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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Early changes in the distal intertarsal joint of Dutch Warmblood foals and the influence of exercise on bone density in the third tarsal bone.

It was hypothesised that imposition of different exercise levels at a young age would lead to differences in bone density in the third tarsal bone and to difference in the prevalence of pathological lesions that might contribute to the development of bone spavin later in life. Furthermore, based on earlier literature, it was hypothesised that such lesions could be classified as a manifestation of osteochondrosis. Changes in bone density in the third tarsal bone and early pathological changes in the articular cartilage of the distal intertarsal joint were studied in the offspring of sires with radiographic evidence of osteochondrosis in either stifle or hock. Twenty-four foals were studied at age 5 months after having been subjected to different exercise programmes (box-rest, box-rest with sprint training, pasture exercise) from age one week. Nineteen other foals that originally belonged to the same exercise groups were studied at age 11 months, after they had been weaned, housed together and subjected to an identical low level exercise regimen for an additional 6 months. Bone density was quantified using a microscopic technique. Histomorphological analysis was performed semiquantitatively and using high detail radiography techniques. At age 5 months, mean +/- s.d. bone density in the compact bone of the third tarsal bone was significantly lower in the box-rested foals (37 +/- 4%) than in both the trained and pastured foals (48 +/- 7% and 52 +/- 11%, respectively). After 6 months of identical exercise the previously box-rested foals showed an increase in bone density (53 +/- 12%) which became similar to the value found in the formerly pastured foals (52 +/- 8%). Major pathological lesions (chondrocyte necrosis, fragmentation and chondrone formation) of the articular cartilage of the third and central tarsal bones were already present at age 5 months, but were significantly more numerous at 11 months. There was no relation between the number of cartilage lesions and the osteochondrosis status of the foals. Only 2 lesions in 11-month-old foals had histological characteristics compatible with osteochondrosis, all other lesions were degenerative in nature. It is concluded that bone density of the compact bone of the subchondral bone plate in the third tarsal bone reacts strongly to variations in exercise at a very young age. Low bone density, caused by lack of exercise, can be compensated for when exercise is later increased. Pathological changes in the distal intertarsal joint are common at 5 months and increase to 11 months. These lesions are degenerative in nature and seem not to be related to osteochondrosis. Although the clinical relevance of these abnormalities is uncertain, they may be relevant for the development of osteoarthritic processes in this region later in life.

Animals↗

An MRI study of the effect of treadmill training on bone morphology of the central and third tarsal bones of young thoroughbred horses.

Training results in marked modelling of the subchondral bone of the carpus, but the effect of training on the subchondral bone of the distal tarsal joints is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine whether training influenced modelling of the third and central tarsal bones in Thoroughbred horses. Twelve untrained Thoroughbred horses were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 underwent a 19 week progressive training regimen on a high speed treadmill. Group 2 were walked for 40 min daily. Images of left tarsi were obtained by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a 0.5 Tesla superconducting magnet using a spin echo sequence. Sagittal and oblique sagittal slices were made perpendicular to the articular surfaces of the intertarsal joints and were analysed using image analysis software to measure the proportion of dense subchondral bone in the dorsal facet of each bone. Mean +/- s.d. percentage area of dense subchondral bone in the dorsal facet of the central tarsal bone in Group 1 was 47 +/- 8 medially, 46 +/- 4 sagitally and 50 +/- 11 dorsolaterally, whereas in Group 2 it was 39 +/- 16 medially, 43 +/- 8 sagitally and 53 +/- 7 dorsolaterally. For the third tarsal bone mean +/- s.d. percentage area of dense subchondral bone in Group 1 was 32 +/- 10 medially, 39 +/- 11 sagitally and 44 +/- 8 dorsolaterally, whereas in Group 2 it was 28 +/- 8 medially, 37 +/- 6 sagitally and 41 +/- 9 dorsolaterally. There was no significant difference in percentage area of dense subchondral bone between the trained and untrained horses. An effect of treadmill training of Thoroughbred horses on modelling of the central and third tarsal bones could not be demonstrated.

Animals↗

Tarsal bone disintegration in leprosy.

