Osteochondrosis in horses commonly affects which joint?

Osteochondrosis in horses commonly affects which joint?

• A. Carpus
• B. Fetlock
• C. Tarsocrural joint
• D. Stifle

Answer: (C)

Osteochondrosis is a growth-related disturbance of the cartilage and underlying bone in the joint, caused by abnormal endochondral ossification of the articular-epiphyseal cartilage complex. In horses, the tarsocrural joint (the hock) is the most commonly affected site because it endures heavy, repetitive loading and complex motions during locomotion. The distal tibia–talus area bears high compressive and shear forces, and its cartilage can be particularly vulnerable during rapid growth, making focal defects more likely to develop there and progress to osteochondral fragments. While other joints like the fetlock or stifle can be involved, the tarsocrural joint has the highest incidence, which is why it’s the most commonly affected joint in equine osteochondrosis.

Osteochondrosis is a growth-related disturbance of the cartilage and underlying bone in the joint, caused by abnormal endochondral ossification of the articular-epiphyseal cartilage complex. In horses, the tarsocrural joint (the hock) is the most commonly affected site because it endures heavy, repetitive loading and complex motions during locomotion. The distal tibia–talus area bears high compressive and shear forces, and its cartilage can be particularly vulnerable during rapid growth, making focal defects more likely to develop there and progress to osteochondral fragments. While other joints like the fetlock or stifle can be involved, the tarsocrural joint has the highest incidence, which is why it’s the most commonly affected joint in equine osteochondrosis.