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.
Willemen MA, Jacobs MW, Schamhardt HC.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...
Schumacher J, Steiger R, Schumacher J, de Graves F, Schramme M, Smith R, Coker M.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...
Willemen MA, Savelberg HH, Barneveld A.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 ...
Lanovaz JL, Clayton HM, Watson LG.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...
Caudron I, Grulke S, Farnir F, Vanschepdael P, Serteyn D.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...
Caudron I, Grulke S, Farnir F, Aupaix R, Serteyn D.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...
Caudron I, Grulke S, Farnir F, Aupaix R, Serteyn D.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...
Whitton RC, Buckley C, Donovan T, Wales AD, Dennis R.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 ...
Vazquez de Mercado R, Stover SM, Taylor KT, Zarucco L, Willits NH.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...
Ruohoniemi M, Ryhänen V, Tulamo RM.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 ...
MacLellan KN, MacDonald DG, Crawford WH.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.
Breit S.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.
Pleasant RS, Moll HD, Ley WB, Lessard P, Warnick LD.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...
Hague BA, Honnas CM, Simpson RB, Peloso JG.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...
Bowker RM, Linder K, Van Wulfen KK, Sonea IM.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...
Stanek C.A retrospective study (1984-1994) was made of 10 cases of septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint in horses aged 7 months to 17 years. In 6 cases a hind limb was affected, in 4 cases a front limb. The arthritis was caused either by a puncture wound in the sole area (8 cases), by a perforating wound in the coronary region (1) or iatrogenic (1). All horses exhibited a severe lameness at the walk. Radiography showed no typical lesions in fresh cases, whilst later an increasing subluxation of the joint was observed followed by periosteal reactions. Therapy included partial resection o...
Fuller CJ, Barr AR, Dieppe PA, Sharif M.An epitope of keratan sulphate (KS) and total glycosaminoglycans (GAG) were measured in synovial fluid samples from joints of 53 horses immediately following humane destruction. Internal examination of the joints post mortem ensured that there was no gross evidence of osteoarthritis or other joint disease. Joints sampled were distal interphalangeal (DIP), proximal interphalangeal (PIP), metacarpophalangeal (MCP), metatarsophalangeal (MTP), tarsometatarsal (TMT), tarsocrural (TC), femoropatellar (FP) and antebrachiocarpal (ABC) joints. The age of each horse was assessed by examination of the te...
Lumsden JM, Caron JP, Steffe JF, Briggs JL, Arnoczky SP.To compare the apparent viscosity of normal synovial fluid of the mid-carpal, tibiotarsal, and interphalangeal joints of horses. Methods: Viscosity evaluation over a range of shear rates was used to characterize the apparent viscosity of synovial fluids from the 3 joints. Methods: 60 clinically normal adult horses. Methods: Viscosity data for synovial fluid samples were obtained over a shear rate range of 10 to 250/s and apparent viscosity was calculated at 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250/s. Effect of shear rate on apparent viscosity was determined, using a two-way ANOVA, with significant differenc...
Keegan KG, Wilson DA, Kreeger JM, Ellersieck MR, Kuo KC, Li Z.To evaluate the distribution of mepivacaine hydrochloride after distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint injection in horses. Methods: Prospective, uncontrolled study. Methods: 10 adult horses. Methods: 30 minutes before euthanasia, 8 ml of 2% mepivacaine hydrochloride was injected into the dorsal pouch of a forelimb DIP joint. Synovial tissue from the DIP joint and podotrochlear (navicular) bursa and bone tissue from the medullary cavity of the distal sesamoid (navicular) bone were taken from both forelimbs immediately after death. All synovial and bone specimens were analyzed for tissue concentrat...
White NA.Transection of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor muscle (distal check ligament desmotomy) was completed in 44 horses using an ultrasound-guided technique. The technique used real-time ultrasound with a 7.5 MHz transducer to observe the dissection and isolation of the check ligament through a 1 to 1.5 cm incision and to check for complete transection of the check ligament. The technique was effective in correcting flexural deformity of the distal interphalangeal joint and the metacarpophalangeal joint in all but three horses. Check ligament desmotomy at a young age (median, 6 mo...
