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Topic:Orthopedics
Orthopedics in horses involves the study and treatment of disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. This field addresses a range of conditions, from developmental disorders and degenerative diseases to traumatic injuries. Common orthopedic issues in horses include fractures, osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and ligament injuries. Diagnostic techniques such as radiography, ultrasonography, and MRI are employed to assess these conditions. Treatment options may include surgical intervention, physical therapy, and pharmacological management. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the diagnosis, treatment, and management of orthopedic conditions in equine patients.
The effect of conformation on orthopaedic health and performance in a cohort of National Hunt racehorses: preliminary results. There is a lack of scientific data and studies on the effect of conformation on performance or on orthopaedic health. Objective: To investigate the relationship between conformation, injury and performance in racehorses used for racing over fences. Methods: Over 2 years, 108 National Hunt racehorses were followed and their medical and performance data recorded. Conformation was measured in 3D with a computerised motion analysis system. Linear multiple regression models were used to evaluate the effect of conformation on measures of race performance and stepwise forward logistic regression mode...
Reliability of conformational measurements in the horse using a three-dimensional motion analysis system. The importance of a reliable method for conformation studies is generally acknowledged, but there are only limited data on the accuracy and precision of current assessment methods. Objective: To assess (1) the accuracy and repeatability of marker placement, (2) influence of stance of the horse on conformational parameters, (3) practicality of a computerised motion analysis system and (4) to compare the computerised motion analysis system to photographic systems of assessment. Methods: Twenty-eight reflective markers placed over anatomical landmarks were located in 3D using a computerised motio...
Image fusion of computed tomographic and magnetic resonance images for the development of a three-dimensional musculoskeletal model of the equine forelimb. Biomechanical models that compute the lengths and forces of muscle-tendon units are broadly applicable to the study of factors that promote injury and the planning and effects of orthopedic surgical procedures in equine athletes. A three-dimensional (3D) generic musculoskeletal model of the equine forelimb comprised of bony segment, muscle-tendon, and ligament information, was developed based on high-resolution computed tomographic (CT) and T1-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images from an isolated forelimb of a Thoroughbred racehorse. Image fusion was achieved through coregistration of CT an...
Computer-assisted surgery for screw insertion into the distal sesamoid bone in horses: an in vitro study. To compare the precision of computer-assisted surgery with a conventional technique (CV) using a special guiding device for screw insertion into the distal sesamoid bone in horses. Methods: In vitro experimental study. Methods: Cadaveric forelimb specimens. Methods: Insertion of a 3.5 mm cortex screw in lag fashion along the longitudinal axis of intact (non-fractured) distal sesamoid bones was evaluated in 2 groups (8 limbs each): CV and computer-assisted surgery (CAS). For CV, the screw was inserted using a special guiding device and fluoroscopy, whereas for CAS, the screw was inserted using ...
Comparison of radiography and computed tomography to evaluate metacarpo/metatarsophalangeal joint pathology of paired limbs of thoroughbred racehorses with severe condylar fracture. To compare the orthogonal radiographic (OR) and computed tomographic (CT) appearance of paired Thoroughbred racehorse limbs with severe condylar fracture. Methods: In vitro study. Methods: Cadaveric paired limbs with severe condylar fracture (n=11 horses). Methods: Four standard radiographic and multiple transverse CT images were obtained of the fractured and contralateral limbs centering on the metacarpo/metatarsophalangeal (fetlock) joints. Radiographs and CT images were graded by 4 raters, and interobserver agreement was calculated. Imaging evaluations were supplemented by fetlock joint dis...
An in vitro biomechanical comparison between prototype tapered shaft cortical bone screws and AO cortical bone screws for an equine metacarpal dynamic compression plate fixation of osteotomized equine third metacarpal bones. To compare biomechanical properties of a prototype 5.5 mm tapered shaft cortical screw (TSS) and 5.5 mm AO cortical screw for an equine third metacarpal dynamic compression plate (EM-DCP) fixation to repair osteotomized equine third metacarpal (MC3) bones. Methods: Paired in vitro biomechanical testing of cadaveric equine MC3 with a mid-diaphyseal osteotomy, stabilized by 1 of 2 methods for fracture fixation. Methods: Adult equine cadaveric MC3 bones (n=12 pairs). Methods: Twelve pairs of equine MC3 were divided into 3 groups (4 pairs each) for (1) 4-point bending single cycle to failure testi...
