Topic:Arthrocentesis
Arthrocentesis, also known as joint aspiration, is a procedure used to obtain synovial fluid from a horse's joint capsule. This technique is employed to diagnose, monitor, and manage joint disorders by analyzing the fluid for abnormalities. Synovial fluid analysis can provide information on cell count, protein levels, and the presence of infectious agents or crystals, aiding in the identification of conditions such as septic arthritis, osteoarthritis, and other joint pathologies. This page includes peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the methodologies, applications, and clinical relevance of arthrocentesis in equine veterinary practice.
Histologic and cytologic changes in normal equine joints after injection with 2.5% injectable polyacrylamide hydrogel reveal low-level macrophage-driven foreign body response. The data presented in this paper are derived from an in vivo study performed to characterize the nature of the synovial integration process of a 2.5% synthetic cross-linked injectable polyacrylamide hydrogel (2.5 iPAAG) injected IA in horses. Methods: 10 healthy horses not suffering from OA or signs of joint disease were administered 50 or 100 mg 2.5 iPAAG in a total of 13 metacarpophalangeal or middle carpal joints. Methods: Injected joints were examined at 0, 14, 42, and/or 90 days postinjection. Parameters investigated included clinical examination, synoviocentesis, gross pathology, histolo...
Use of equine cadaver limb models to enhance veterinary student self-efficacy during arthrocentesis. To determine if equine cadavers modified with joint distension would yield higher fluid volumes, require fewer needle redirects, and improve student self-efficacy. Methods: 19 third-year veterinary students. Methods: Voluntary participation was sought during 4 sessions of an equine arthrocentesis and diagnostic analgesia laboratory. Half of the sessions were provided with unmodified cadavers and half were provided with cadavers modified with joint distention. Prior to and after the laboratory, participating students completed surveys regarding their self-efficacy with arthrocentesis of the met...
The Frequency of Communication Between the Synovial Compartments of the Equine Temporomandibular Joint: A Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomographic Assessment. There is conflicting evidence regarding communication between the two compartments of the equine temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Understanding the inter-relationship between TMJ compartments is critical for diagnostic and clinical management purposes. To determine the frequency of communication between the discotemporal joint (DTJ) and the discomandibular joint (DMJ) of the equine TMJ in horses free of overt disease. A randomized, blinded, controlled cadaveric study. Equine cadaver heads ( = 20), with no reported history of potential TMJ disease, were collected and stored frozen until use. ...
Investigation of synovial fluid lubricants and inflammatory cytokines in the horse: a comparison of recombinant equine interleukin 1 beta-induced synovitis and joint lavage models. Lameness is a debilitating condition in equine athletes that leads to more performance limitation and loss of use than any other medical condition. There are a limited number of non-terminal experimental models that can be used to study early inflammatory and synovial fluid biophysical changes that occur in the equine joint. Here, we compare the well-established carpal IL-1β-induced synovitis model to a tarsal intra-articular lavage model, focusing on serial changes in synovial fluid inflammatory cytokines/chemokines and the synovial fluid lubricating molecules lubricin/proteoglycan 4 and hya...
Time to Peak Concentration of Amikacin in the Antebrachiocarpal Joint Following Cephalic Intravenous Regional Limb Perfusion in Standing Horses. The aim of this study was to determine the time (T) to the maximum concentration (C) of amikacin sulphate in synovial fluid of the radiocarpal joint (RCJ) following cephalic intravenous regional limb perfusion (IVRLP) using 2 g of amikacin sulphate. Methods: Cephalic IVRLP was performed with 2 g of amikacin sulphate diluted in 0.9% NaCl to a total volume of 100 mL in six healthy adult mixed breed mares. An Esmarch's rubber tourniquet was applied for 30 minutes and the antibiotic solution was infused through a 23-gauge butterfly catheter. Synovial fluid was collected from the RCJ ...
Ultrasound-guided arthrocentesis of the temporomandibular joint in healthy adult horses is equivalent to blind arthrocentesis. Equine temporomandibular joint (TMJ) diseases are increasingly recognized as a problem for the well-being and performance of horses. Diagnosis is confounded by overlap of clinical signs associated with pathology of the oral cavity, poll, and cervical vertebrae. Arthrocentesis for intra-articular analgesia, sampling of synovial fluid, and medication is needed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Ultrasound features of the normal TMJ and a blind arthrocentesis technique have been described, but a systematic approach to ultrasound-guided (USG) arthrocentesis has not been reported. Ultrasound ...
