Clinical insights: Recent developments in equine articular disease (2016-2018).

The research article focuses on the recent developments in the study and treatment of equine joint diseases, highlighting various case studies, research outcomes, and diagnostic techniques. It is aimed at aiding veterinarians to stay updated with the latest research studies in equine articular disease.

Understanding the Concept

• The Equine Veterinary Journal is a useful resource that promotes quality research related to equine health, including orthopaedic concerns such as joint diseases.
• Increasingly frequent publications make it difficult for busy practitioners to stay current, and hence, the Editorial of this journal aims to summarize key clinically relevant findings.

Case Studies and Research Outcomes

• A series of case studies presented include articular fractures treated via arthroscopic surgery, dorsoproximal fragments of the proximal phalanx, and central tarsal bone fractures treated using internal fixation techniques.
• Articular fractures are optimally treated through internal fixation, promoting primary bone healing and reducing the risk of secondary joint disease. This was confirmed through a study, highlighting sagittal fractures and their treatment through internal fixation.
• Several surgical approaches have been explored for treating fractures, including surgical arthrodesis performed on the proximal interphalangeal joint. The success of returning to competition was evaluated with better outcomes noted for horses with hindlimb arthrodesis compared to forelimb arthrodesis.

Diagnostic Techniques

• Identifying joint diseases in their early stages is crucial in determining the optimal treatments, hence, various studies have focused on methods of diagnosis.
• Use of diagnostic local anaesthesia is especially crucial in diagnosing distal tarsal joint diseases. A study evaluating the accuracy of surgeons and residents in injecting joints showed varying rates of accuracy for different joints.
• While novel imaging methods are being increasingly used, traditional radiography remains a steady and reliable diagnostic tool. Studies were conducted to improve the accuracy of this technique by defining the radiological anatomical positioning of all soft tissue entheses of the equine stifle.
• Checks for osteochondrosis in foals was undertaken using ultrasonography, which proved to be an effective, cheap and reliable technique providing thorough assessment