## Overview Osteochondral fragmentation is the formation of small bone-and-cartilage chips at joint margins, most often from hyperextension injury in racehorses (carpus, fetlock) or as part of osteochondritis dissecans. Fragments cause joint inflammation and lameness. Arthroscopic removal is the standard treatment for clinically significant chips. ## Causes Acute overload or developmental failure of ossification. ## Diagnosis Radiographs. Arthroscopy confirms and treats. ## Treatment Arthroscopic removal. Prognosis is good for uncomplicated chips. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good. ## Prevention Training management and early treatment of joint inflammation.
joint effusion; lameness; radiographic chip fragment at a joint margin
## Overview Osteochondral fragmentation is the formation of small bone-and-cartilage chips at joint margins, most often from hyperextension injury in racehorses (carpus, fetlock) or as part of osteochondritis dissecans. Fragments cause joint inflammation and lameness. Arthroscopic removal is the standard treatment for clinically significant chips. ## Causes Acute overload or developmental failure of ossification. ## Diagnosis Radiographs. Arthroscopy confirms and treats. ## Treatment Arthroscopic removal. Prognosis is good for uncomplicated chips. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good. ## Prevention Training management and early treatment of joint inflammation.
joint effusion; lameness; radiographic chip fragment at a joint margin