## Overview Carpal arthritis, or carpitis, is inflammation and degenerative joint disease of one or more carpal joints. It is common in racehorses and sport horses that experience repetitive high-speed loading or hyperextension of the knee. Synovitis, cartilage damage, and eventual osteoarthritis produce lameness and reduced performance. ## Causes Repetitive concussion, hyperextension, chip fractures, and conformational faults that unevenly load the carpus are the main drivers. Acute trauma can also initiate the process. ## Diagnosis Forelimb lameness that worsens with carpal flexion, joint effusion, and reduced range of motion are typical. Radiographs show osteophytes, joint-space narrowing, or sclerosis. Diagnostic analgesia confirms the carpus as the source of pain. ## Treatment Rest, anti-inflammatory medication, intra-articular corticosteroids or biologics, and corrective shoeing are standard. Arthroscopic removal of fragments or debridement is indicated when chips or cartilage flaps are present. Workload modification is essential for long-term management. ## Recovery and Prognosis Mild synovitis often resolves with appropriate rest and treatment. Established osteoarthritis is progressive; many horses remain useful with management, but high-level athletic careers may be shortened. ## Prevention Gradual conditioning, good footing, and early treatment of chip fractures reduce progression to advanced arthritis.
forelimb lameness; carpal joint effusion; pain on flexion; reduced range of motion; positive response to carpal flexion test
## Overview Carpal arthritis, or carpitis, is inflammation and degenerative joint disease of one or more carpal joints. It is common in racehorses and sport horses that experience repetitive high-speed loading or hyperextension of the knee. Synovitis, cartilage damage, and eventual osteoarthritis produce lameness and reduced performance. ## Causes Repetitive concussion, hyperextension, chip fractures, and conformational faults that unevenly load the carpus are the main drivers. Acute trauma can also initiate the process. ## Diagnosis Forelimb lameness that worsens with carpal flexion, joint effusion, and reduced range of motion are typical. Radiographs show osteophytes, joint-space narrowing, or sclerosis. Diagnostic analgesia confirms the carpus as the source of pain. ## Treatment Rest, anti-inflammatory medication, intra-articular corticosteroids or biologics, and corrective shoeing are standard. Arthroscopic removal of fragments or debridement is indicated when chips or cartilage flaps are present. Workload modification is essential for long-term management. ## Recovery and Prognosis Mild synovitis often resolves with appropriate rest and treatment. Established osteoarthritis is progressive; many horses remain useful with management, but high-level athletic careers may be shortened. ## Prevention Gradual conditioning, good footing, and early treatment of chip fractures reduce progression to advanced arthritis.
forelimb lameness; carpal joint effusion; pain on flexion; reduced range of motion; positive response to carpal flexion test