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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2016; 29(03): 227-231
DOI: 10.3415/VCOT-15-10-0167
Brief Communication
Schattauer GmbH

Arthrodesis of the equine centro distal and tarsometatarsal joints using a single modified kerf-cut cylinder

Adam H. Biedrzycki
1   Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
,
Barrie D. Grant
2   Barrie Grant Referral Services, Bonsall, California, USA
,
Brett Nemke
3   Comparative Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
,
Mark D. Markel
3   Comparative Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
,
Samantha L. Morello
3   Comparative Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
› Author AffiliationsThe authors would like to acknowledge the assistance with histology performed by Molly VanBommel and Vicki Kalscheur and assistance with surgery by Yan Lu. This study was supported by a grant from the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, Surgeon-in-Training program and the Companion Animal Fund Program, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison. This study was also presented in part at the 2014 European College of Veterinary Surgeons Annual Meeting, Copenhagen.
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 09 October 2015

Accepted: 14 March 2016

Publication Date:
17 December 2017 (online)

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Summary

Objectives: To describe a technique for surgical placement of a modified kerf-cut cylinder for the purpose of arthrodesis across the equine centrodistal and tarsometatarsal joints.

Methods: Each horse (n = 4) underwent unilateral placement of a single kerf-cut cylinder spanning the centrodistal and tarsometatarsal joints with the placement of an autologous cancellous bone graft. Horses were evaluated via lameness examination and radiography postoperatively and euthanatization of each horse was performed at four different time points up to 12 weeks post-surgery to evaluate for lameness, implant stability and success with integration in the surrounding bone.

Results: Implants were placed successfully in three of four horses. In one horse, due to technical error, the implant was misaligned with the joint spaces. Although the horse exhibited minimal pain, it was euthanatized at the two week follow-up. Implant placement in the remaining three horses was successfully achieved. At eight weeks, radiographically there was evidence of osseous union across the joint spaces. No change in lameness was detected at any point after surgery. At 12 weeks post-surgery, histologically the implants were filled with mineralized osteoid and demonstrated integration with the surrounding tissue.

Clinical significance: The surgical approach and placement of modified kerf-cut cylinders for arthrodesis of the centrodistal and tarsometatarsal joints were successfully achieved with minimal signs of postoperative pain and a short rehabilitation time period in normal horses.

Online Supplementary Material: Please note that online supplementary material for this paper is available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.3415/VCOT-15-10-0167

Keywords

Horse - arthrodesis - hock - kerf-cut cylinder - osteoarthritis

 

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