Breit S, König HE.20 extremities of horses were used to investigate the synovial membrane of the distal interphalangeal joint and the navicular bursa. From each extremity five specimens were taken from the distal interphalangeal joint capsule, two further from the navicular bursa. Synovial villi were found near the articular cartilage as well as everywhere where the joint capsule did not form a tight periostal cover or was not connected with ligaments or tendons. Some lay between the articular surfaces of the phalanx media and phalanx distalis. Besides synovial villi and synovial folds "trabecular-like" cords o...
Bowker RM, Rockershouser SJ, Linder K, Vex KB, Sonea IM, Caron JP.The innervation of the navicular bone (os sesamoideum distale) and its suspensory ligaments (ligamenta sesamoidea collateralia) (CSL) or proximal suspensory ligament and the ligamentum sesamoideum distale impar or the distal sesamoidean impar ligament (DS-impar ligament) was examined using combined anatomical techniques of silver impregnation and immunocytochemistry. Silver impregnation studies revealed an abundance of nerve fibres present in both the CSL and DS-impar ligament with the latter having relatively more nerve fibres. These silver-impregnated nerves coursed parallel to and were asso...
Madison JB, Garber JL, Rice B, Stumf AJ, Zimmer AE, Ott EA.Thirty-five newborn foals were assigned to 1 of 3 groups and treated with 0.9% NaCl solution (saline; group 1; n = 12), oxytetracycline (44 mg/kg of body weight; group 2; n = 12), or 2-pyrrolidone (oxytetracycline vehicle; group 3; n = 11) in saline solution during the first 36 hours after birth. Serum biochemical analyses were performed on samples obtained from group-1 and group-2 foals before treatment and 24 and 96 hours after treatment. Lateral to medial radiographic views of the forelimbs were obtained before treatment and 24 and 96 hours after treatment in all foals. Metacarpophalangeal ...
Bowker RM, Rockershouser SJ, Vex KB, Sonea IM, Caron JP, Kotyk R.To determine whether the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint directly or indirectly communicates with the navicular bursa (bursa podotrochlearis) and to identify sensory nerves in these synovial structures that might be desensitized by intra-articular injections of anesthetics, Evans blue dye in physiologic saline solution, Luxol fast blue dye with mepivicaine, or commercial latex was injected into the DIP joint (5 ml) or the navicular bursa (3 ml) of 152 digits obtained from horses or ponies at necropsy. The digits were frozen, cut with a band saw, and examined for distribution of dye or latex...
Wright IM.The clinical features are reported from 118 horses (mean age 9.2 years) which were diagnosed as suffering from navicular disease using predetermined criteria. The animals were used for a variety of purposes and had been lame for periods between 1 and 72 months. The majority of cases (84.7%) had been treated using various techniques before evaluation. The severity of lameness was related to the duration of clinical signs: 78% of horses were bilaterally affected but there was no left:right limb predominance. Broken foot/pastern axes were recorded in 75% of horses while 45% also exhibited mediola...
McClure SR, Hooper RN, Watkins JP.A 13-month-old Quarter Horse colt sustained a puncture wound to the frog region of the foot, which penetrated the navicular bursa and distal interphalangeal joint, 7 days prior to examination. A street-nail procedure was performed to debride the tract and provide drainage of the navicular bursa and distal interphalangeal joint. An indwelling lavage system was placed through the dorsal aspect of the joint and antimicrobials were infused intermittently to supply a high local concentration of drug and to frequently lavage the distal interphalangeal joint and navicular bursa.
Dyson SJ, Kidd L.Analgesia of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint and of the navicular bursa was performed independently in the lame or lamer forelimb of 59 horses, in which lameness was significantly improved by perineural analgesia of either the palmar digital or palmar (abaxial sesamoid) nerves. In 3 horses no improvement was detected. Lameness was improved by analgesia of the DIP joint but there was no response to analgesia of the navicular bursa in 3 horses. In 12 horses, lameness was improved by analgesia of the navicular bursa but intra-articular analgesia resulted in no change. Forty-one horses resp...
