Advantages of Arthroscopic Removal of Palmar/Plantar Osteochondral Fragments in 45 Horses in Dorsal Recumbency

Introduction: Palmar/plantar osteochondral fragments (POF) have been an object of controversy for the past 30 years. The aim of this study is to describe a simple standard approach for POF fragments removal in dorsal recumbency regardless of the surgical approach or combined with a second/third surgery.

Materials and Methods: In total, 45 horses underwent a POF removal surgery. Under general gas anaesthesia, horses were placed in dorsal recumbency with the affected limb held by a hoist in a 90/90/90-degree flexion (pastern/ cannon/ tibia). After distension of the joint, camera portals were placed contralateral to the fragment and instrument portals ipsilateral. The “universal portal” was mid-proximal half distance of the proximal synovial recess. Some horses underwent a second/third surgery during the same anaesthesia.

Results: Twenty-four of the 45 horses (53.3%) underwent a single POF removal. Mean duration of the surgery was 27 minutes. Nineteen of those 24 horses had the fragment removed within the first 5 minutes. Two of the 45 horses (4.4%) underwent a bilateral hind POF removal. Nineteen of 45 horses (42.3%) underwent multiple procedures during the same anaesthesia.

Discussion/Conclusion: In our opinion, the dorsal recumbency increases the efficiency of multiple arthroscopies or even other surgeries without need for repositioning during the same anaesthesia. This decreases considerably the total anaesthesia time, reducing risks associated with a longer or second anaesthesia. In Conclusion, we consider that POF fragments removal in dorsal recumbency increases the chances of a successful surgery in terms of surgical timing, comfort of the surgeon, and ability of random procedural combinations without limitations.

Acknowledgements: All the authors declare no conflict of interests or funds provided for the present paper.

Publication History

Article published online:
26 October 2022