ArticleEquine veterinary journal2026
A longitudinal study of radiodensity and radiographic appearance of the proximal sesamoid bones in Thoroughbred racehorses.
Article in Equine veterinary journal, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
- Objective, Longitudinal Computed Tomographic Evaluation of the Metacarpal Condyles in Non-Lame Thoroughbred Racehorses.Animals : an open access journal from MDPI · 2026Article
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Authors and funding
4 authors.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundThere are limited data on long-term follow-up of radiographic changes of the proximal sesamoid bones (PSBs) in Thoroughbred racehorses. The effect of training and racing on radiodensity of the PSBs in live Thoroughbreds has not been described.
objectivesTo follow radiographic changes of the PSBs in racehorses over 2 years and describe alterations in overall radiodensity. STUDY
designProspective cohort study.
methodsForty yearlings were enrolled at the first examination (T0). Re-examinations were performed four times, approximately 6 months apart, on 31 (T1), 23 (T2), 13 (T3) and 8 (T4) horses. Radiographic and fan-beam computed tomographic (CT) examinations of both metacarpophalangeal regions were performed. The PSBs were graded (0-3) based on the number of enlarged (width ≥2 mm) vascular channels. The presence of abaxial margin new bone formation, concavity, and irregularity were recorded. The mean Hounsfield Unit (HU) values of the PSBs were measured on multiplanar CT reconstructions. Multivariable mixed-effects regression models estimated the effect of horse signalment and radiographic appearance on mean HU (linear) and the association between radiographic appearance and horse signalment (logistic).
resultsMean HU was lowest at T0 (1064.0 ± 65.1) and highest at T3 (1194.5 ± 78.6). Increasing mean HU was associated with an increasing number of total starts (p < 0.001), increasing bodyweight: height ratio (p < 0.001) and was higher in medial vs. lateral PSBs (p = 0.01). Abaxial new bone formation was associated with a higher grade (p = 0.004) and lateral PSBs (p = 0.04). Abaxial margin concavity was more likely in younger horses (p = 0.01), medial PSBs (p = 0.03) and the left forelimb (p = 0.03). Abaxial margin surface irregularity was more likely in younger horses (p = 0.02) and medial PSBs (p < 0.001). MAIN LIMITATIONS: Results may not be representative of all racehorse populations. A substantial number of horses were lost to follow-up. The PSBs were examined in isolation.
conclusionsIncreasing PSB radiodensity in racehorses was associated with the number of race starts and related training. Abaxial margin concavities and irregularities may be normal developmental features. Radiographic improvement of PSB grades is possible.
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