Schneider RK, Bramlage LR, Hardy J.The distal interphalangeal joint was successfully arthrodesed in two horses using three parallel 5.5-mm cortical screws and an autogenous cancellous bone graft. The screws were directed from the palmar proximal border of the second phalanx dorso-distally across the joint space and into the third phalanx. The technique was first developed on a normal horse. The second horse, a clinical case, ruptured its deep digital flexor tendon with complete luxation of the distal interphalangeal joint. Bony fusion of the distal interphalangeal joint occurred in both horses, but both also had residual lamene...
Jansen MO, van Buiten A, van den Bogert AJ, Schamhardt HC.The in vivo strains of the musculus interosseus medius (suspensory ligament) and its rami extensorii (extensor branches) in the forelimb of the horse were determined from angular changes of the metacarpophalangeal and the distal interphalangeal joints. For this purpose, regression models were fitted to strains and joint angle combinations measured in in vitro limb loading experiments. The in vivo strains were computed from the kinematics of 8 horses at the walk, the trot and the canter. It was found that the extensor branches were strained about 1.0% at hoof impact, which indicates that they p...
Jansen MO, van Raaij JA, van den Bogert AJ, Schamhardt HC, Hartman W.The function of several intrinsic muscles of the fore-and hind limbs of 5 ponies walking normally was evaluated via surface electromyography. Electromyographic signals were band-pass filtered, rectified, linear enveloped, and standardized to the stride duration. Mean data from the muscles of the left and right limbs that were obtained from at least 30 strides in 2 recording sessions were recorded as electromyographic signals-time curves. The timing of muscle activity was determined from these graphs. On the basis of the major peaks in the electromyographic signal, muscle functions were identif...
Kirkpatrick CJ, Ernst NS, Trumble TN.There are limited radiographic-guided injection techniques of the insertion of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) collateral ligaments. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a palmar/plantar radiographic-guided injection of the collateral ligament insertion in cadavers. Fifty limbs were used to develop the technique and 24 additional limbs were used to evaluate accuracy. An 18 G, 9 cm spinal needle was placed in the depression between the palmar digital neurovascular bundle and arch of the ungular cartilage with dorsodistal advancement towards the distal phalanx collat...
Kelmer G, Kramer J.Shortening of the deep digital flexor tendon was performed by tenotomy, overlapping and anastomosis. The procedure was performed on a two-year-old Quarter Horse Mare with distal interphalangeal joint hyperextension with subluxation and metatarsophalangeal joint hyperextension. These problems originated from damage to the digital flexor tendons, presumably due to previous distal limb trauma. The procedure markedly improved the mare's level of comfort, degree of ambulation and limb conformation. Two years following surgery the mare was comfortable at pasture.
Olive J, Lambert N, Bubeck KA, Beauchamp G, Laverty S.To ultrasonographically quantify experimentally induced effusion of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint of horses and compare results with those obtained with palpation. Methods: 8 forelimbs from equine cadavers and forelimbs of 5 mares. Methods: Preliminary ex vivo experiments were performed to validate the methods. Then, the DIP joints of the forelimbs of standing horses were serially distended with saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (1, 4, and 10 mL) by injection through an intra-articular catheter. Two ultrasonographers measured distension of the dorsal recess of the DIP joint, and 2 surgeons,...
Hollenbach E, Robert MP, le Roux C, Smit Y.If the number of events alone is considered, endurance riding is the fastest growing and the second-most popular Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) discipline. Lameness is the most common cause of elimination from endurance races worldwide. To the authors' knowledge, no studies have been published investigating the prevalence of radiographic changes in the forelimb digits and metacarpophalangeal joints (MCP) of endurance racehorses in South Africa. Unassigned: Investigate the prevalence of radiographic changes in the forelimb digits and MCP joints of South African endurance racehorses....
Mageed M, Elfadl A.An 18-year-old Quarter Horse mare was evaluated because of moderate left forelimb lameness of 4 weeks' duration. The clinical evaluation and diagnostic perineural analgesia localized the lameness to the distal portion of the left forelimb. There was swelling on the dorsal and lateral aspect of the coronary band. Radiography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography of the foot revealed circumscribed well-capsulated soft tissue mass causing a focal deformation of the dorsolateral border of the middle phalanx. The treatment aimed to remove the mass surgically and stabiliz...
