Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Total replacement of the metatarsophalangeal joint in the horse. A single pilot study.
- Journal:
- The veterinary quarterly
- Year:
- 1996
- Authors:
- Stolk, P W et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of General and Large Animal Surgery · Netherlands
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
This study looked at replacing a specific joint in a horse's foot, called the metatarsophalangeal joint, using a type of knee implant designed for humans. After the surgery, the horse was able to walk without showing much lameness, meaning it didn't seem to be in pain when using the leg. However, the horse had limited movement in that joint. The findings suggest that this type of joint replacement could be a promising option for horses, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Abstract
In this paper the successful replacement of an equine metatarsophalangeal joint by a human total condylar knee prosthesis is reported. In the period of observation following implantation of the endoprosthesis the experimental animal showed almost no lameness when exercised at walk, bearing weight on the operated limb. Flexion and extension of the joint were markedly reduced. The clinical and histological observations clearly support further investigation into the equine metatarsophalangeal joint replacement by an endoprosthesis.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8933682/