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of enrofloxacin and a low dose of amikacin administered via regional intravenous limb perfusion in standing horses. To evaluate the pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic parameters of enrofloxacin and a low dose of amikacin administered via regional IV limb perfusion (RILP) in standing horses. Methods: 14 adult horses. Methods: Standing horses (7 horses/group) received either enrofloxacin (1.5 mg/kg) or amikacin (250 mg) via RILP (involving tourniquet application) in 1 forelimb. Samples of interstitial fluid (collected via implanted capillary ultrafiltration devices) from the bone marrow (BMIF) of the third metacarpal bone and overlying subcutaneous tissues (STIF), blood, and synovial fluid of the radiocarpal joi...
New antimicrobials, systemic distribution, and local methods of antimicrobial delivery in horses. The local delivery of antimicrobials is a valuable therapeutic tool with a low morbidity, is practical to use, and is well tolerated by horses. Clinically, its use has allowed equine practitioners to achieve better results when treating musculoskeletal infections, and it represents an extremely useful tool in the practitioner's armamentarium against these types of infections. The technique is indicated to combat orthopedic infections involving bones, joints, physes, tendon sheaths, and foot tissues. Optimal treatment must include other approaches, such as systemic antimicrobial therapy and sur...
Osteomyelitis in horses. Much has been learned in the past decade about osteomyelitis. The inhibitory mechanisms of the "biofilm slime" layer that is formed by bacterial extracapsular exopolysaccharides and binds to bone, joints, and implants are now better understood than in the past. The surface colonization of bacteria that occurs within these biofilms is a biologic phenomenon that is somewhat unique to orthopedic infections. This survival strategy of bacteria is effective, and it is important for veterinarians who treat osteomyelitis to be aware of current diagnostic and therapeutic treatment modalities. The pract...
Risk factors for colic in horses after general anaesthesia for MRI or nonabdominal surgery: absence of evidence of effect from perianaesthetic morphine. Post anaesthetic colic is a recognised risk of general anaesthesia (GA), but causes are poorly understood. Objective: To identify risk factors for development of colic following GA for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or nonabdominal surgery and to test whether the use of perianaesthetic morphine was associated with an increased risk of post anaesthetic colic. Methods: A total of 553 anaesthetic and clinical records of 500 horses anaesthetised at the Animal Health Trust were analysed, 342 (62%) involved MRI and 211 (38%) nonabdominal, predominantly orthopaedic surgery. Multivariable logistic r...
Effects of calcified cartilage on healing of chondral defects treated with microfracture in horses. Microfracture of full-thickness articular defects has been shown to significantly enhance the amount of repair tissue. However, there is a suggestion that leaving calcified cartilage inhibits this repair response. Objective: Removal of the calcified cartilage with retention of subchondral bone enhances the amount of attachment of the repair tissue compared with retention of the calcified cartilage layer. Methods: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: There were 1-cm(2) articular cartilage defects made in 12 skeletally mature horses on the axial weightbearing portion of both medial femoral cond...
[Mini-invasive distraction technique for treatment of severe ankle and foot deformities secondary to ischemic contracture of the leg]. To explore the Ilizarov mini-invasive distraction technique for the treatment of severer ankle and foot deformities secondary to ischemic contracture of the leg. Methods: Based on the tension-stress low of Ilizarov, a serial of adjustable three dimensions external distractive instrument was developed in our department. From April 2002 to March 2004, 8 patients with ankle and foot deformities secondary to ischemic contracture of the leg induced by trauma and fracture were treated with the distractive instrument. Of them, 4 patient were male and 4 female, aged from 13 to 31 years with an average...
Minimally invasive plate fixation of lower limb injury in horses: 32 cases (1999-2003). Complications of osteosynthesis including superficial and deep infections continue to affect adversely outcome in equine surgery of the lower limb. Objective: To describe a technique for minimally invasive plate fixation in horses and evaluate clinical results of the technique. Objective: Lower complication rates would occur in horses treated with a minimally invasive approach compared with conventional techniques. Methods: Cases of minimally invasive plate fixation from January 1999 to December 2003 were evaluated. Case records, radiographs and race records for horses that sustained distal th...
Comparison of arthroscopic approaches and accessible anatomic structures during arthroscopy of the caudal pouches of equine femorotibial joints. To (1) describe a caudal approach to equine medial and lateral femorotibial (FT) joints and (2) illustrate the complex anatomic detail of the caudal compartments of the lateral FT joint. Methods: Prospective experimental study. Methods: Cadaveric equine hindlimbs (n = 36; 26 horses) and 6 horses (11 hind limbs). Methods: Stifles (n = 8) were dissected and 10 FT joints were injected with silicone. Arthroscopic exploration (n = 29) was performed, followed by dissection to determine sites and structures penetrated during entry. Results: A more caudal approach to the caudal pouch of the medial FT ...