Rubio-Martínez LM, Bracamonte JL, Tompkins S, Villarino NF.To describe a transthecal approach to the palmar pouch of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) in horses and compare it with the conventional blind arthroscopic technique. Methods: Ex vivo study. Methods: Cadaver forelimbs (n = 26 pairs) from mature horses. Methods: One limb from each pair was randomly assigned to each arthroscopic approach (conventional or transthecal). The conventional arthroscopic approach was performed as previously described and the transthecal approach was performed through sharp dissection of the distal reflection of the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS). The propo...
Evrard L, Audigié F, Bertoni L, Jacquet S, Denoix JM, Busoni V.This descriptive study aimed to compare the magnetic resonance appearance of the distal interphalangeal joint articular cartilage between standing weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing conditions. Ten forefeet of live horses were scanned in a standing low-field magnetic resonance system (0.27 T). After euthanasia for reasons unrelated to the study, the non-weight-bearing isolated feet were scanned in a vertical positioning reproducing limb orientation in live horses. The same acquisition settings as during the weight-bearing examination were used. Thickness and cross-sectional area of the dist...
Bowker RM, Rockershouser SJ, Vex KB, Sonea IM, Caron JP, Kotyk R.To determine whether the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint directly or indirectly communicates with the navicular bursa (bursa podotrochlearis) and to identify sensory nerves in these synovial structures that might be desensitized by intra-articular injections of anesthetics, Evans blue dye in physiologic saline solution, Luxol fast blue dye with mepivicaine, or commercial latex was injected into the DIP joint (5 ml) or the navicular bursa (3 ml) of 152 digits obtained from horses or ponies at necropsy. The digits were frozen, cut with a band saw, and examined for distribution of dye or latex...
Tyrnenopoulou PC, Rizos ED, Kritsepi-Konstantinou M, Papadopoulou PL, Patsikas MN, Papazoglou LG, Aggeli A, Diakakis NE.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...
Caudron I, Grulke S, Farnir F, Vanschepdael P, Serteyn D.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...
O'Grady SE, Dryden VC.A club foot or flexural deformity may affect a horse at any stage of life from neonate through adulthood. The emphasis of this article is on defining and recommending the appropriate farriery for flexural deformities involving the deep digital flexor tendon and the distal interphalangeal joint. Clinical management of the flexural deformity is influenced by the severity, duration, and etiology of the club foot as well as the degree and source of lameness. Also discussed is the management of mismatched hoof angles, which remains a controversial subject for both farrier and veterinarian.
Warnock WR, Marsh CA, Hand DR.The purpose of this study was to report long-term outcome following arthroscopic debridement of articular cartilage lesions of the distal interphalangeal joint, diagnosed with high-field magnetic resonance imaging. Diagnosis was based on the results of diagnostic anesthesia, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and arthroscopy. Ten horses underwent arthroscopic evaluation for cartilage injury and received various intra-articular therapies after surgery. Three of ten horses had lesions that were surgically inaccessible. Four horses became sound and returned to their preoperative level of athletici...
Kane-Smyth J, Taylor SE, García EC, Reardon RJ.To evaluate the frequency of inadvertent penetration of the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS) and/or distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) when using a direct endoscopic approach to the navicular bursa, and to evaluate an alternate direct approach to the navicular bursa. Methods: Cadaveric study. Methods: Equine cadaver limbs (n = 40 for direct; n = 12 for alternate approach). Methods: Four surgeons performed the direct endoscopic approach to the navicular bursa on 10 limbs each. Frequencies of inadvertent synovial penetration and iatrogenic damage were compared between surgeons. Use of an alt...
