X-ray eyes, but no crystal ball

I've always considered pre-purchase exams, and radiographs, to be a necessary evil. But how useful are x-rays in predicting future performance? What do findings really mean?

Riley's pix
I admit to a personal interest in this. Pictured left is an x-ray of Riley's left foot, which is rather upright compared to his right. Look at the enlarged area -- there is an upturned tip called a ski tip, indicative of bone remodelling due to concussive forces. One vet told me that they're finding ski tips (and other things) more and more often in young warmbloods. Why?

• because digital x-rays reveal so much more than traditional x-rays
• because so many more young horses are having x-rays as part of the pre-purchase exam

I'm told the ski tip is considered an incidental finding, in other words "not to worry." When I pressed for more information, my vet suggested putting on shoes when he goes under saddle, then said "stop worrying and have fun with your horse!" I guess I'll just take every precaution to reduce stress to the front feet.

The vets at Atlanta Equine have a statement on their web site on radiographs. They don't necessarily recommend them in prepurchase exams, and cited only four instances where they advise getting x-rays:

• When the resale value of the animal is important
• If there is inflammation in a high motion joint
• If OCD or DOD is suspected
• When a baseline set of x-rays is desired

So make me feel better and tell me about your horses' crappy x-rays, especially if your horse is an elite athlete! What are your experiences?