Arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joint affected with septic arthritis in 8 horses.

This study looks into treating septic arthritis in the proximal interphalangeal joint of 8 horses through arthrodesis. The results suggest that arthrodesis could be used as an alternative to euthanasia for some horses with this condition.

Research Objectives and Methodology

• The researchers’ objective was to investigate the outcomes and possible influencing factors of using arthrodesis for treating septic arthritis in the proximal interphalangeal joint of horses.
• The study was conducted by reviewing the medical records of 8 female horses that underwent arthrodesis for this condition.
• Among these horses, 7 had one joint treated, and one had both pelvic limb joints treated.

Surgery and Findings

• The duration of sepsis prior to surgery ranged from 1 to 66 days.
• Before surgery, radiographic imaging revealed bone lysis (breakdown) and production in 7 of the horses.
• Multiple types of bacteria were cultured from the bone or synovial tissues of 6 horses, while only single bacteria isolates were identified in 2 horses.
• After aggressive curettage (surgical scraping of the bone to remove disease), arthrodesis was then performed using different methods for different horses – three parallel screws, two divergent narrow dynamic compression plates, or a single broad dynamic compression plate.
• All treated horses were then put in casts for a period ranging from 1 to 6 weeks post-surgery.

Outcomes and Conclusion

• Out of the 8 horses, 4 managed to make a successful recovery and became broodmares (female horses used for breeding).
• However, the other 4 horses had to be euthanized during hospitalization due to continued discomfort or sepsis complications.
• The researchers concluded that arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joint affected with septic arthritis can be a viable alternative to euthanasia, though it is not always successful.