Smanik LE, Stefanovski D, Reilly PT, Richardson DW.Type II distal phalanx (P3) fractures are a well-described cause of lameness in horses. Reports on outcome following internal fixation of type II P3 fractures are lacking, and with little emphasis on complications. Objective: To describe a technique for internal fixation of type II P3 fractures, and evaluate whether specific variables influenced post-operative complications or a horse's ability to return to work. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: Medical records of 51 horses with CT-guided internal fixation of type II P3 fractures were reviewed. Outcome data were acquired from race ...
Gutierrez-Nibeyro SD, Werpy NM, White NA, McCutcheon J, Weng HY, Christopher JM.High- and low-field magnetic resonance (MR) imaging systems are available for clinical diagnosis of collateral desmopathy of the equine distal interphalangeal joint (DIJ). Knowledge of the normal appearance, size, shape,and signal variation of these ligaments on high- and low-field MR images is essential when assessing desmopathy detected by MR imaging. However, there are no descriptions of the normal features of DIJ collateral ligaments on images obtained with a standing low-field MR system. Low-field MR imaging characteristics of normal collateral ligaments of the DIJ of cadaver feet were co...
Katrinaki V, Estrada RJ, Mählmann K, Kolokythas P, Lischer CJ.The outcome and interpretation of intra-synovial diagnostic analgesia of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) and the navicular bursa (NB) remain in dispute, and no objective studies have been carried out to establish the percentage of improvement over time from these two analgesia techniques. Objective: To investigate the qualitative and time-dependent outcome of DIPJ-A and NB-A in naturally occurring forelimb lameness. Methods: Case series. Methods: Twenty-three clinical cases with forelimb lameness were evaluated objectively using a body mounted inertial sensor system (BMIS). Lameness wa...
McGuigan MP, Walsh TC, Pardoe CH, Day PS, Wilson AM.Previous studies have implicated tension in the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) in the rotation of the distal phalanx (DP) after the breakdown of the dorsal laminae caused by laminitis. Howeveer, once the DP has rotated, the DDFT should become shorter, reducing the force it exerts on the DP. Objective: To compare DDFT force and ground reaction forces (GRFs) in normal ponies and ponies with rotation of the DP as a sequel to laminitis. Methods: Six normal ponies (Group 1) and 6 sound ponies with 6-13 degrees of rotation of the DP in relation to the dorsal hoof wall (Group 2) were assessed at t...
Busschers E, Richardson DW.A 16-year-old Thoroughbred gelding was examined because of chronic right forelimb lameness. Results: On radiographs of the right front foot, the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint space was narrow, and osteophytes and periarticular bony proliferation indicative of severe osteoarthritis were seen. Arthrodesis of the right DIP joint was recommended to improve the horse's comfort on the limb. Results: The horse was anesthetized, and palmar and dorsal arthroscopic approaches were used to remove as much of the articular cartilage as was accessible. Holes were then drilled through the dorsal aspect ...
Cota LO, Malacarne BD, Dias LA, Neto ACP, Kneipp MLA, Cavalcante MA, Cunha MSLD, Paz CFR, Carvalho AM, Faleiros RR, Xavier ABDS.The analgesic specificity of navicular bursa (NB) anesthetic infiltration is still questionable. The study aimed to determine the mechanical nociceptive threshold of non-specific analgesia in the dorsal lamellar stratum, as well as in the sole, coronary band, and heel bulbs of the hoof, after navicular bursa anesthetic infiltration. Six healthy horses with no clinical or radiographic changes of the digits and no communication between the NB and the distal interphalangeal joint, were used. After random selection, the NB of one of the forelimbs was infiltrated with 2% lidocaine and the contralat...
Stanek C.A retrospective study (1984-1994) was made of 10 cases of septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint in horses aged 7 months to 17 years. In 6 cases a hind limb was affected, in 4 cases a front limb. The arthritis was caused either by a puncture wound in the sole area (8 cases), by a perforating wound in the coronary region (1) or iatrogenic (1). All horses exhibited a severe lameness at the walk. Radiography showed no typical lesions in fresh cases, whilst later an increasing subluxation of the joint was observed followed by periosteal reactions. Therapy included partial resection o...
