Colorado State University Equine Research Team Selected to Receive Elastikon Equine Research Award

A Colorado State University Research team led by Dr. Chris Kawcak, associate professor of clinical sciences at Colorado State University, has been designated the recipient of the first Elastikon Equine Research Award. The group’s research is aimed at avoiding a common type of fracture in horses.  

Kawcak’s project addresses the shape of the fetlock joint of horses and how minute differences in shape may be related to condylar fracture, a common injury in racehorses. By developing patient-specific computer modeling, the researchers help horse trainers and managers differentiate between normal progression and the shape and type of change that indicate oncoming injury.

"This research can be a significant step in warning horsemen before an injury occurs," said Edward L. Bowen, president of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. "Great strides have been made in treatment of many injuries, but avoiding them is even better."

"We are pleased to be associated with work that has so much potential to help those who help the equine athlete," said Jack Weakley, director of the Sports Medicine Group of Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products Company. "This is a gratifying new extension of Johnson & Johnson’s focus on the veterinary market."

The Elastikon award is made possible by a grant from Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products Company to the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation.

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