Arthrographic Study of the Communication between the Tarsal Joints in Crioulo Horses. The aim of the present study is to assess an arthrographic technique based on the access to the equine tarsus via distal intertarsal and on the existence and frequency of communication between distal and tarsocrural joints in the tarsus of Crioulo horses. Methods: Fifty Crioulo horses of both sexes from 3 to 8 years old were included in the experiment. Animals with radiographic signs of tarsal osteoarthritis and joint space loss were excluded from the experiment. Contrast was injected in the distal intertarsal joint and radiographs were taken at two different times - Time 0 (after contra...
Quantitative characterization of viscoelastic properties of synovial fluid from forelimb joints of orthopedically normal Thoroughbreds and warmblood horses. To determine whether differences existed in the viscoelastic properties of synovial fluid samples from the metacarpophalangeal, intercarpal, and distal interphalangeal joints of orthopedically normal athletic horses. Methods: 45 warmblood horses and 30 Thoroughbreds (age range, 4 to 16 years). Methods: Synovial fluid samples were aseptically obtained via arthrocentesis from 1 metacarpophalangeal, intercarpal, and distal interphalangeal joint of each horse, and nucleated cell counts were performed. A commercial ELISA was used to measure sample hyaluronic acid concentrations, and full rheologica...
Comparing the clinical success rate of the dorsolateral approach to the medial approach for injection of the centrodistal joint in the horse. Centrodistal joint injection is an important component of lameness evaluation and treatment. Successful injection is poor for the medial approach. The dorsolateral approach is an alternative but has not been validated with contrast medium. Radiograph-guidance has not been studied to determine its necessity or benefit for either approach. Objective: To determine if the dorsolateral approach to the centrodistal joint is more successful than the medial approach. To determine if radiograph-guidance is beneficial. Methods: Prospective, randomised study. Methods: Three operators injected 98 centrodi...
Effects of repeated arthrocentesis on systemic cytokine expression and leukocyte population in young horses challenged with intra-articular lipopolysaccharide. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent and economically costly source of lameness in the athletic horse. Previous studies investigating OA pathology have focused on localized trauma to the articular cartilage of a joint, largely ignoring the systemic immune status of the animal. In this study, yearling Quarter Horses were used to evaluate systemic cytokine gene expression and circulating leukocytes following a localized intra-articular inflammatory insult of the endotoxin, lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Treatments for the 35-d experiment included an intra-articular injection of 0.25 ng (n = 7) or 0.50 ...
Plasma and synovial fluid concentrations and cartilage toxicity of bupivacaine following intra-articular administration of a liposomal formulation to horses. The use of intra-articular (IA) local anaesthetics has proven to be an effective means to treat post-operative pain. The effects of local anaesthetics on equine chondrocytes are mixed with some studies reporting chondrodestruction and others no adverse effects. A liposomal formulation of bupivacaine is used in people and dogs by intra- and peri-articular administration to provide up to 72 h of analgesia. The potential uses, side effects including chondrotoxicity, and likelihood of abuse (long-term analgesic effects) has not been evaluated in horses. Objective: Describe bupivacaine concentrati...
Intra-articular delivery of a nanocomplex comprising salmon calcitonin, hyaluronic acid, and chitosan using an equine model of joint inflammation. Polyelectrolyte nanoparticle constructs (NPs) comprising salmon calcitonin (sCT), chitosan (CS), and hyaluronic acid (HA) were previously established as having anti-inflammatory potential when injected via the intra-articular (i.a.) route to a mouse model. We attempted to translate the formulation to a large animal model, the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated equine model of joint inflammation. The aim was to manufacture under aseptic conditions to produce sterile pyrogen-free NPs, to confirm physicochemical characteristics, and to test toxicity and efficacy in a pilot study. NP dispersions ...
Changes in concentrations of haemostatic and inflammatory biomarkers in synovial fluid after intra-articular injection of lipopolysaccharide in horses. Septic arthritis is a common and potentially devastating disease characterized by severe intra-articular (IA) inflammation and fibrin deposition. Research into equine joint pathologies has focused on inflammation, but recent research in humans suggests that both haemostatic and inflammatory pathways are activated in the joint compartment in arthritic conditions. The aim of this study was to characterize the IA haemostatic and inflammatory responses in horses with experimental lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced joint inflammation. Inflammation was induced by IA injection of LPS into one antebrach...
Clinical study evaluating the accuracy of injecting the distal tarsal joints in the horse. Osteoarthritis (OA) of the centrodistal (CD) and tarsometatarsal (TMT) joints is a common cause of lameness in horses. Intra-articular diagnostic anaesthesia and/or therapeutic injection are relied upon to help diagnose and treat many horses with OA of these joints. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of arthrocentesis of the CD and TMT joints using a sample population of equine surgeons and surgery residents. Methods: Randomised experimental study. Methods: Six operators each injected four CD and four TMT joints in 12 sedated horses. The operators were randoml...
