Arthrodesis of the equine distal tarsal joints by perforated stainless steel cylinders.

The research article focuses on the use of perforated stainless steel cylinders filled with self-sourced bone tissue in arthrodesis operations performed on the lower tarsal joints of horses, investigating the survival rate of graft cells post-surgery, the likelihood of partial fusion of affected joints, and the overall healing process.

Methodology

• The research was conducted on four different horses requiring arthrodesis, or joint fusion procedures.
• Perforated stainless steel cylinders were implanted into the distal tarsal joints of the participating horses. These cylinders were filled with autogenous cancellous bone, a tissue sourced from the horses themselves.

Results and Observations

• The cell survival rate of the grafts was found to be poor in one of the horses two weeks post the surgical procedure.
• The implants in two of the horses had partially integrated into the osseous or bone union, leading to partial arthrodesis of the joints ten months after the operation.
• The implants of these two horses were filled with vascularised woven bone, demonstrating successful transplantation.
• These two horses were reported to be in good health nine months following the surgery.
• However, one horse had fractured its third tarsal bone and still exhibited signs of discomfort in response to a hock flexion test twelve months after the operation.

Conclusion

• The findings indicate a potential for the successful use of perforated stainless steel cylinders filled with autogenous cancellous bone for arthrodesis procedures in horses.
• However, the varying results across tested subjects suggest a need for further research into the method’s efficacy and long-term effects on individual horses.