Racing prognosis of horses following surgically repaired olecranon fractures. Olecranon fracture is a common orthopedic problem in juvenile horses. Prognosis for complete fracture healing when various methods of internal fixation are used is good; however, the impact of olecranon fracture stabilization on the likelihood that foals will start on a racecourse is unknown. Medical records of foals undergoing internal fixation for an olecranon fracture were reviewed. The dam's foaling records were obtained and lifetime racing records were then retrieved for both the affected foals and 1 of their siblings. Twenty-two of 24 repaired fractures healed completely, subsequently, 1...
Arthrodesis of the talocalcaneal joint for the treatment of two horses with talocalcaneal osteoarthritis. Two horses with lameness due to tolocalcaneal osteoarthritis that failed to respond to conservative management were treated by tolocalcaneal arthrodesis using cortex screws placed in lag fashion. The affected joint of one horse was arthrodesed by compressing and stabilizing the medial facet of the joint with three screws. In the second horse, the medial and lateral facets of the affected tolocalcaneal joint were each compressed and stabilized with two screws. The lameness of both horses improved markedly following surgery.
Osteochondral graft fixation using a bioresorbable bone cement. Multiple osteochondral grafts can be used to resurface large joint defects in both humans and horses. In humans, immediate postoperative weight bearing can be prevented, however in the equine, it is unavoidable. Early weight bearing can create detrimental graft micromotion. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of a bioresorbable cement in improving the initial stability of multiple osteochondral graft repairs of large subchondral cystic lesions in the horse. Configurations employed for filling a 20mm diameter cylindrical defect included: (A) twelve 4.5mm diameter grafts with cemen...
An in vitro biomechanical comparison of a prototype equine metacarpal dynamic compression plate fixation with double dynamic compression plate fixation of osteotomized equine third metacarpal bones. To compare the monotonic biomechanical properties of a prototype equine third metacarpal dynamic compression plate (EM-DCP) fixation with a double broad dynamic compression plate (DCP) fixation to repair osteotomized equine third metacarpal (MC3) bones. Methods: In vitro biomechanical testing of paired cadaveric equine MC3 with a mid-diaphyseal osteotomy, stabilized by 1 of 2 methods for fracture fixation. Methods: Twelve pairs of adult equine cadaveric MC3 bones. Methods: Twelve pairs of equine MC3 were divided into 3 test groups (4 pairs each) for (1) 4-point bending single cycle to failure ...
An in vitro biomechanical comparison of a limited-contact dynamic compression plate fixation with a dynamic compression plate fixation of osteotomized equine third metacarpal bones. To compare the monotonic biomechanical properties and fatigue life of a broad, limited contact, dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP) fixation with a broad, dynamic compression plate (DCP) fixation to repair osteotomized equine 3rd metacarpal (MC3) bones. Methods: In vitro biomechanical testing of paired cadaveric equine MC3 with a mid-diaphyseal osteotomy, stabilized by 1 of 2 methods for fracture fixation. Methods: Twelve pairs of adult equine cadaveric MC3 bones. Methods: Twelve pairs of equine MC3 were divided into 3 test groups (4 pairs each) for (1) 4-point bending single cycle to failure t...
An in vitro evaluation of plate luting using osteotomized equine third metacarpal bones with a limited contact-dynamic compression plate. To evaluate the effects of plate luting on the biomechanical properties of a broad limited contact-dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP) fixation to repair osteotomized equine 3rd metacarpal (MC3) bones. Methods: In vitro biomechanical testing of paired cadaveric equine MC3 with a mid-diaphyseal osteotomy, stabilized by LC-DCP fixation, with 1 of the pair luted with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). Methods: Ten pairs of adult equine cadaveric MC3 bones. Methods: Ten pairs of equine MC3 were divided into 2 test groups (5 pairs each) for (1) palmarodorsal 4-point bending single cycle to failure testi...
Diagnosis and treatment of septic arthritis. Septic arthritis (SA) is a common orthopedic condition encountered in horses that are presented to equine veterinarians. Successful out-come is dependent on prompt and thorough evaluation and treatment. This article briefly reviews the pathophysiology, outlines diagnostics, describes treatment options and prognostics, and discusses current research in diagnosis and treatment of SA.
A novel method to estimate the stiffness of the equine back. Diagnosis of back problems in equine orthopedics can be a difficult task. The aim of our study was to develop a new method for estimating the stiffness of the equine back in vivo. We measured the activity of the long back muscle at two locations on both sides at thoracic vertebrae T12 and T16 of 15 horses flexing and extending their back at stance using telemetric surface electromyography, while simultaneously recording the motion of the back with a video camera system. Out of these paired data sets we computed a transfer function in the frequency domain and evaluated its capability of capturi...
