Proximal interphalangeal arthrodesis in the horse. A retrospective study and a modified screw technique.

The research article discusses a study on the use of arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joint as a treatment for lameness in horses caused by osteoarthrosis and closed subluxation.

Summary of the Research

• The paper presents a retrospective study on 35 horses that had undergone an arthrodesis procedure for lameness due to osteoarthrosis and closed subluxation problems.
• The researchers employed multiple internal fixation techniques, including a distinct three converging screw method.
• Success for the surgery was based on two metrics: the horse’s ability to perform its former or intended athletic activity and owner satisfaction with the surgery.

Findings of the Study

• Out of the 26 horses with sufficient follow-up information, the surgery was deemed successful in 65% of cases, based on the criteria established for the study.
• This success rate also applied to the four out of six horses that had arthrodeses on both legs.
• The type of internal fixation technique used did not appear to influence the success of the procedure. Similarly, the duration of postoperative casting did not differ significantly between successful and unsuccessful cases.
• The success rate of proximal interphalangeal arthrodeses was found to be higher in hind limbs (83%) than in fore limbs (46%).

Complications and Challenges

• Complications that arose following the arthrodesis procedures included infection, cast ulcers, bone or implant failure, implant loosening, and laminitis.

Conclusion

• Despite the complications, arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joint, using several internal fixation methods, proved to be a viable and relatively successful approach in treating specific cases of lameness in horses.