Double plate fixation for the management of proximal interphalangeal joint instability in 30 horses (1987-2015).

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.