A descriptive study of the equine proximal interphalangeal joint using magnetic resonance imaging, contrast arthrography, and arthroscopy.

The research aimed to have a deeper understanding of the equine proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints through the use of magnetic resonance imaging, contrast arthrography, and arthroscopy, aiming specifically to identify regions that are accessible via arthroscopy and soft tissues that should be avoided during arthroscopy procedures.

Experimental Procedures

• The study was conducted ex vivo on 15 horses, using a total of 36 cadaver limbs.
• A combination of anatomical modeling, MRI with MRI-compatible needles, computed tomography with contrast arthrography, and arthroscopy of the PIP joint was used.
• Two different arthroscopic approaches to the dorsal joint pouch were compared as a part of the experiment.

Results of the Study

• Via the arthroscopic method, roughly 62.4% of the joint perimeter could be seen from the dorsal and palmar/plantar joint pouches.
• The study did not find any significant difference between the amounts of joint observed when utilizing a closer or further approach to the dorsal joint pouches.
• The arthroscope insertion 1.5 cm proximal to the joint enabled the easiest manipulation of the arthroscope.

Conclusion

• The research concluded that dorsal and palmar/plantar joint pouches provide enough arthroscopic visibility for the axial portions of the articulating surface of the proximal and middle phalanx.
• The outer portions of the articulating surface were a challenge to view because the joint pouches narrow on the outer side.
• For the purpose of preventing injury to tendon and ligament, palmar/plantar portals are suggested to be placed dorsal to the neurovascular bundle and proximal to the epicondyle of the middle phalanx.