Topic:Distal Interphalangeal Joint
The distal interphalangeal joint, also known as the coffin joint, is a critical anatomical structure located in the lower limb of horses. This joint is formed by the articulation of the distal phalanx, the middle phalanx, and the distal sesamoid bone, commonly referred to as the navicular bone. It plays a significant role in the biomechanics of equine locomotion, facilitating movement and weight-bearing. The health and functionality of the distal interphalangeal joint are essential for maintaining a horse's performance and overall well-being. Conditions affecting this joint, such as osteoarthritis and laminitis, can lead to lameness and reduced mobility. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that investigate the anatomy, pathology, and treatment options related to the distal interphalangeal joint in horses.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the equine foot: 15 horses. Foot pain is a common cause of equine lameness and there have been significant limitations of the methods available for the diagnosis of the causes of foot pain (radiography, nuclear scintigraphy and ultrasonography). Until recently, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the horse has been limited to examination of cadaver limbs. Objective: Our purpose was to 1) describe MRI of the foot in live horses, 2) describe MRI findings in horses with foot pain in which a definitive diagnosis could not be established by alternative means and 3) correlate MRI findings with other methods of clinical investi...
Three-dimensional kinematics of the equine interphalangeal joints: articular impact of asymmetric bearing. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of asymmetric placement of the foot on the three-dimensional motions of the interphalangeal joints. Four isolated forelimbs were used. Trihedrons, made of three axes fitted with reflective markers, were screwed into each phalanx. They allowed to establish a local frame associated with each bone and thus to define the spatial orientation of the phalanges. The limbs were then placed under a power press, and subjected to compression with gradually increasing force (from 500 to 6 000 N). The procedure was performed in neutral position and with ...
A comparison of three horseshoeing styles on the kinetics of breakover in sound horses. A variety of horseshoe designs are believed to 'ease' breakover, or the unloading of the foot once the heels leave the ground. In this study, conventional toe-clip shoes, quarter-clip shoes, fitted to the white line at the toe, and Natural Balance horseshoes were fitted to the front feet of 9 sound Irish Draught-cross type horses. Forceplate and video motion analyses were undertaken during trot locomotion to determine the moment arm of the ground reaction force on the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint, the peak DIP joint moment and the peak compressive force on the navicular bone. DIP joint m...
Diffusion of mepivacaine between adjacent synovial structures in the horse. Part 1: forelimb foot and carpus. This paper tests the hypothesis that the local analgesic agent mepivacaine diffuses between adjacent equine synovial structures in the forelimb and with greater frequency than latex, gelatine dye or contrast media. We report the incidence of diffusion of mepivacaine between the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) and navicular bursa (NB) of the forelimbs and between the intercarpal (IC) and radiocarpal (RC) joints of 31 fresh equine cadavers. The DIPJ of one forelimb and the NB of the contra lateral forelimb and the RC joint of one forelimb and the IC joint of the contra lateral forelimb were ...
Synovial fluid studies in navicular disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate biochemical changes in synovial fluid in navicular disease, and to establish if synovial fluid from the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP) could be used diagnostically to assess alterations in the synovial fluid of the navicular bursa. Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), total glycosaminoglycans (GAG), hyaluronan (HA), metalloproteinases 2 and -9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and total protein (TP) levels were determined in synovial fluids obtained from 18 navicular bursae and 35 DIP -joints from animals suffering from navicular disease, and the same sy...
Effects of heel and toe elevation upon the digital joint angles in the standing horse. Five sound mature horses, age 8-14 years, with toe angles 45.5-55.0 degrees were placed on a specially designed platform with only the left forelimb weightbearing, which allowed the successive production of 7 different conditions of foot orientation: neutral position (N), 5, 10, 15 degrees heel (H5, H10, H15) and toe (T5, T10, T15) elevation, performed according to 2 different sequences. For each condition, 2 lateromedial radiographs were taken to evaluate the metacarpophalangeal joint (MPJ) and both interphalangeal joint (PIPJ and DIPJ) angles, respectively. In addition, two-dimensional (2-D)...
