Double plate fixation for the management of proximal interphalangeal joint instability in 30 horses (1987-2015).
Abstract: Double plate fixation has been reported in a small number of horses with comminuted fractures of the middle phalanx. There are no published reports using this technique in the management of other injuries that destabilise the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIJ), including biaxial palmar/plantar eminence fractures and disruption of the palmar/plantar soft tissue support structures of the PIJ. Furthermore, there is a paucity of information on the long-term prognosis for horses undergoing double plate fixation to manage destabilising injuries of the PIJ. Objective: To document further the clinical use of double plate fixation for management of injuries to the PIJ resulting in palmar/plantar instability and compare these results with other methods of management. Methods: Retrospective case series. Methods: The case records and radiographs of 30 horses with destabilising injuries to the PIJ treated by double plate fixation at Texas A&M University between 1987 and 2013 were analysed. Long-term follow-up information was obtained by telephone interview with the client or referring veterinarian. Results: Thirty-one disruptive PIJ injuries were double plated in 30 cases. Twenty-nine of 30 horses were discharged from the hospital. The medial time for post operative external coaptation was 41 days. Long-term follow-up (>2 years) was available for 25 horses, of which 15 (60%) returned to useful function. Radiographic evidence of fracture healing and arthrodesis of the PIJ was evident in 28 (90%) repairs at 6 months following repair. Conclusions: The use of 2 abaxially placed dorsal plates for management of destabilising injuries to the PIJ results in a very good prognosis for survival and a reasonable prognosis for return to functional use.
© 2016 EVJ Ltd.
Publication Date: 2016-04-29 PubMed ID: 27037918DOI: 10.1111/evj.12578Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The study explores the application of double plate fixation in treating injuries that destabilise the Proximal Interphalangeal joint (PIJ) in horses. The research accounts for thirty such injuries in horses and concludes that the method offers promising results for survival rates and a reasonable prognosis for returning to functional use.
Research Context and Aim
- The research was motivated by the limited previous application of double plate fixation in horses. Furthermore, there was a lack of literature concerning its application to manage other destabilising injuries of the PIJ.
- The researchers sought to document and assess the clinical use of double plate fixation to manage injuries that resulted in palmar/plantar instability in the PIJ.
- The researchers aimed to draw comparisons with other methods of treating such injuries.
Research Methodology
- This study was conducted retrospectively, examining the case records and radiographs of 30 horses treated for destabilising PIJ injuries using double plate fixation.
- The treatments took place at the Texas A&M University between 1987 and 2013.
- Long-term follow-ups were conducted via telephone interviews with either the client or the referring veterinarian to ascertain the post-treatment condition of the horses.
Results
- Out of the thirty horses treated using double plate fixation for PIJ injuries, 29 were able to be discharged from the hospital.
- The median recovery time after the surgical procedure was approximately 41 days.
- Long-term follow-ups, extending beyond two years, indicated that 15 out of the 25 horses (60%) were able to return to their normal function.
- Radiographic data obtained six months after the surgery showed evidence of fracture healing and PIJ arthrodesis in 90% of the treated cases.
Conclusion
- The study concludes that using two abaxially placed dorsal plates, or double plate fixation, is an effective treatment for managing destabilising injuries to the PIJ in horses.
- While the prognosis for survival using this method is very good, the prognosis for return to functional use is reasonable.
Cite This Article
APA
McCormick JD, Watkins JP.
(2016).
Double plate fixation for the management of proximal interphalangeal joint instability in 30 horses (1987-2015).
Equine Vet J, 49(2), 211-215.
https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.12578 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA.
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Bone Plates / veterinary
- Female
- Forelimb / pathology
- Forelimb / surgery
- Hindlimb / pathology
- Hindlimb / surgery
- Horse Diseases / surgery
- Horses
- Joint Instability / surgery
- Joint Instability / veterinary
- Male
- Retrospective Studies
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Daniels A, Pezzanite LM, Griffenhagen GM, Hendrickson DA. Evaluation of factors associated with surgical site infection in equine proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis: 54 cases (2010-2019).. Vet Med Sci 2022 Jul;8(4):1478-1488.
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