Tarsal bone disintegration is characterised by fragmentation and progressive collapse of one or more tarsal bones. It occurs in 10% of leprosy patients, and is responsible for many severe foot deformities associated with this disease. The main cause is micro-traumata, but sensory impairment, sepsis and osteoporosis are predisposing factors. In this series of 400 consecutive patients the talus and navicular were involved most frequently (2% of 119 tarsal lesions). Treatment, including prolonged immobilisation of the foot, results in dense sclerosis of the affected bone, and leaves a functional limb. Initial radiological features include: (i) Bone fragmentation. (ii) Calcified fragments in adjacent soft tissues. (iii) Linear fractures. (iv) Progressive compression and deformity of the affected bone. (v) Loss of density of the affected bone. (vi) Flattening of the longitudinal plantar arch. Illustrative case histories are presented, and the differential diagnosis discussed.

Adolescent↗

Bone scintigraphy as an aid in the diagnosis of occult distal tarsal bone trauma in three horses.

History, physical examination, and bone scintigraphy were used to diagnose central and/or third tarsal bone trauma in 3 acutely lame horses. In all 3 cases, the results of initial radiographic examination were negative. Bone scintigraphy revealed focal, intense radioisotope uptake at the level of the distal tarsal bones in the 3 horses. Radiographs obtained 4 weeks after injury in one horse demonstrated a slab fracture of the central tarsal bone. Conservative management of the tarsal bone disease resulted in acceptable return to function in all 3 horses.

Animals↗

Incomplete ossification of the tarsal bones in foals: 22 cases (1988-1996).

OBJECTIVE: To determine outcome for foals with incomplete ossification of the tarsal bones and to determine whether clinical and radiographic abnormalities at the time of initial examination were associated with outcome. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 22 foals. PROCEDURE: Information on signalment, history, owner's initial complaint, clinical findings, whether tarsus valgus was evident, and radiographic abnormalities was obtained from medical records. Radiographic lesions were classified as type I (i.e., incomplete ossification with < 30% collapse of the affected bones) or type II (incomplete ossification with > 30% collapse and pinching or fragmentation of the affected bones). Follow-up information was obtained via telephone conversations with owners. RESULTS: Foals were between 1 day and 10 months old when first examined. Eleven were premature (i.e., < 320 days of gestation) or were twins. Sixteen had tarsus valgus. Severity of radiographic lesions was associated with outcome; 4 of 6 foals with type-I incomplete ossification of the tarsal bones performed as intended, but only 3 of 16 foals with type-II incomplete ossification of the tarsal bones performed as intended. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: For foals with incomplete ossification of the tarsal bones, severity of the radiographic lesions was associated with outcome. Foals with type-II incomplete ossification of the tarsal bones have a guarded prognosis for athletic soundness.

Animals↗

Stage specificity of Ara-C induced carpal and tarsal bone anomalies in mice.

Pregnant mice were injected intraperitoneally with a single dose of 5 mg/kg of cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C) on different gestational days (dg 9-12). On the 15th postnatal day, skeletal anomalies of the paws were examined, and associations between carpal and tarsal bone anomalies and digit anomalies were assessed. The types of carpal and tarsal bone anomalies differed according to the time of exposure to Ara-C during pregnancy. It was also found that the "critical period" for the carpal and tarsal bones is wider than that of the digits. The occurrence of anomalies of phalangeal and metacarpal/metatarsal bones was always associated with carpal or tarsal bone anomalies, although some carpal and tarsal bone anomalies occurred alone. It may be that the Ara-C threshold is considerably lower in the carpal and tarsal bones than in the digits.

Animals↗

Conservative management of fourth tarsal bone fracture in a draft horse.

A fourth tarsal bone fracture was treated conservatively in an adult draft horse. Seven months after the injury, the horse had no evidence of lameness and was able to compete in athletic events. It has been suggested that conservative management of these fractures be considered for brood animals or animals used for less strenuous activities. The outcome of this case suggests that fourth tarsal bone fractures can be successfully treated in athletic animals with conservative management.

Animals↗

Management of giant cell tumor of the tarsal bones: a report of nine cases and a review of the literature.