Evaluation of a caudolateral approach for arthrocentesis and injection of the equine elbow joint. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the likelihood of successful arthrocentesis of the equine elbow joint using the caudolateral approach and to determine if the deep branch of the radial nerve (DBRN) varies in its proximity to the site of centesis. Methylene blue (MB) was injected into 71 elbow joint specimens immediately caudal to the lateral collateral ligament using a 3.8-cm needle advanced to its hub. The elbow joints were dissected, staining of the synovial structures assessed and the proximity of DBRN to the site of centesis evaluated. The articular cartilage of all 71 joints ...
Development of a Novel Medial Synoviocentesis Approach to the Bicipital Bursa in an Equine Cadaver Model. To describe the volume and dimensions of the bicipital bursa and its position in relation to bony and soft tissue structures, in order to develop a novel medial synoviocentesis approach to the bicipital bursa. Methods: Cadaveric study. Methods: Adult equine cadaver limbs (n=19). Methods: Bicipital bursa dimensions, volume, and relationship to bony structures were obtained from positive contrast computed tomography images after distension of the bursa (n=7). Following an intra-bursal injection of polyurethane resin, the bicipital bursa (n=4) was dissected and its relationship to soft tissue str...
Effects of repeated intra-articular administration of amikacin on serum amyloid A, total protein and nucleated cell count in synovial fluid from healthy horses. Serum amyloid A (SAA) in synovial fluid has recently been used as a marker for septic arthritis in horses but the effects of repeated intra-articular (IA) administration of amikacin on synovial SAA concentrations are unknown. Objective: To report the effect of repeated IA administration of amikacin on SAA, total protein (TP), nucleated cell count (NCC) and differential NCC in synovial fluid of healthy equine joints. Methods: A controlled, 2 period crossover study was performed on 5 clinically healthy horses. Each intercarpal joint received one of 2 treatments every 48 h for 5 consecutive times...
Evaluation of the inflammatory response in experimentally induced synovitis in the horse: a comparison of recombinant equine interleukin 1 beta and lipopolysaccharide. To compare two transient models of synovitis-osteoarthritis (OA) in horses by characterizing biological changes in synovial fluid and joint tissue. Methods: Twelve skeletally mature mares were utilized in a block design. Synovitis was induced by an intra-articular injection of 100 ng recombinant equine interleukin 1 beta (reIL-1β) or 0.5 ng lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into a middle carpal joint in 1 ml volumes. One ml of saline was injected into the contra-lateral control joint. Lameness evaluations were conducted through post-injection hour (PIH) 8 (at which time arthroscopic removal of syno...
Biomarkers of antioxidant status, inflammation, and cartilage metabolism are affected by acute intense exercise but not superoxide dismutase supplementation in horses. Objectives were to evaluate effects of (1) repetitive arthrocentesis on biomarkers of inflammation (prostaglandin E(2), PGE(2)) and aggrecan synthesis (chondroitin sulfate-846; CS) in synovial fluid (SF); (2) exercise and superoxide dismutase (SOD) supplementation on biomarkers of inflammation, antioxidant status, and aggrecan synthesis, in horses. Preliminary trial. Standardbreds underwent four arthrocentesis procedures within 48 h and exhibited elevated CS and no changes in PGE(2). Exercise trial. this randomized crossover design used twelve Standardbred mares which received either treatment...
Comparison of four techniques of arthrocentesis of the lateral compartment of the femorotibial joint of the horse. Clinical experiences indicate that centesis of the lateral compartment of the femorotibial joint is often unsuccessful. Objective: To determine the accuracy of 2 published and 2 unpublished techniques of centesis of the lateral compartment of the femorotibial joint. Objective: It was hypothesised that a drug can be administered into the lateral compartment of the femorotibial joint via a diverticulum of this joint that surrounds the medial aspect of the long digital extensor tendon and that this technique is more accurate than described techniques of centesis of this compartment. Methods: Twen...
Contamination of joints with tissue debris and hair after arthrocentesis: the effect of needle insertion angle, spinal needle gauge, and insertion of spinal needles with and without a stylet. To assess fetlock joint contamination with tissue debris and hair after arthrocentesis. Methods: Experimental. Methods: Fetlock joint tissues (n = 10 horses). Methods: Soft tissue flaps including the joint capsule were dissected from the dorsal fetlock joints of 7 anesthetized horses leaving an intact proximal base. Needles inserted through the tissue flaps were flushed into tissue cell culture plates and examined for debris. Studies were repeated on excised fetlock tissue preparations after being stored for 5 days. Variables included gauge and type of needle, insertion of spinal needles with ...