Góss GC, Mozzaquatro FD, Vanhove R, Camargo LP, Döwich Pradella G, Leite CT, Gomes EM, Carneiro ALM, Heckler GF, Duarte CA.The physiological measurements of collateral ligaments of distal interphalangeal joint (CL-DIPJ) differ in the literature. The factors that influence these differences are not well described. The aims of this study are to compare CL-DIPJ sizes in equines with different withers height, as well as to correlate body weight and hoof size to the size of these ligaments. In total, 52 horses were used in the study. They were divided into two groups according to wither height: Group 1 (G1) - 21 animals with up to 147 cm - and group 2 (G2) - 21 animals with greater than 148 cm. CL-DIPJ was ultrasonog...
White NA.Transection of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor muscle (distal check ligament desmotomy) was completed in 44 horses using an ultrasound-guided technique. The technique used real-time ultrasound with a 7.5 MHz transducer to observe the dissection and isolation of the check ligament through a 1 to 1.5 cm incision and to check for complete transection of the check ligament. The technique was effective in correcting flexural deformity of the distal interphalangeal joint and the metacarpophalangeal joint in all but three horses. Check ligament desmotomy at a young age (median, 6 mo...
Crowe OM, Hepburn RJ, Kold SE, Smith RK.To report long-term outcome after arthroscopic removal of fragmentation of the extensor process of the distal phalanx in horses. Methods: Case series. Methods: Adult horses (n=13). Methods: Medical records (2003-2004) of horses that had arthroscopic debridement of fragmentation of the extensor process of the distal phalanx were reviewed. Inclusion criteria included: lameness localized to the foot, fragmentation of the extensor process of the distal phalanx debrided arthroscopically, and a follow-up period of > or = 4 years. Results: Of the 13 horses, lameness was resolved in 11 (85%) initia...
Walmsley EA, Anderson GA, Adkins AR.Determine the long-term outcome for Thoroughbreds undergoing desmotomy of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (DAL-DDFT) for type 1 flexural deformity of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ). Methods: Retrospective matched cohort study Methods: Medical records were retrieved over a 17-year period for Thoroughbreds that underwent DAL-DDFT for type 1 flexural deformity. Long-term outcome was determined by analysis of race records and comparison with maternal siblings. Comparisons between cases and controls included 2-year-old, 3-year-old and total career performance data....
Kay AT, Durgam S, Stewart M, Joslyn S, Schaeffer DJ, Horn G, Kesler R, Chew P.To compare reduction of type III distal phalangeal fractures using 4.5 and 5.5 mm cortical screws placed in lag fashion and an intact hoof capsule model. Methods: Cadaveric experimental study. Methods: Hooves from 12 adult horses (n=24). Methods: Sagittal fractures were created in pairs of distal phalanges after distal interphalangeal joint disarticulation and were reduced with either 4.5 or 5.5 mm cortical screws placed in lag fashion. Contralateral phalanges served as non-reduced controls. Fracture reduction following screw placement was assessed by comparing pre-reduction and post-reduction...
MacLellan KN, MacDonald DG, Crawford WH.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.
McClure SR, Hooper RN, Watkins JP.A 13-month-old Quarter Horse colt sustained a puncture wound to the frog region of the foot, which penetrated the navicular bursa and distal interphalangeal joint, 7 days prior to examination. A street-nail procedure was performed to debride the tract and provide drainage of the navicular bursa and distal interphalangeal joint. An indwelling lavage system was placed through the dorsal aspect of the joint and antimicrobials were infused intermittently to supply a high local concentration of drug and to frequently lavage the distal interphalangeal joint and navicular bursa.
Gandini M.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...
Smith R, Parsons J, Dixon J.Desmopathy of the collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint is a common cause of equine foot lameness and carries a poor prognosis with conservative management. Intralesional injections may improve healing, although accuracy of radiographically guided injections is significantly less than when guided by MRI, which requires special needles. Longitudinal ultrasound-guided injection of the distal collateral ligament has not been evaluated objectively. In this prospective, anatomic study, seven equine cadaver limbs (14 collateral ligaments) were injected with methylene blue dye and ...
Caudron I, Grulke S, Farnir F, Aupaix R, Serteyn D.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...
