Direct arthroscopic approach to the distal pouch of the palmar/plantar recess of the metacarpophalangeal/metatarsophalangeal joint in horses.
Abstract: To describe a direct arthroscopic approach of the distal pouch of the palmar/plantar recess of the fetlock to facilitate fragment removal, highlighting its advantages over previously described arthroscopic methods for the fetlock. Additionally, to evaluate and present a retrospective case series. Methods: Ex vivo and retrospective clinical study. Methods: A total of 25 fetlocks in 23 horses. Methods: A direct approach to the distal pouch of the palmar/plantar recess of the fetlock was developed on five cadaveric limbs. Arthroscopic anatomy and landmarks were examined. The approach was clinically used for fragment removal for 25 joints in 23 horses. An orthopedic examination was performed on all horses prior to surgery. Joints were evaluated for signs of joint disease related to the presence of fragments. Results: Consistent arthroscopic evaluation of the distal pouch of the palmar/plantar recess of the fetlock was achieved. All fragments were free floating and successfully removed. Signs of inflammation were present in all joints, with varying degrees of cartilage damage observed in 18 out of the 25 operated fetlocks. Conclusions: This approach is safe and enables the removal of fragments when present. Horses will benefit from fragment removal within the distal pouch of the palmar/plantar recess of the fetlock. Conclusions: A new, direct arthroscopic approach to the distal pouch of the palmar/plantar recess of the fetlock is described. The approach facilitates fragment removal and provides new insights into joint health.
© 2025 American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
Publication Date: 2025-06-12 PubMed ID: 40501170DOI: 10.1111/vsu.14290Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research describes a direct arthroscopic procedure for fragment removal in the distal pouch of the palmar/plantar recess (part of a horse’s joint). It further presents a review of retrospective cases where this technique has been applied, revealing its effectiveness and safety in joint health for horses.
Study Method and Design
- The study was executed both ex vivo (outside the living body, on cadaveric limbs) and retrospectively (on past clinical cases) to develop and validate the direct arthroscopic approach to the distal pouch of the palmar/plantar recess of the metacarpophalangeal/metatarsophalangeal joint (also known as the fetlock) in horses.
- Twenty-five fetlocks from twenty-three horses were selected as the sample for this research. The horses underwent orthopedic examination before surgery.
- The aim was to perfect the technique of accessing this specific area of the joint and improve removal of any fragments present that may be causing joint disease.
Results
- The research was successful in consistently evaluating the distal pouch of the palmar/plantar recess of the fetlock using the arthroscopic method.
- In all instances, the fragments present were free floating and successfully removed from the joint.
- Further results showed that inflammation was present in all of the examined joints, indicating partial joint disease. A closer examination identified varying degrees of cartilage damage in eighteen of the twenty-five operated fetlocks.
Significance
- This approach proved to be safe and helpful in the removal of harmful fragments in the specific joint area. This procedure will therefore enhance the joint health of horses, particularly in scenarios marked by the presence of such fragments.
- In conclusion, the research presents a new, direct arthroscopic approach to the distal pouch of the palmar/plantar recess of the fetlock in horses, offering a new and more effective procedure for fragment removal within this joint, contributing to better equine joint health.
Cite This Article
APA
Foucaud M, Haegeman L, Kadic D, Vinardell T, Mariën T, Declercq J.
(2025).
Direct arthroscopic approach to the distal pouch of the palmar/plantar recess of the metacarpophalangeal/metatarsophalangeal joint in horses.
Vet Surg.
https://doi.org/10.1111/vsu.14290 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- EquiTom Equine Clinic, Lummen, Belgium.
- EquiTom Equine Clinic, Lummen, Belgium.
- EquiTom Equine Clinic, Lummen, Belgium.
- Equine Care Group, Lummen, Belgium.
- EquiTom Equine Clinic, Lummen, Belgium.
- Equine Care Group, Lummen, Belgium.
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