Arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joints of a hindlimb in a heifer

E. Muggli; E. Weidmann; A. Bruderer; K. Nuss

doi:10.3415/VCOT-14-04-0059

Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Table of Contents

Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2015; 28(01): 67-72
DOI: 10.3415/VCOT-14-04-0059

Case Report

Schattauer GmbH

Arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joints of a hindlimb in a heifer

E. Muggli

¹Department of Farm Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

,

E. Weidmann

¹Department of Farm Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

,

A. Bruderer

¹Department of Farm Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

,

K. Nuss

¹Department of Farm Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

› Author Affiliations

Abstract

Summary

A two-year-old Braunvieh heifer was presented with a traumatic luxation of the second phalanx of the medial digit and concurrent subluxation of the second phalanx of the lateral digit of the right hindlimb. Closed reduction of both luxations was possible. Surgical arthrodesis was achieved using one narrow 4.5 mm three-hole equine locking compression plate for each joint. Placement of the bone plates resulted in stable arthrodesis of both proximal interphalangeal joints of the right hindlimb but there was persistent residual lameness. The heifer delivered a healthy calf but was slaughtered eight months after surgery because of varus deformity of the contralateral limb. Radio-graphs taken post-mortem revealed pronounced periosteal reactions involving both proximal interphalangeal joints and only partial bony bridging of the joint spaces.

Keywords

Cattle - proximal interphalangeal joint - luxation - arthrodesis - locking compression plate

Full Text

References

References
1 Dirksen G, Gründer HD, Stoeber M. Krankheiten der Bewegungsorgane [Diseases of the locomotion system]. In Dirksen G. editor Innere Medizin und Chirurgie des Rindes [Internal Medicine and Surgery for Cattle]. 4th edition. Berlin: Blackwell Verlag GmbH; 2002: 753-1029.
2 Desrochers A, Anderson DE, St Jean G. Surgical diseases and techniques of the digit. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2008; 24: 535-550.
3 Kofler J. Septic arthritis of the pastern in cattle - clinical, radiological and sonographic findings and treatment. Berl Munch Tierarztl 1995; 108: 281-289.
4 Kofler J. Ultrasonography as a diagnostic aid in bovine musculoskeletal disorders. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2009; 25: 687-731.
5 Kofler J. Arthrosonography - the use of diagnostic ultrasound in septic and traumatic arthritis in cattle - a retrospective study of 25 patients. Brit Vet J 1996; 152: 683-698.
6 Nuss K, Weaver MP. Resection of the distal interphalangeal joint in cattle: an alternative to amputation. Vet Rec 1991; 128: 540-543.
7 Desrochers A. St, Jean G. Surgical management of digit disorders in cattle. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 1996; 12: 277-298.
8 Nuss K, Steiner A. Spezielle Diagnostik und Therapie [Specific diagnostic and therapy]. In Fiedler A, Maierl J, Nuss K. editors Erkrankungen der Klauen und Zehen des Rindes [Diseases of the Claws and Toes in Cattle]. Stuttgart: Schattauer GmbH; 2004: 77-129.
9 Baxter GM, Stashak TS. The pastern. In Baxter GM. editor Adams & Stashak’s Lameness in Horses. 6th edition. Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing; 2011: 559-593.
10 Lischer CJ, Auer JA. Arthrodesis Techniques. In Auer JA, Stick JA. editors Equine Surgery. 4th edition. St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier Saunders; 2012: 1130-1147.
11 James FM, Richardson DW. Minimally invasive plate fixation of lower limb injury in horses: 32 cases (1999-2003). Equine Vet J 2006; 38: 246-251.
12 Jones P, Delco M, Beard W. et al. A limited surgical approach for pastern arthrodesis in horses with severe osteoarthritis. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2009; 22: 303-308.
13 Bras JJ, Lillich JD, Beard WL. et al. Effect of a collateral ligament sparing surgical approach on mechanical properties of equine proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis constructs. Vet Surg 2011; 40: 73-81.
14 Sod GA, Riggs LM, Mitchell CF. et al. A mechanical comparison of equine proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis techniques: an axial locking compression plate and two abaxial transarticular cortical screws versus an axial dynamic compression plate and two abaxial transarticular cortical screws. Vet Surg 2011; 40: 571-578.
15 Sod GA, Riggs LM, Mitchell CF. et al. An in vitro biomechanical comparison of equine proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis techniques: an axial positioned dynamic compression plate and two abaxial transarticular cortical screws inserted in lag fashion versus three parallel transarticular cortical screws inserted in lag fashion. Vet Surg 2010; 39: 83-90.
16 Zoppa AL, Santoni B, Puttlitz CM. et al. Arthrodesis of the equine proximal interphalangeal joint: a biomechanical comparison of 3-hole 4.5 mm locking compression plate and 3-hole 4.5 mm narrow dynamic compression plate, with two transarticular 5.5 mm cortex screws. Vet Surg 2011; 40: 253-259.
17 Rosenberger G. Die klinische Untersuchung des Rindes [Clinical Examination of Cattle]. 3rd edition. Berlin und Hamburg: Parey Verlag; 1990
18 Manson F, Leaver J. The influence of concentrate amount on locomotion and clinical lameness in dairy cattle. Anim Prod 1988; 47: 185-190.
19 Budras KD, Buda S. Supplement zur klinisch-funktionellen Anatomie [Supplement for Clinical and Funtional Anatomy]. In Burdas KD, Buda S. editors Atlas der Anatomie des Rindes [Atlas of Cattle Anatomy]. Hannover: Schlütersche Verlagsgesellschaft mbH&Co; 2007: 1-6.
20 Nickel R, Schummer A, Seiferle E. Passiver Bewegungsapparat. In Frewein J, Wille KH, Wilkens H. editors Lehrbuch der Anatomie der Haustiere. 7th edition. Volume 1 Stuttgart: Parey Verlag; 2001: 15-272.
21 Knox P, Watkins J. Proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis using a combination plate-screw technique in 53 horses (1994-2003). Equine Vet J 2006; 38: 538-542.
22 Schaer TP, Bramlage LR, Embertson RM. et al. Proximal interphalangeal arthrodesis in 22 horses. Equine Vet J 2001; 33: 360-365.
23 Ahern BJ, Showalter BL, Elliott DM. et al. In vitro biomechanical comparison of a 4.5 mm narrow locking compression plate construct versus a 4.5 mm limited contact dynamic compression plate construct for arthrodesis of the equine proximal interphalangeal joint. Vet Surg 2013; 42: 335-339.
24 Vernadakis AJ, Koch H, Mackinnon SE. Management of neuromas. Clin Plast Surg 2003; 30: 247-268.
25 Stokvis A. Surgical management of painful neuromas [Thesis]. Rotterdam, The Netherlands: Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam; 2010
26 Taylor CA, Braza D, Rice JB. et al. The incidence of peripheral nerve injury in extremity trauma. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2008; 87: 381-385.
27 Zubrod CJ, Schneider RK. Arthrodesis techniques in horses. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2005; 21: 691-711.