Podotrochlear bursa endoscopy in the horse: a cadaver study. To evaluate podotrochlear bursa (navicular bursa) endoscopy as a diagnostic technique in horses and to correlate observations to radiographic and pathologic findings. Methods: Descriptive study. Methods: Seventeen equine cadaver forelimbs. Methods: Five standard radiographic views of the navicular region and a bursographic study with lateromedial and caudal tangential radiographic views were taken of each forelimb. Radiographic scoring of the navicular bone (0, excellent; 1, good; 2, fair; 3, poor) was performed using a previously reported technique. Endoscopic examination was performed using ...
Sensitivity analysis and application to trotting of a noninvasive method to calculate flexor tendon forces in the equine forelimb. To test the sensitivity to measurement and modeling errors of a method for noninvasive calculation of flexor tendon forces in the equine forelimb and to calculate tendon forces for Dutch Warmblood horses during trotting. Methods: A normative set of kinematic and ground-reaction force (GRF) data obtained from horses during trotting in another study. Methods: Forces in the flexor tendons were calculated from the data set before and after addition of fixed relative and absolute errors. Amount of error was based on normal accuracy of the variables. A similar analysis was performed for a measure of...
Comparison of 2 techniques for regional antibiotic delivery to the equine forelimb: intraosseous perfusion vs. intravenous perfusion. The purpose of this study was to compare the synovial fluid concentrations and pharmacokinetics of amikacin in the equine limb distal to the carpus following intraosseous and intravenous regional perfusion. The front limbs of 6 horses were randomly assigned to either intraosseous or intravenous perfusion. A tourniquet was placed distal to each carpus and the limb perfused with 500 mg of amikacin. Systemic blood samples and synovial fluid samples were collected over 70 min from the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint, metacarpophalangeal joint, and digital flexor sheath. The tourniquet was remov...
A comparison of the effects of two volumes of local analgesic solution in the distal interphalangeal joint of horses with lameness caused by solar toe or solar heel pain. The response of horses, with solar pain in the dorsal or palmar aspect of the foot, to 6 or 10 ml local analgesic solution administered into the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint was examined. Lameness was induced in 7 horses by creating solar pain in the dorsal aspect of one forefoot and, at another time, the palmar aspect of the other forefoot with set-screws inserted into a custom-made shoe. Horses were videotaped trotting before and after application of set-screws and, in separate trials, after 6 or 10 ml local analgesic solution was administered into the DIP joint. Lameness scores were a...
Effect of contact stress in bones of the distal interphalangeal joint on microscopic changes in articular cartilage and ligaments. To examine articular cartilage of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint and distal sesamoidean impar ligament (DSIL) as well as the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) for adaptive responses to contact stress. Methods: Specimens from 21 horses. Methods: Pressure-sensitive film was inserted between articular surfaces of the DIP joint. The digit was subjected to a load. Finite element models (FEM) were developed from the data. The navicular bone, distal phalanx, and distal attachments of the DSIL and DDFT were examined histologically. Results: Analysis of pressure-sensitive film revealed signific...
Variations in cartilage catabolism in different equine joints in response to interleukin-1 in vitro. An explant system was used to investigate the hypothesis that cartilage from different equine joints might respond differently to challenge with interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha). Pairs of normal cartilage samples were taken from the metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal and distal interphalangeal joints of six horses. One of each pair was stimulated with 10 ng/ml human recombinant IL-1alpha for three days, and the supernatants and remaining cartilage explants were analysed for their total content of glycosaminoglycans. A significantly higher percentage of glycosaminoglycans was released ...
Differences in the concentration of various synovial fluid constituents between the distal interphalangeal joint, the metacarpophalangeal joint and the navicular bursa in normal horses. As a prerequisite for the identification of navicular disease markers, the concentrations of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), total glycosaminoglycans (GAG), hyaluronan, metalloproteinases (MMP) 2 and 9 and total protein were measured in synovial fluid samples obtained from the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP), the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP) and the navicular bursa of 24 horses. Mean GAG, COMP and total protein levels were significantly higher in the DIP joint and in the navicular bursa compared to the MCP joint. Hyaluronan content was lower. MMP -2 activity was present in al...
Kinematics and ground reaction forces in horses with superficial digital flexor tendinitis. To measure and correlate kinematic and ground reaction force (GRF) data in horses with superficial digital flexor tendinitis. Methods: 6 sound horses. Methods: Horses were evaluated before (sound evaluation) and after (lame evaluation) induction of superficial digital flexor tendinitis in 1 forelimb (randomized) by injection of collagenase. As each horse trotted, kinematic data were collected by use of an optoelectronic system, and GRF data were measured by use of a force plate. Three-dimensional kinematic and GRF data were projected onto a 2-dimensional sagittal plane. Results: Lame limbs had...
