of the main causes of decreased athletic performance in these animals. Theincidence of these injuries is favored by a variety of factors. Diagnosis of these fractures isperformed through clinical and radiographic examinations, allowing assessment of thefractures, as well as the location and extent of possible fragments and joint damage. Surgicalremoval of fragments using the arthroscopy technique is often indicated to minimize jointdamage and reduce the risk of developing osteoarthritis. The data for this study will beobtained from clinical records, radiographic and arthroscopic images of Quarter Horses thatunderwent fragment removal at the Large Animal Surgery Service of FMVZ/USP. Factorssuch as the animal's age, physical parameters, and radiographic and arthroscopic scores willbe considered. Statistical analysis will be performed using logistic regression to assess theimpact of these factors on the horses' return to their athletic careers. Additionally, researchdata from the Jockey Club of Sorocaba website will be used to classify horses according totheir subsequent performance. Despite the various clinical and surgical techniques used todiagnose and treat IA, there are still gaps in knowledge regarding the factors that affect thereturn of racehorses to athletic activity. This study aims to identify and correlate clinical,imaging, and arthroscopic factors that influence the return of Quarter Horses to their athleticcareers after the removal of osteochondral fragments in the carpus.