Comparison of four techniques for synoviocentesis of the equine digital flexor tendon sheath: a cadaveric study. To compare four different techniques for synoviocentesis of the equine digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS). Methods: Fifteen inexperienced operators performed each of the following injection techniques on two cadaveric limbs: Proximal (at the proximal recess of the DFTS), Axial (axial to the proximal sesamoid bone), Base (at the base of the proximal sesamoid bone), and Distal (at the pastern). The number of attempts needed before the needle was assumed to be correctly positioned into the DFTS was recorded and 10 ml of methylene blue was injected. The limbs were dissected to determine the prese...
Evaluation of sedation and analgesia in standing horses after administration of xylazine, butorphanol, and subanesthetic doses of ketamine. To evaluate the sedative and analgesic effects of subanesthetic doses of ketamine in horses sedated with xylazine, with or without butorphanol. Methods: Prospective, randomized, controlled study. Methods: 10 adult horses. Methods: Each horse was sedated multiple times by administration of xylazine (treatment X), xylazine and butorphanol (treatment XB), xylazine with 1 of 2 dosages of ketamine (treatment XK1 or XK2), or xylazine and butorphanol with 1 of 2 dosages of ketamine (treatment XBK1 or XBK2). Head height and various behaviors, including responses to noise, insertion of a dental float, ...
Effect of topical vapocoolant spray on response to arthrocentesis and intravenous catheterization in unsedated horses. To assess the efficacy of a commercially available topical vapocoolant spray in reducing responses to arthrocentesis of the middle carpal (MC) and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints and jugular vein catheterization in unsedated horses. Methods: 8 healthy research horses. Methods: Arthrocentesis of both MC and MCP joints and bilateral jugular vein catheterization were performed in each horse. Immediately prior to skin penetration, 1 randomly selected MC joint, MCP joint, and jugular vein were sprayed with a vapocoolant liquid (intervention product), and the contralateral MC joint, MCP joint, and ...
Effect of needle size and type, reuse of needles, insertion speed, and removal of hair on contamination of joints with tissue debris and hair after arthrocentesis. To assess joint contamination with tissue and hair after arthrocentesis of equine fetlock joints. Methods: Experimental. Methods: Limb specimens from 8 equine cadavers. Methods: Soft tissues including the joint capsule were harvested from the dorsal aspect of the fetlock joints and mounted on a wooden frame. Needles inserted through the joint tissue preparation were flushed into tissue culture plates that were examined for tissue and hair debris. Variables evaluated were gauge and type of needle (16, 18, 20, and 22 G sharp disposable needles and 20 G disposable spinal needles with stylet), num...
Cartilage-derived retinoic acid-sensitive protein in equine synovial fluid from healthy and diseased joints. More sensitive and specific diagnostic methods for early detection of changes in the joint cartilage are needed. Cartilage-derived retinoic acid-sensitive protein (CD-RAP) is a potential marker of cartilage synthesis and regeneration. This is the first study on equine CD-RAP. Objective: To evaluate the ability of a commercially available human sandwich ELISA assay to detect equine CD-RAP in synovial fluid from healthy and diseased joints. Methods: Synovial fluid was collected from 28 horses with no signs of joint disease and from 5 with induced inflammatory arthritis. CD-RAP concentrations wer...
Dorsolateral approach for arthrocentesis of the centrodistal joint in horses. To develop a dorsolateral approach to the centrodistal (distal intertarsal) joint in horses and compare its success rate with that of the traditional medial approach in that joint. Methods: 25 cadaveric equine hind limbs, ultrasonographic images, and radiographic views of the tarsal region of 5 and 59 healthy horses, respectively, and 22 horses with a clinical indication for centrodistal joint centesis. Methods: The dorsolateral approach was established anatomically (3 cadaveric limbs), ultrasonographically (5 horses), and radiographically (59 horses). Centrodistal joint arthrocentesis was per...
Comparison of three dorsal techniques for arthrocentesis of the distal interphalangeal joint in horses. To compare 3 dorsal techniques for arthrocentesis of the distal interphalangeal joint in horses with regard to ease of performing the technique and to determine the role of operator experience in ease of performing these techniques. Methods: Observational study. Sample Population-Forelimbs from 17 equine cadavers and 12 horses (16 joints) undergoing arthrocentesis for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes. Methods: In both forelimbs from 7 of the equine cadavers, 3 arthrocentesis techniques (dorsal perpendicular, dorsolateral, and dorsal inclined) were performed in random order by a single experi...