Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Arthroscopic removal of palmar/plantar osteochondral fragments from the proximal interphalangeal joint in four horses.
- Journal:
- Veterinary surgery : VS
- Year:
- 2008
- Authors:
- Radcliffe, Rolfe M et al.
- Affiliation:
- New York State College of Veterinary Medicine · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
This study looked at four adult horses that had small bone and cartilage pieces (called osteochondral fragments) in a joint in their front or back legs. The horses were put under general anesthesia, and the fragments were removed using a special technique called arthroscopy, which involves inserting a camera into the joint. Before the surgery, two horses showed clear signs of lameness in the affected joint, while the other two had suspected lameness but were not limping when they were examined. After the surgery, three of the horses were able to return to their usual athletic activities, while one horse was switched to a less demanding activity like trail riding. Overall, the surgery was successful in removing the fragments and improving the horses' conditions.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe anatomic considerations and arthroscopic technique in horses for arthroscopic removal of palmar/plantar osteochondral fragments from the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Adult horses (n=4) with osteochondral fragments of the palmar/plantar PIP joint. METHODS: Arthroscopic removal of palmar/plantar osteochondral fragments within the PIP joint was performed with horses in dorsal recumbency under general anesthesia. Medical records of affected horses were reviewed to determine history; physical, lameness, and radiological findings; surgical technique; complications and outcome. RESULTS: Two horses had lameness localized to the PIP joint. Two other horses had lameness suspected, but not confirmed to the pastern region. One of these horses had a history of intermittent lameness, but was not lame on admission. All horses had radiographic evidence of palmar/plantar osteochondral fragmentation within the PIP joint. Fragmentation was located abaxially in 2 horses in the hind limb and axially in 2 horses in the left forelimb. Osteochondral fragments were successfully removed via a palmar/plantar arthroscopic approach in all horses. Three horses returned to previous levels of athletic performance; 1 horse was used for trail riding instead of reining. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopy of the palmar/plantar pouch of the PIP joint allowed limited assessment of the joint and removal of osteochondral fragments. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Arthroscopy of the palmar/plantar PIP joint pouch for assessment and removal of osteochondral fragments is possible and should be considered when lameness is localized to this joint.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19121168/