In vitro transmission and attenuation of impact vibrations in the distal forelimb. An in vitro model was developed and validated in vivo to quantify the attenuation of impact vibrations, transmitted through the lower equine forelimb and to assess the effects of horseshoeing on this attenuation. The transsected forelimbs of 13 horses were equipped with custom-made hollow bone screws in the 4 distal bones, on each of which a tri-axial accelerometer could be mounted. The limbs were then preloaded while the impact was simulated by dropping a weight on the steel plate on which the hoof was resting. At the hoof wall, the distal, middle and proximal phalanx and at the metacarpal bo...
Effects of analgesia of the distal interphalangeal joint or palmar digital nerves on lameness caused by solar pain in horses. To determine if pain of the dorsal margin of the sole in horses can be attenuated by anesthesia of either the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint or the palmar digital (PD) nerves. Methods: A unilateral forelimb lameness was induced by creating solar pain. Response to administration of local anesthetic or saline solution into the DIP joint and to administration of local anesthetic around the PD nerves was evaluated. Methods: Six horses. Methods: Lameness was induced by creating pressure on the dorsal margin of the sole by screwing set-screws into a nut welded to the inside of each branch of a s...
The effect of orthopaedic shoeing on the force exerted by the deep digital flexor tendon on the navicular bone in horses. This study quantifies both the intended effect of orthopaedic shoeing to decrease the load on the navicular bone and the eventual undesired effects on gait performance. The compressive force exerted by the deep digital flexor tendon on the navicular bone and on the quality of the trot and redistribution of forces over the flexor tendons and the suspensory ligament were studied as a function of orthopaedic shoeing in 12 sound Dutch Warmblood horses. A modified CODA-3 gait analysis system and a force plate were used to quantify objectively the load on the lower limb. The quality of the trot was ...
In vitro attenuation of impact shock in equine digits. This study was designed to test the impact characteristics of the equine digit in vitro with the objective of providing a better understanding of the role of the digital structures in the attenuation of impact shock. Uni-axial accelerometers were mounted on cadaver digits on the distolateral hoof wall, the proximolateral hoof wall, the dorsal surface of the second phalanx, and the mid-lateral first phalanx. The hoof-mounted accelerometers were aligned with the hoof tubules while the bone-mounted accelerometers were oriented along the longitudinal axis of the bone. Each digit was mounted in a t...
In-shoe foot force sensor to assess hoof balance determined by radiographic method in ponies trotting on a treadmill. Adaptation of an in-foot shoe force sensor and the gait analysis system 'Fscan' makes it possible to monitor the distribution of the vertical forces under the equine foot in motion. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of two different trimmings on forces under the foot during the trot. The first one increased the height of the lateral hoof wall and the second one restored the mediolateral balance of the foot. These two trimmings were examined by using a radiographical method that quantifies the interphalangeal articular asymmetries due to asymmetrical bearing. The location of t...
Radiographic assessment of equine interphalangeal joints asymmetry: articular impact of phalangeal rotations (Part I). This study is part of a work to develop a radiographic method that defines objectively the individual conformation of an equine digit and its appropriate trimming. The authors used isolated distal limbs on a rotation support to study the influence of induced foot rotations on several angles measured from specific radiographs. The results of this work enabled the authors to quantify the rotation of the proximal phalanx compared to the distal, and to determine exactly the possible rotation in the distal interphalangeal joint. It was also observed that, faced with a forced rotation of the foot, t...
Radiographic assessment of equine interphalangeal joints asymmetry: articular impact of asymmetric bearings (Part II). This study is part of a work to develop a radiographic method that defines objectively the individual conformation of an equine digit and its appropriate trimming. The authors used isolated distal limbs fastened on a rotation support with variable inclinations to study the influence of induced asymmetric bearings on various angles measured from specific radiographs. The digit responded to asymmetric bearings by 1. deformation of the hoof; 2. rotation of the phalanges; and 3. joint asymmetry or local articular space narrowing. The two last situations occurred mainly in the distal interphalangea...
