Removal of large fragments of the extensor process of the distal phalanx via arthrotomy in horses: 14 cases (1992-1998).
Abstract: To evaluate the outcome of horses with large fragments of the extensor process of the distal phalanx that were removed by use of arthrotomy. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 14 horses with large fragments of the extensor process of the distal phalanx. Methods: Medical records for horses with large fragments of the extensor process that were removed by use of arthrotomy were reviewed. Data retrieved from medical records included signalment, use of horse, affected limb, lameness history, lameness examination findings, radiographic findings, surgical technique, and outcome. Follow-up evaluation was obtained by telephone interview. Results: Most affected horses were < 5 years old and had a history of chronic lameness. Lameness grade ranged from 1/5 to 4/5. Fragments involved 20 to 45% of the dorsopalmar articular surface of the distal phalanx. Eight of 14 horses had a successful outcome. Outcome was not associated with age, duration or severity of lameness, or fragment size. Conclusions: Despite involvement of a large portion of the articular surface and use of arthrotomy, joint instability and permanent soft tissue injury was not a problem in most horses. Outcome may be improved by selection of horses with lameness of < 2 years' duration and careful management after surgery. A fair prognosis may be anticipated for removal of large fragments of the extensor process via arthrotomy.
Publication Date: 2000-11-04 PubMed ID: 11061389DOI: 10.2460/javma.2000.217.1351Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research article presents a study that investigates surgical removal of large fragments from the extensor process of the distal phalanx in horses, with the aim to evaluate its outcomes. The impact of various factors such as age, lameness duration and severity, as well as the fragment size on the outcome, are also discussed.
Methods
- The study is a retrospective analysis, which means it looks at data from the past.
- The pool contains 14 horses, each having large fragments in the extensor process of the distal phalanx, also identified as distal phalanx fragments.
- Researchers reviewed medical records for these horses which underwent fragment removal surgery, specifically through a procedure called arthrotomy.
- The data collected from these records included the age and use of affected horses, the limp affected, records of lameness, examination results, radiographic results, surgical procedure used and related outcomes.
- Information about post-surgery condition was gained through telephonic interviews.
Results
- The study found that most affected horses were less than 5 years old and had experienced chronic lameness. The lameness grade hovered between 1/5 to 4/5.
- The fragments were found to be occupying between 20% to 45% of the dorsopalmar area of distal phalanx joint.
- Out of the 14 horses, surgical intervention was found to be successful in 8. The factors of age or duration and intensity of lameness, or size of fragment did not seem to correlate with the outcome of the procedure.
Conclusions
- Even in cases where a large part of the articular surface of the joint was involved, and arthrotomy was performed, there was no sign of joint instability and permanent soft tissue damage in the majority of the horses.
- The research concludes that outcomes may be better if the individuals chosen for the operation are those which have experienced lameness for below 2 years, coupled with careful post-operative care.
- Thus, an optimistic prognosis can be anticipated for the removal of large extensor process fragments via arthrotomy.
Cite This Article
APA
Dechant JE, Trotter GW, Stashak TS, Hendrickson DA.
(2000).
Removal of large fragments of the extensor process of the distal phalanx via arthrotomy in horses: 14 cases (1992-1998).
J Am Vet Med Assoc, 217(9), 1351-1355.
https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.2000.217.1351 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins 80523, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Female
- Forelimb / diagnostic imaging
- Forelimb / surgery
- Fractures, Bone / surgery
- Fractures, Bone / veterinary
- Hindlimb / diagnostic imaging
- Hindlimb / surgery
- Horse Diseases / surgery
- Horses
- Lameness, Animal / surgery
- Male
- Radiography
- Retrospective Studies
- Statistics, Nonparametric
Citations
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