Arthroscopic removal of palmar/plantar osteochondral fragments from the proximal interphalangeal joint in four horses.

This research describes the process and results of using arthroscopy to remove bone fragments from the joint between the first and second phalanges (proximal interphalangeal joint, or PIP) in a sample of four horses. The findings suggest that this technique may be effective for treating lameness in horses, particularly when other methods of diagnosis and treatment have been ineffective.

Methodology

• The authors conducted a retrospective study on four adult horses presenting osteochondral fragments within their PIP joint. These fragments were detected through radiological scans.
• The horses were put under general anesthesia and were positioned in dorsal recumbency (lying on their back) for the procedure.
• The arthroscopic surgery involved the insertion of an arthroscope into the PIP joint to see the fragments and then surgically remove them.
• The researchers reviewed the medical records of each horse to gather information on the horse’s history, physical condition, lameness and radiological findings, surgical procedure, complications and post-surgery outcome.

Results

• Out of the four horses treated, two of them showed lameness specifically localized to the PIP joint. The other two horses showed lameness that could likely be associated with the pastern region, the area containing the PIP joint.
• All of the horses were found through radiological scans to have fragmentation within the PIP joint. The locations of the fragments varied among the horses.
• All the osteochondral fragments were successfully removed using the arthroscopic approach.
• Three horses were able to return to their previous levels of athletic performance post-surgery. However, one horse, initially used for reining, was subsequently employed for less strenuous trail riding following the surgery.

Conclusions

• The researchers concluded that arthroscopy of the PIP joint, particularly of the palmar/plantar pouch, enabled the limited assessment of the joint along with successful removal of the osteochondral fragments.
• Perhaps most notably, the researchers suggested that this method should be considered when lameness in horses is localized to this joint, offering a possible treatment to this specific form of lameness in horses.