Area of cartilage accessible to curettage for subsequent arthrodesis of the equine proximal interphalangeal joint. Comparison of conventional and collateral ligament sparing approaches.

This research article explores a comparative study between two methods of curettage in arthrodesis of the equine proximal interphalangeal joint. The study found that the conventional method affords more access to cartilage than the collateral ligament sparing method.

Method of Conducting the Research

• The study used forelimbs and hindlimbs of six equine cadavers with no radiographic evidence of proximal interphalangeal joint disease.
• One limb of each pair was randomly assigned for dissection, applying a standard methodology to the proximal interphalangeal joint, which involved transection of the collateral ligaments.
• The counterpart limb was exposed following the same protocol, though with the collateral ligaments kept intact.

Procedure and Analysis

• Hohmann retractors and Spratt curettes were utilised to extricate as much articular cartilage as plausible from the joints.
• Post this extraction, the proximal interphalangeal joints were photographed for in-depth analysis.
• Image analysis was conducted to gain quantifiable results on the amount of articular cartilage surface removed through each technique.

Outcomes of the Research

• It was discovered that the collateral ligament sparing method allowed for a mean percentage removal of articular cartilage surface of 41.2%, which was significantly lower than the 79.6% removal afforded by the conventional procedure.
• The variation in removal percentages was statistically significant (p <0.01).
• The discrepancies between the quantities of cartilage removed from the forelimbs and the hindlimbs were deemed statistically insignificant.

Research Conclusion

• The research concluded that the conventional approach to curettage in arthrodesis for the equine proximal interphalangeal joint provides a significantly larger area of accessible cartilage compared to the ligament-sparing method.
• This outcome potentially impacts surgical decisions in real-world practices by offering insight into the efficacy and results offered by the two approaches.