Comparison of two surgical procedures for arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joint in horses.

This research paper compares two different surgical techniques used for arthrodesis (joint fusion) in horses’ proximal interphalangeal joints. Through testing and evaluation, the study finds that although both methods are suitable, arthrodesis using parallel screws forms a stronger joint and is easier to execute than the crisscross method.

Introduction and Methodology

• The research aims to compare two surgical procedures used for arthrodesis or fusion of the proximal interphalangeal joint, which is a type of joint in horses.
• The two techniques include the traditional cross (or crisscross) method – employing two screws across the joint, and newly proposed parallel method – using three screws parallel to the bone’s long axis.
• This comparative study was conducted using radiography, gross and histologic examinations, motion evaluation, and strength testing.
• The fused joints resulting from each technique were also subjected to breaking forces.

Results

• Motion evaluation and fused area investigation indicated that both procedures could consistently achieve arthrodesis.
• Using the breaking test to measure the joint strength, the research found that fused joints were as robust, if not more so, than the areas penetrated by the cortical screws used in internal fixation.
• However, the parallel technique resulted in a stronger fused joint than the crisscross method.

Advantages of the Parallel Procedure

• Besides offering a stronger fused area, the parallel procedure was found to be simpler to execute.
• This technique provided better alignment of the 1st and 2nd phalanges – two types of bones in the horses’ limbs.
• The study also found it to be less prone to errors in screw placement, indicating that the surgical procedure could be more precise.

Conclusion

• Finally, the study concluded that either method could be effectively applied for treating osteoarthritis and related issues in the proximal interphalangeal joint in horses.
• However, during the initial 120 postoperative days, the parallel procedure created a superior union between the 1st and 2nd phalanges.
• This indicates that the parallel method may offer a stronger, more reliable joint in less time post-surgery, potentially leading to better overall outcomes.