Treatment of carpometacarpal osteoarthritis by arthrodesis in 12 horses.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate arthrodesis as a treatment for carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis (CMC-OA). STUDY DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: Horses (n=12) with CMC-OA. METHODS: Arthrodesis was facilitated by insertion and fanning of a drill bit into the CMC joint at several (3-5) locations in 15 limbs. Follow-up radiographs were obtained for 7 horses (9 limbs). Outcome was determined by telephone survey of owners based on postoperative pain, return to use, appearance of the limb, and success of treatment. RESULTS: Postoperative pain was slight or moderate in 10 of 12 (83%) horses during the first 30 days, and 11 of 12 (92%) horses were markedly improved by 6 months and capable of returning to work. Radiographically 6 CMC joints had a bony ankylosis at follow-up whereas 3 did not (mean 8.7 months). On long-term follow-up (mean 28.6 months) all horses had reduced severity of lameness, 10 of 12 (83%) were considered "sound," 8 (67%) returned to their original activity, and all owners considered arthrodesis highly successful as a treatment. CONCLUSION: A drilling technique that produced CMC arthrodesis, allowed most horses to return to their original activity and was considered successful by all clients. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Arthrodesis of the CMC joint should be considered a treatment option for CMC-OA.