Evaluation of expected response to selection for orthopedic health and performance traits in Hanoverian Warmblood horses. To determine whether selection schemes accounting for orthopedic health traits were compatible with breeding progress in performance parameters in Hanoverian Warmblood horses. Methods: 5,928 horses. Methods: Relative breeding values (RBVs) were predicted for osseous fragments in fetlock (metacarpo- and metatarsophalangeal) and tarsal joints, deforming arthropathy in tarsal joints, and pathologic changes in distal sesamoid bones. Selection schemes were developed on the basis of total indices for radiographic findings (TIR), dressage (TID), and jumping (TIJ). Response to selection was traced ove...
Assessment of stiffness and strength of 4 different implants available for equine fracture treatment: a study on a 20 degrees oblique long-bone fracture model using a bone substitute. To compare the mechanical properties of 4 stabilization methods for equine long-bone fractures: dynamic compression plate (DCP), limited contact-DCPlate (LC-DCP), locking compression plate (LCP), and the clamp-rod internal fixator (CRIF--formerly VetFix). Methods: In vitro mechanical study. Methods: Bone substitute material (24 tubes) was cut at 20 degrees to the long axis of the tube to simulate an oblique mid-shaft fracture. Methods: Tubes were divided into 4 groups (n=6) and double plated in an orthogonal configuration, with 1 screw of 1 implant being inserted in lag fashion through the "fr...
A non-invasive method of tendon force measurement. The ability to measure the forces exerted in vivo on tendons and, consequently, the forces produced by muscles on tendons, offers a unique opportunity to investigate questions in disciplines as varied as physiology, biomechanics, orthopaedics and neuroscience. Until now, tendon loads could be assessed directly only by means of invasive sensors implanted within or attached to these collagenous structures. This study shows that the forces acting on tendons can be measured, in a non-invasive way, from the analysis of the propagation of an acoustic wave. Using the equine superficial digital flexor...
Orthopedic disorders in neonatal foals. The first month of life is a vulnerable time for foals. They must adjust to their environment while they are still compromised immunologically, and their musculoskeletal system is rapidly growing and adjusting to stresses from an increasing amount of exercise. Therefore, if a foal is born with or acquires an abnormality or disease related to the musculoskeletal system, rapid adjustments must be made to allow the foal to grow and respond so that future athletic performance will not be compromised. Problems must be identified early, which requires thorough examinations. This article summarizes t...
Shock wave treatment in medicine. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy in orthopedics and traumatology is still a young therapy method. Since the last few years the development of shock wave therapy has progressed rapidly. Shock waves have changed the treatment of urolithiasis substantially. Today shock waves are the first choice to treat kidney and urethral stones. Urology has long been the only medical field for shock waves in medicine. Meanwhile shock waves have been used in orthopedics and traumatology to treat insertion tendinitis, avascular necrosis of the head of femur and other necrotic bone alterations. Another field of ...
Comparison of computer-assisted surgery with conventional technique for the treatment of axial distal phalanx fractures in horses: an in vitro study. To compare the precision obtained with computer-assisted screw insertion for treatment of mid-sagittal articular fractures of the distal phalanx (P3) with results achieved with a conventional technique. Methods: In vitro experimental study. Methods: Thirty-two cadaveric equine limbs. Methods: Four groups of 8 limbs were studied. Either 1 or 2 screws were inserted perpendicular to an imaginary axial fracture of P3 using computer-assisted surgery (CAS) or conventional technique. Screw insertion time, predetermined screw length, inserted screw length, fit of the screw, and errors in placement wer...
Arthrodesis of the equine proximal interphalangeal joint: a mechanical comparison of 2 parallel 5.5 mm cortical screws and 3 parallel 5.5 mm cortical screws. To compare the biomechanical characteristics and mode of failure of 2 techniques using parallel 5.5 mm screws for pastern joint arthrodesis in horses. Methods: Randomized block design, for horse (1-5), method of fixation (two 5.5 mm screws versus three 5.5 mm screws), side (right, left), and end (front, hind). Constructs were tested to failure in 3-point bending. Methods: Twenty limbs (5 cadavers). Methods: A combined aiming device was used to facilitate screw placement. Two parallel 5.5 mm screws were inserted in lag fashion in 1 limb of a pair, and three 5.5 mm screws were inserted in the co...
[Focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy in an isolated calcification in the equine ligamentum nuchae–case report]. In recent years extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is used in veterinary medicine especially in equine orthopedics. Different ESWT generators are commonly used in equine medicine with varying energy density and depth of penetration. The presented case report described the treatment of a ligamentum nuchae calcification with focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy with SONOCUR Plus generator combined with SONOLINE Prima ultrasound. Negligible adverse effects, the non-invasive character of the treatment, the time-saving therapy, and the positive results make the focused extracorporeal sho...
