Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Facilitated ankylosis of the distal interphalangeal joint in a foal.
- Journal:
- Australian veterinary journal
- Year:
- 2004
- Authors:
- Lescun, T B et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A 3-month-old Quarter Horse colt had a serious injury on his right front leg that led to a bone infection and severe arthritis in his lower leg joint. Despite receiving strong treatment, he continued to have lameness due to ongoing issues. To help him, veterinarians performed a surgery that involved cleaning out the joint, adding a bone graft, and stabilizing the area with a special cast. Seven weeks later, X-rays showed that the joint was starting to fuse, and after 30 months, the joint was completely fused, allowing the horse to move comfortably and even be used for breeding. This case is notable because it is the first successful report of this type of surgery in a foal.
Abstract
A 3-month-old Quarter Horse colt sustained a penetrating injury over the coronary band on the right forelimb resulting in an articular bone sequestrum and septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint. Despite aggressive treatment for septic arthritis, severe osteoarthritis and ongoing sepsis resulted in persistent lameness. Facilitated ankylosis of the distal interphalangeal joint was performed using a combination of open surgical debridement, placement of an autogenous cancellous bone graft and stabilisation within a transfixation cast. Bony ankylosis of the joint was observed radiographically 7 weeks following surgery. Evaluation of the horse 30 months following surgery revealed complete fusion of the middle and distal phalanges, and the distal sesamoid bone. The horse is pasture sound and is used as a breeding stallion. This report describes the surgical approach and case management employed to achieve facilitated ankylosis as a treatment for unresolved septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint. This is the first report of successful facilitated ankylosis of the distal interphalangeal joint in a foal.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15181928/