Giant cell tumor of the tarsal bones is uncommon and therapeutic options are ill defined. We report on nine cases of giant cell tumors of the tarsal bones treated by excision of the complete bone in 6 cases, partial excision in 1 case, and curettage and bone grafting in two cases. There was no recurrence at an average 25.8-month follow-up. Function after calcanectomy was satisfactory. Excision of the talus may or may not be followed by arthrodesis, but arthrodesis is essential after excision of all the other tarsal bones except the calcaneus. We advocate aggressive surgical measures in these cases; amputation should be reserved for recurrences only. Satisfactory function may be expected after excision of tarsal bones.

Adolescent↗

Asymmetric adaptive modeling of central tarsal bones in racing greyhounds.

Fatigue fracture of the cuboidal bones of the foot, especially the navicular tarsal bone, is common in athletes and dancers. The racing greyhound is a naturally occurring animal model of this injury because both microcracking and complete fracture occur in the right central (navicular) tarsal bone (CTB). The right limb is on the outside when racing in a counter-clockwise direction on circular tracks, and is subjected to asymmetric cyclic compressive loading. We wished to study in more detail adaptive modeling in the right CTB in racing greyhounds. We hypothesized that cyclic asymmetric loading of a cuboidal bone induced by racing on a circular track would induce site-specific bone adaptation. We also hypothesized that such an adaptive response would be attenuated in greyhounds that were retired from racing and no longer subjected to cyclic asymmetric loading. Central tarsal bones from racing greyhounds (racing group, n = 6) and retired greyhounds being used for breeding (nonracing group, n = 4) were examined using quantitative computed tomography (CT). Bone mineral density (BMD) was determined in a 3-mm diameter region-of-interest (ROI) in six contiguous 1-mm-thick sagittal CT slices of each CTB. Bones were subsequently examined histomorphometrically and percentage bone area (B.Ar./T.Ar., %) was determined in 10 ROI from dorsal to plantar in a transverse plane, mid-way between the proximal and distal articular surfaces. The BMD of the right CTB was greater than the left in all greyhounds (p < 0. 001). In comparing ipsilateral limbs between groups, BMD of the racing group was greater than the nonracing group for each side (p < 0.005). In sagittal plane histologic sections, bone in the dorsal region of the right CTB had undergone adaptive modeling, through thickening and compaction of trabeculae. B.Ar./T.Ar., % in the right CTB of the racing group was greater than in the contralateral CTB (p < 0.001), and the ipsilateral CTB of the nonracing group (p < 0.001). In the nonracing group, B.Ar./T.Ar., % in the right CTB was not significantly different from left CTB (p > 0.8; power = 80% at Delta = 48%). It was concluded that greyhounds racing on circular tracks develop site-specific bone adaptation with compaction of trabecular bone and increase in BMD in the right CTB in particular, the most common site for fatigue fracture. Our data also suggested that partial reversal of this adaptive process occurred in retired, nonracing greyhounds, after cessation of asymmetric cyclic loading at racing speed. Racing greyhounds provide a model in which to study fatigue fracture and adaptation of cuboidal foot bones subjected to cyclic loading.

Animals↗

Long-term outcome of horses with a slab fracture of the central or third tarsal bone treated conservatively: 25 cases (1976-1993).

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical features of horses with a slab fracture of the central or third tarsal bone and to report outcome of horses in which treatment did not include surgery. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 25 horses (14 Standardbreds, 6 Thoroughbreds, 5 Quarter Horses). PROCEDURE: Medical records of horses with a slab fracture of the central (n = 9) or third (16) tarsal bone were reviewed. Only horses for which treatment consisted of confinement to a stall were included in this study. Clinical features and radiographic findings were recorded and summarized. Outcome was determined for racing breeds by obtaining official lifetime race results. Outcome for Quarter Horses was determined by phone survey of the owners. RESULTS: 16 (64%) horses had a successful outcome. Ten of 14 (71%) Standardbreds and 2 of 6 Thoroughbreds returned to racing and started at least 5 races after injury. Four of 5 Quarter Horses for which follow-up information was available successfully returned to their previous activity. Sex, age, limb affected, or gait was not associated with final outcome. Percentage of racehorses with central tarsal bone fractures that had a successful outcome (2/7) was significantly less than percentage with third tarsal bone fractures that did (10/13). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that enforced rest without surgical fixation can be an effective therapeutic option for horses with a slab fracture of the central or third tarsal bone, even if athletic function is expected.

