A limited surgical approach for pastern arthrodesis in horses with severe osteoarthritis.

This research studied a less invasive surgical treatment for horses suffering from chronic lameness due to severe osteoarthritis of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ), indicating it can be successful even without disarticulating the joint and fully removing the articular cartilage.

Objective of the Study

• The researchers aimed to demonstrate that successful arthrodesis (joint fusion surgery) can be achieved in horses with chronic lameness due to severe osteoarthritis even without joint disarticulation and complete articular cartilage debridement (removal of damaged cartilage). They hypothesized that complete debridement may not be necessary, thus reducing surgical invasiveness, time, and hospitalisation duration.

Methods and Approach

• The study was conducted retrospectively, reviewing the medical records of horses treated for PIPJ disease from 2000 to 2007. Relevant data about lameness, surgery duration, and hospitalisation time were retrieved from 11 horses (12 limbs).
• Changes in lameness were measured, and follow-up information was obtained from the horse owners via phone interviews and through re-evaluations of the horses.

Results of the Study

• The results indicated that the average duration of both the surgery (111 minutes) and hospital stay (19 days) were, indeed, shorter than those reported in previous studies using more traditional surgical methods.
• Lameness improved (reduced) by at least one grade in 92% of the limbs treated. Furthermore, 73% of the horse owners said they would choose the operation again if needed – indicating their satisfaction with the outcomes.

Conclusions

• The findings from this study suggest that a less invasive surgical approach, which eliminates the need for joint disarticulation and complete articular cartilage debridement, can effectively treat chronic lameness in horses due to severe PIPJ osteoarthritis.
• Additionally, this less invasive approach also led to decreased surgical and hospitalisation times, offering potential benefits in terms of cost and recovery times.