Pancarpal and partial carpal arthrodesis with 3 locking compression plates in 6 horses.

This research paper describes the outcome of six horses with severe carpal issues, such as acute fractures or chronic osteoarthritis, after surgical pancarpal or partial carpal arthrodesis using three locking compression plates (LCP). The findings highlight that all treated horses attained pasture soundness within four to five months after surgery, pointing to the use of three short LCP as a potential strategy for such types of joint arthrodesis.

Methodology

• The study involved six horses aged between eight months to 16 years, with each horse weighing somewhere between 227-580 kg.
• These horses were chosen due to various severe carpal complications they had, such as acute fractures, chronic osteoarthritis, and chronic angular limb deformity.
• For the treatment, pancarpal (entire carpal joints) or partial carpal arthrodesis (certain carpal joints) were executed using three locking compression plates (LCP).
• Autologous cancellous bone grafts were used in majority of cases (5 out of 6) to aid the joint arthrodesis.

Results

• All the horses were maintained in external coaptation for a period of 4 to 6 weeks after the surgery was conducted.
• Radiographic follow-up was done for every case, revealing that all the horses achieved joint arthrodesis.
• All the patients also arrived at pasture soundness (ability to move easily while grazing) within a time span of 4 to 5 months post surgery.
• Out of all the cases, only one required implant removal six months into the procedure due to skin exposure to the implant. However, the horse returned to its full functionality after implant removal.

Conclusions

• The study concluded that carpal instability resulting from acute fractures or chronic diseases could be stabilized effectively with the help of three short LCPs.
• All the treated horses reached pasture soundness which indicates the successful surgical intervention using LCPs.
• The findings suggest that the use of three short LCPs might be considered as a viable approach to aid pancarpal or partial carpal arthrodesis. This method offers increased stability without having to place implants in the diaphysis (the shaft or central part) of the radius and third metacarpus (bones in the horses’ lower legs and feet).