Mineralization of equine proximal sesamoid bones precedes articular cartilage and fibrocartilaginous enthesis maturation in early postgestational development.

Objective: To describe the development and maturation of equine proximal sesamoid bones (PSBs) in fetuses and young horses using radiography, microcomputed (micro)-CT, and histology.

Methods: A descriptive study. Forelimb PSBs from 12 equids ranging in age from 105 days of gestation to 540 days postgestation were evaluated. Radiography was used for preliminary assessment of metacarpophalangeal joint and PSB mineralization, and micro-CT imaging was performed to assess mineralized PSBs. Tissue volume, bone volume fraction, height, width, depth, trabecular thickness, and anisotropy were quantified from midplanar micro-CT sections in 3 dimensions. Midsagittal PSB histologic sections stained with H&E and Safranin O/Fast Green were used to determine the ratio of ossification center to cartilage template size and to describe the formation and development of the cartilage template, ossification center, spherical growth plate, articular cartilage, and entheses.

Results: Mineralization of equine PSBs is associated with cartilage canals and a spherical growth plate that undergoes endochondral ossification during the late gestation to early postgestational period. The apical, flexor, basilar, and articular ossification fronts demonstrate morphologic variability. Structural organization of the articular cartilage and entheses occurs concurrently with the development of an underlying plate of compact bone. At 540 days postgestation, the fibrocartilaginous entheses of the flexor cortex of the PSB had yet to mature.

Conclusions: Equine PSBs mineralize predominantly by endochondral ossification during the late gestation to early postgestational period. Mineralization precedes maturation of the articular cartilage and fibrocartilaginous entheses.

Clinical relevance: The postgestational maturation of the PSB and its surrounding tissues may predispose young horses to developing lesions at these sites, such as apical avulsion fractures, warranting further investigation.