## Overview Osteochondral chip fractures are among the most frequent causes of lameness in Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses. They predominantly affect the dorsal aspects of the carpal joints and the proximal sesamoid bones or distal cannon bone at the fetlock. Repetitive high-speed loading is the dominant risk factor. ## Causes Fatigue-related microdamage that propagates under the extreme loads of racing and training. ## Diagnosis Same as for chip fractures in general: effusion, lameness, radiographs, and arthroscopic evaluation. ## Treatment Prompt arthroscopic removal followed by controlled rehabilitation gives the best chance of return to racing. ## Recovery and Prognosis Return-to-racing rates are good for uncomplicated chips but decline with increasing cartilage damage or multiple fragments. ## Prevention Training modifications and surface management are under investigation; no single preventive measure is proven.
carpal or fetlock effusion; lameness after fast work; positive flexion tests; radiographic chips
## Overview Osteochondral chip fractures are among the most frequent causes of lameness in Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses. They predominantly affect the dorsal aspects of the carpal joints and the proximal sesamoid bones or distal cannon bone at the fetlock. Repetitive high-speed loading is the dominant risk factor. ## Causes Fatigue-related microdamage that propagates under the extreme loads of racing and training. ## Diagnosis Same as for chip fractures in general: effusion, lameness, radiographs, and arthroscopic evaluation. ## Treatment Prompt arthroscopic removal followed by controlled rehabilitation gives the best chance of return to racing. ## Recovery and Prognosis Return-to-racing rates are good for uncomplicated chips but decline with increasing cartilage damage or multiple fragments. ## Prevention Training modifications and surface management are under investigation; no single preventive measure is proven.
carpal or fetlock effusion; lameness after fast work; positive flexion tests; radiographic chips