Arthroscopic removal of patellar fracture fragments in horses: five cases (1989-1998).

The research paper explores the application of arthroscopy in the removal of large patellar fracture fragments in performance horses. The study, which lasted from 1989 to 1998, concluded that arthroscopy was a minimally invasive and effective method to treat such injuries, with all five subjects recuperating successfully and returning to their previous level of competitive performance.

Study Methodology

• The study was a retrospective analysis focused on five diverse performance horses that had patellar fractures.
• The research team diagnosed the fractures through the observation of clinical signs of lameness, external evidence of injury, and radiographic imagery to determine the orientation of the fracture.
• The arthroscopy of the stifle joint on the affected limbs was carried out under general anesthesia while the horses were in a dorsal recumbency position.
• Information regarding the horses’ progress post-surgery was gathered through medical records and phone interviews with their owners.

Results of the Study

• Majority of the horses, four out of the five subjects, experienced fractures of the medial aspect of the patella. Meanwhile, one horse suffered a fracture on the lateral aspect of the patella.
• No complications were reported post-surgery in relation to the joint or the arthroscopy portal incisions.
• The recovery period for the horses lasted between 3 to 5 months.
• All treated horses completely recovered from the surgery and were able to perform at their pre-arthroscopy competitional level, with some surpassing their past performance levels.

Conclusions

• The study concluded that femoropatellar joint arthroscopy is a reliable and preferable method for evaluating the stifle joint and removal of large fracture fragments.
• The method proved to be minimally invasive and was associated with negligible post-operative complications.