Animals↗

Injuries to the midtarsal joint and lesser tarsal bones.

Injuries to the midtarsal joint and lesser tarsal bones occur relatively infrequently and often present with a benign appearance on imaging studies. These facts may lead to failure of diagnosis and/or inadequate and improper treatment, with subsequent disability for the patient. The clinician with a general knowledge of the various injury patterns to the midfoot is able to approach these injuries rationally and with an appreciation of their potential severity. This article reviews the mechanism, clinical and radiologic presentation, and treatment of midtarsal joint injuries and midfoot fractures.

Foot Injuries↗

Cancellous structure of tarsal bones.

The internal structure of the tarsal bones has been studied to investigate their cancellous architecture. It is revealed that these bones have fine and coarse meshworks and even a tendency for obliteration of the trabecular pattern in the bones lying distal to this midtarsal joint. Internal structure of the talus does not show an arched pattern of bony lamellae. An increased density of bony lamellae in the internal structure of the navicular bone could result from excessive stress, enforced by its close relationship to the three cuneiform bones.

Calcaneus↗

The onset and consequences of tarsal bone fractures in foals.

Fractures of the central tarsal and/or third tarsal bones involving both limbs of six foals are described. Five of the subjects were born either premature or of twin pregnancies. Fractures occurred in the neonatal period and coincided with disablement. Features of behaviour, posture and gait are described, together with gross radiographic findings, bone ash determination and blood chemistry. Lesions observed on the articular faces of tarsal bones recovered from adult horses may have originated during the neonatal-period.

Journal Article↗

Outcome and racing performance after internal fixation of third and central tarsal bone slab fractures in horses. A review of 20 cases.

Twenty horses with central and third tarsal bone slab fractures, were treated internal fixation. Eighteen of the 20 cases were Standardbred trotters, one was a Thoroughbred racehorse and one a Swedish Warmblood. The central tarsal bone (CT) was involved in 12 cases and the third tarsal bone (T3) in 8 cases. The fractures were treated by lag screw fixation with one (18 cases) or two (2 cases) 3.5 or 4.5 mm cortical screws. Horses were confined to stall rest for one month and then put on a gradually increasing exercise programme. Convalescence time was 3-8 months until the fracture had healed and training could be resumed. Fifteen of the horses regained athletic soundness. Thirteen of the horses (72%) raced after surgery (12 Standardbreds and 1 Thoroughbred). Nine (69%) of these 13 horses won races after surgery.

Animals↗

Carpal and tarsal bone anomalies in mice induced by maternal treatment of Ara-C.

Pregnant mice of the Jcl:ICR strain were injected intraperitoneally with a single dose of 5 mg/kg of cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C) on dg 10.5. Skeletal changes of the forepaw and hindpaw were evaluated in the offspring on the 15th or 24th postnatal day. Various anomalies of carpal and tarsal bones such as fusion, absence, and deformation occurred at high incidence at a dose that produced digital anomalies. Almost all newborns with Ara-C-induced digital anomalies (oligodactyly or polydactyly) had anomalies of carpal or tarsal bones in the particular paw, while anomalies of carpal or tarsal bones could occur in the presence or absence of digital anomalies. Carpal and tarsal bone anomalies may become a sensitive and novel parameter of limb development in the postnatal teratogen testing system.

Animals↗

Identification of sex from tarsal bones.

Bone weight as a discriminative factor for identification of sex was studied in tarsal bones (172 calcanei and 164 tali) from the Varanasi region. The DPs for the weight of these bones identified sex correctly in a good percentage of cases, especially from the male bones. The findings suggest weight of tarsal bones as a useful metrical feature for discriminating sexual dimorphism.

Calcaneus↗

The ossification of tarsal bones and distal end of the tibia in human foetus.

The ossification level of tarsal bones and the distal end of the tibia in human foetuses of both sexes from 4 to 9 month gestational age was estimated. Our results show that ossification of the cartilaginous model tarsal bones begins from 6 to 7 months of the gestational age with the appearance of a single ossification point in the ankle bone and two ossification points in the heel bone with the following ossification of the periosteum.

Female↗