Studies about risk factors for bone fracture and other catastrophic injuries

[CCook]

Are there research studies out there on the risk factors for bone fractures or other life-ending injuries? I’m particularly interested in whether or not there is a relationship between repetitive, high-stress exercise at young ages (i.e. what you see in racehorses or futurities across many types of equine competition) and risk of bone fracture / other catastrophic injury. I’m also interested in how footing plays a part. However, any studies about any risk factors – age, breed, conditioning, use, footing, etc – or anything on the materials/mechanical aspects of equine bone fracture (like microfractures) would be appreciated.

I’m already searching for myself but was hoping someone on here might be able to point me in the right direction as I’m not finding much. Also posting on the “Eventing” forum in hopes I might get some answers there as well. Thank you!

[Laurierace]

As I said in the Eventing thread, the most comprehensive study that I am aware of is the Maryland Shin Study

[Palm_Beach]

The Jockey Club maintains the Equine Injury Database, which probably has the most data. What’s notable about age is that horses that race at age 2 have a lower incidence of catastrophic injury.

http://jockeyclub.com/default.asp?section=Advocacy&area=10

The problem with microfractures is that you can’t see them, but they do contribute to catastrophic injuries.

[CCook]

Thanks for the replies! I have some reading to do now

[Palm_Beach]

@CCook

Thanks for the replies! I have some reading to do now

Please feel free to post info or links of anything else you find particularly interesting!

[gumtree]

These are some of the better articles on the subject IMO. There first studies to back this up were done a number of years before this was published in 2001. I always felt the old adage “buckem good” was a bit of nonsense once I understood the “science”. Non of the 2 year olds I broke/started and trained at the farm ever bucked in my training program. When they went to the track they were ready to roll. Never had down time there either.

http://www.thehorse.com/articles/10065/young-horses-in-training-and-injury-risks

https://www.trainermagazine.com/articles/2013/5/2/strengthening-young-thoroughbreds-limbs

http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/thoroughbred-bloggers-alliance/archive/2010/08/27/the-ideal-2-year-old-training-program.aspx