Arthrodesis of the distal interphalangeal joint in two horses using three parallel 5.5-mm cortical screws.

The study is about a surgical technique using three 5.5mm screws for fusion of the distal interphalangeal joint in horses, tested on two horses that had successful bony fusion but residual lameness.

Objective and Method

• The study aimed to assess a new surgical technique, using screws and a bone graft, for fusing the distal interphalangeal joint in horses. The procedure was performed on two horses with different health conditions.
• The surgical technique involved the use of three parallel 5.5mm cortical screws, directed from a specific border of the second phalanx across the joint space into the third phalanx. In addition, an autogenous cancellous bone graft was used.

Subjects and Results

• The first subject, a normal horse, was used to test the technique initially.
• The second horse had a ruptured deep digital flexor tendon and a completely luxated distal interphalangeal joint – a condition where the joint is dislocated.
• Both horses achieved bony fusion of the joint post-surgery, indicating that the technique was successful in achieving its primary objective. However, both horses also exhibited residual lameness when walking, pointing towards some postoperative complications.

Follow-up and Complications

• The second horse, which was a clinical patient, unfortunately died 21 months after the operation.
• The death was due to complications arising from a subsolar abscess in the operated limb, not directly related to the arthrodesis procedure itself, but possibly linked to the postoperative care or the initial health condition of the horse.

Summary

• Overall, the research article presents a study of a surgical method for arthrodesis of the distal interphalangeal joint in horses.
• While the technique was successful in achieving joint fusion, it also led to some postoperative complications such as lameness in the horses. The long-term survival of the horses postoperation also remains a concern.