Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2019; 32(02): 165-170
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1677747
Clinical Communication
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

A Standing Percutaneous Technique for Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Arthrodesis in Twelve Horses (2014–2017)

Kyle Heaton
1   Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States
,
Kelly D. Farnsworth
1   Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States
,
Camila R. S. Souza
1   Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States
,
Andrew R. E. Jones
2   San Luis Rey Equine Hospital, Bonsall, California, United States
› Author Affiliations
Funding This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.
Further Information

Publication History

10 April 2018

04 December 2018

Publication Date:
07 March 2019 (online)

Abstract

Objectives This report describes the use of a minimally invasive standing pastern arthrodesis technique for the treatment of osteoarthritis in horses and documents its clinical outcome in 12 horses.

Materials and Methods Medical records and radiographs of horses diagnosed with proximal interphalangeal joint osteoarthritis that underwent standing pastern arthrodesis using transarticular screws were reviewed. Follow-up information for determination of outcome was obtained via phone interview with the owners.

Results Twelve horses (15 limbs) were included in the study. Radiographical findings revealed severe osteoarthritis in 12/15 limbs and moderate osteoarthritis in 3/15 limbs. Follow-up information was available for 11/12 cases (13/15 limbs). Phone surveys with the owners revealed that 8/11 horses were performing at their previous activity level or higher. Two horses remained lame. One horse developed a surgical site infection and was euthanatized. The average time for horses to return to their previous level of activity was 6.5 months (range: 1–18 months).

Clinical Significance Stabilization of the proximal interphalangeal joint in horses with moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis can be performed using this minimally invasive standing technique. This procedure can be performed safely and provides a similar outcome when compared with other described techniques.

Authors' Contribution

All authors contributed to conception of study, study design, acquisition of data and data analysis and interpretation. All authors drafted, revised and approved the submitted manuscript.


 
  • References

  • 1 Jones P, Delco M, Beard W, Lillich JD, Desormaux A. A limited surgical approach for pastern arthrodesis in horses with severe osteoarthritis. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2009; 22 (04) 303-308
  • 2 Schaer TP, Bramlage LR, Embertson RM, Hance S. Proximal interphalangeal arthrodesis in 22 horses. Equine Vet J 2001; 33 (04) 360-365
  • 3 Nixon AJ. Phalanges and the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints. In: Auer JA, Stick JA. , eds. Equine Surgery, 4th ed. St. Louis: Saunders Elsevier; 2012: 1300-1325
  • 4 Knox PM, Watkins JP. Proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis using a combination plate-screw technique in 53 horses (1994-2003). Equine Vet J 2006; 38 (06) 538-542
  • 5 Penraat JH, Allen AL, Fretz PB, Bailey JV. An evaluation of chemical arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joint in the horse by using monoiodoacetate. Can J Vet Res 2000; 64 (04) 212-221
  • 6 Wolker RR, Wilson DG, Allen AL, Carmalt JL. Evaluation of ethyl alcohol for use in a minimally invasive technique for equine proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis. Vet Surg 2011; 40 (03) 291-298
  • 7 Carmalt JL, Delaney L, Wilson DG. Arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joint in the horse: a cyclic biomechanical comparison of two and three parallel cortical screws inserted in lag fashion. Vet Surg 2010; 39 (01) 91-94
  • 8 Caron JP, Fretz PB, Bailey JV, Barber SM. Proximal interphalangeal arthrodesis in the horse. A retrospective study and a modified screw technique. Vet Surg 1990; 19 (03) 196-202
  • 9 MacLellan KN, Crawford WH, MacDonald DG. Proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis in 34 horses using two parallel 5.5-mm cortical bone screws. Vet Surg 2001; 30 (05) 454-459
  • 10 Schneider JE, Carnine BL, Guffy MM. Arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joint in the horse: a surgical treatment for high ringbone. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1978; 173 (10) 1364-1369
  • 11 Herthel TD, Rick MC, Judy CE, Cohen ND, Herthel DJ. Retrospective analysis of factors associated with outcome of proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis in 82 horses including Warmblood and Thoroughbred sport horses and Quarter Horses (1992-2014). Equine Vet J 2016; 48 (05) 557-564
  • 12 Dugdale AH, Taylor PM. Equine anaesthesia-associated mortality: where are we now?. Vet Anaesth Analg 2016; 43 (03) 242-255
  • 13 Russell TM, Maclean AA. Standing surgical repair of propagating metacarpal and metatarsal condylar fractures in racehorses. Equine Vet J 2006; 38 (05) 423-427
  • 14 Payne RJ, Compston PC. Short- and long-term results following standing fracture repair in 34 horses. Equine Vet J 2012; 44 (06) 721-725
  • 15 Elce YA, Richardson DW. Arthroscopic removal of dorsoproximal chip fractures of the proximal phalanx in standing horses. Vet Surg 2002; 31 (03) 195-200
  • 16 Pollock PJ, Russell T, Hughes TK, Archer MR, Perkins JD. Transpalpebral eye enucleation in 40 standing horses. Vet Surg 2008; 37 (03) 306-309
  • 17 Perkins JD, Schumacher J, Kelly G, Pollock P, Harty M. Subtotal ostectomy of dorsal spinous processes performed in nine standing horses. Vet Surg 2005; 34 (06) 625-629
  • 18 Perez-Olmos JF, Schofield WL, McGovern F, Dillon H, Sadlier M. Standing surgical treatment of spiral longitudinal metacarpal and metatarsal condylar fractures in 4 horses. Equine Vet Educ 2006; 18 (06) 309-313
  • 19 Watts AE, Fortier LA, Nixon AJ, Ducharme NG. A technique for laser-facilitated equine pastern arthrodesis using parallel screws inserted in lag fashion. Vet Surg 2010; 39 (02) 244-253
  • 20 Hennig GE, Kraus BH, Fister R, King VL, Steckel RR, Kirker-Head CA. Comparison of two methods for presurgical disinfection of the equine hoof. Vet Surg 2001; 30 (04) 366-373
  • 21 American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP). LAMENESS EXAMS: Evaluating the Lame Horse [hompage on internet] 2018. [cited on 2018 November 26]. Available at: https://aaep.org/horsehealth/lameness-exams-evaluating-lame-horse . Accessed December 1, 2018
  • 22 MacDonald DG, Morley PS, Bailey JV, Barber SM, Fretz PB. An examination of the occurrence of surgical wound infection following equine orthopaedic surgery (1981-1990). Equine Vet J 1994; 26 (04) 323-326
  • 23 Ahern BJ, Richardson DW, Boston RC, Schaer TP. Orthopedic infections in equine long bone fractures and arthrodeses treated by internal fixation: 192 cases (1990-2006). Vet Surg 2010; 39 (05) 588-593
  • 24 Chang YP, Ho CY, Chen CC, Yeh LS. Biomechanical comparison between preloaded position screw and lag screw fixations for their compressive effects in a porcine rib fracture model. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2018; 31 (03) 182-187
  • 25 Dechant JE, Baxter GM, Southwood LL. , et al. Use of a three-drill-tract technique for arthrodesis of the distal tarsal joints in horses with distal tarsal osteoarthritis: 54 cases (1990-1999). J Am Vet Med Assoc 2003; 223 (12) 1800-1805
  • 26 Barber SM. Arthrodesis of the distal intertarsal and tarsometatarsal joints in the horse. Vet Surg 1984; 13 (04) 227-235
  • 27 Lang HM, Panizzi L, Allen AL, Woodbury MR, Barber SM. Comparison of three drilling techniques for carpometacarpal joint arthrodesis in horses. Vet Surg 2009; 38 (08) 990-997