The diagnosis of lameness associated with distal limb pathology in a horse: a comparison of radiography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. A cadaver limb from an eight-year-old horse with right forelimb lameness that was relieved with an intra-articular distal interphalangeal joint block was imaged with radiographs, spiral computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Spiral CT demonstrated several lucencies within the deep digital flexor tendon immediately proximal to the navicular bone. On MRI these areas had increased signal and there was enlargement of the tendon at this site. Effusion in the proximal interphalangeal joint and navicular bursa and thinning of the fibrocartilage of the navicular bone were also ...
Lateral approach for arthrocentesis of the distal interphalangeal joint in horses. To determine anatomic landmarks for a lateral approach for arthrocentesis of the proximopalmarolateral aspect of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint in horses and the likelihood of entering synovial structures other than the DIP joint through this approach. Methods: Prospective study. Methods: Paired forelimbs of 8 cadavers and 12 horses. Methods: Anatomic preparations were used to determine anatomic landmarks. Positive-contrast arthrography was used to determine which structures were entered. Results: Landmarks for the lateral approach included a depression in the proximal border of the la...
Radiographic appearance of the navicular bone and distal interphalangeal joint and their relationship with ossification of the collateral cartilages of the distal phalanx in Finnhorse cadaver forefeet. Radiographic findings in the navicular bone and distal interphalangeal joint as well as the ossification status of the collateral cartilages of the distal phalanx were evaluated in 100 Finnhorse cadaver forefeet. The most common shapes of the proximal articular margin of the navicular bone were convex and straight. Remodeling of the navicular bone was common, especially on the lateral extremity. No bony fragments were identified at the distal flexor margin even though this area appeared irregular in several feet. Several large, rounded or lollipop-shaped synovial invaginations were identified ...
Lag screw fixation of an extensor process fracture in a foal with flexural deformity. A 4-month-old colt with stage I flexural deformity of the distal interphalangeal joint was diagnosed as having a type IV nondisplaced fracture of the extensor process of the 3rd phalanx. An inferior check ligament desmotomy and internal fixation of the fracture were performed. Favorable long-term results for internal fixation of extensor process fractures are presented.
[Observations of the development of the equine distal interphalangeal joint cavity concerning the pelvic limb of fetuses, fillies and adult horses]. Ten horses, younger than 1 year, were used to investigate the articulatio interphalangea distalis of the pelvic limb. The expansion of the dorsal recess was compared to those of adult horses. The recessus dorsalis always formed a shape like the letter 'm' or like a triangle with oblique angles. Consequently the great proximo-distal expansion on the medial side of the dorsal recess very probably has nothing to do with the age of horses.
Intra-articular anesthesia of the distal interphalangeal joint alleviates lameness associated with the navicular bursa in horses. To determine if intra-articular anesthesia of the distal interphalangeal joint could alleviate lameness associated with the navicular bursa in horses. Methods: Experimental investigation. Methods: Six clinically normal horses. Methods: Lameness was induced in each horse by injecting either the left or right front navicular bursa with 5 mg of amphotericin-B. Forty-eight hours later each horse was videotaped walking and trotting before, and 5, 30, and 60 minutes after injecting the distal interphalangeal joint of the treated limb with 5 mL of 2% mepivacaine hydrochloride. All video recordings we...
Evaluation of skin bacterial flora before and after aseptic preparation of clipped and nonclipped arthrocentesis sites in horses. This study evaluates skin bacterial flora before and after aseptic preparation of clipped and nonclipped arthrocentesis sites in horses. Methods: The hair over one midcarpal joint and one distal interphalangeal joint on each horse was clipped. The contralateral joint served as the nonclipped comparison. Methods: Twelve adult horses. Methods: A prescrub sample for microbial culture was taken from the dorsal surface of all four joints for each horse. Each site was aseptically prepared with povidone iodine and 70% alcohol, followed by postscrub sampling for microbial culture. Colony forming units...
Anatomy of the distal interphalangeal joint of the mature horse: relationships with navicular suspensory ligaments, sensory nerves and neurovascular bundle. The anatomy of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint in the adult horse is described in relationship to the suspensory ligaments of the navicular bone, the neurovascular bundle and the sensory nerves to these periarticular regions. Using polymer plastic injections, the synovial cavity of the DIP joint was observed to have a complex relationship to the proximal suspensory or collateral sesamoidean ligament (CSL) of the navicular bone with the cavity forming cranial and caudal compartments around the CSL abaxially. Sensory nerves, as identified by peptide immunocytochemistry and silver/gold chl...