Soundness and mobility lie at the heart of equine performance, making orthopedic care essential to long-term success. This hub explores advances in diagnosing, treating, and preventing musculoskeletal injuries, from lameness and joint disorders to hoof wall defects, back pain, and fractures. You’ll find updates on imaging techniques—including radiography, ultrasound, and motion analysis—along with guidance on interpreting gait asymmetry and using wearable sensors for objective assessment. Articles also cover regenerative medicine, antimicrobial prophylaxis, and evidence-based rehabilitation protocols that improve outcomes for both acute and chronic orthopedic conditions. Additional coverage addresses risk factors for developmental bone disease, pre-purchase evaluations, and performance-related spinal issues. Explore the articles below to stay current on diagnostics, clinical research, and treatment strategies that restore soundness, minimize reinjury risk, and extend athletic careers. A recent study found that horses with proximal interphalangeal joint osteoarthritis (PIPJ OA) often have concurrent sesamoidean ligament desmopathy (SSLD). Perhaps the most difficult job for veterinarians working at the racetrack is predicting which horse is going to suffer a catastrophic injury… Soundness is a significant concern in equine medicine, particularly for performance horses whose athletic careers depend on healthy joints. As veterinarians, we… Roughly two-thirds of equine deaths during sporting events are not the result of falls during the cross-country stage of the competition, according… Tendon and ligament strains, joint inflammation, hoof wall defects, and fractures are prevalent across disciplines. Accurate localization with diagnostic anesthesia and imaging guides targeted therapy. Combine gait evaluation, flexion tests, and imaging such as radiography and ultrasound; consider advanced modalities when needed. Wearable motion sensors provide objective data to complement clinical findings. Stem cells, PRP, and IRAP can enhance tissue repair and modulate inflammation in select cases. Patient selection, lesion characterization, and rehabilitation adherence drive outcomes. Surgical intervention may be warranted for displaced fractures, joint instability, or refractory tendon and ligament lesions. Post‑operative rehabilitation is critical to long‑term success. Correct trimming and shoeing improve load distribution and limb alignment, reducing joint stress. Close collaboration between veterinarians and farriers optimizes patient outcomes. They help identify potential issues, inform risk for buyers, and support transparent transactions. Findings should be interpreted in context with the horse’s history and intended use. Portable digital radiography, higher‑frequency ultrasound, and 3‑D gait analysis are improving precision in the field. Objective data supports earlier detection and more tailored treatment plans.Musculoskeletal
Across every measured clinical outcome, equicenta CTM outperformed the standard of care:
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SSLD and PIPJ OA frequently go hand in hand
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Frequently Asked Equine Orthopedic Questions
What are the most common orthopedic injuries in horses?
How is lameness best diagnosed?
What is the role of regenerative medicine in orthopedic care?
When is surgery indicated for orthopedic conditions?
How do shoeing and hoof balance affect lameness?
Are pre‑purchase radiographs worthwhile?
What’s new in orthopedic imaging and diagnostics?
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