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Veterinary surgery : VS2022; 52(1); 26-32; doi: 10.1111/vsu.13888

Single-incision drilling technique to achieve hemiepiphysiodesis of the distal metacarpus – complications and outcome in 207 foals with metacarpophalangeal varus deformities.

Abstract: To report the outcome of foals treated for metacarpophalangeal varus deformity with a single-incision drilling technique for hemiepiphysiodesis of the distal lateral metacarpal physis. Methods: Retrospective case-control cohort study. Methods: Thoroughbred foals (n = 207), 171 age- and sex-matched maternal siblings. Methods: Medical records (2017-2020) were reviewed for signalment, limb(s) treated, location of the surgery, and any reported complications. Follow-up radiographs obtained for the yearling sale were assessed for abnormalities. Horses were matched to maternal siblings using an online database. Sales and racing performance data were compared between cohorts. Results: The average age at the time of surgery was 97 days. The treated limb was the left front in 52, right front in 31, both fronts in 119, unknown in 5. Three horses developed calcinosis circumscripta lesions adjacent to the physis, which were removed successfully. No radiographic abnormalities associated with the surgery site were detected on yearling prepurchase radiographs. There were no differences in sales and racing performance data between treated horses and maternal controls. Conclusions: Hemiepiphysiodesis is a safe and effective treatment for metacarpophalangeal varus deformities in foals. No negative effect on sales or racing performance was identified. Conclusions: This technique avoids risks, costs, and the need for second surgery associated with an orthopedic implant. The surgeon should be aware of the potential for development of a calcinosis circumscripta lesion with this technique.
© 2022 American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
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Publication Date: 2022-09-25 PubMed ID: 36161662DOI: 10.1111/vsu.13888Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article explores the outcome of a single-incision drilling technique used to correct a specific deformity called metacarpophalangeal varus in foals. The study finds the procedure to be safe and effective, with no negative impact on future sale or racing performance of treated horses.

Study Methodology

  • The research is a retrospective case-control study conducted on thoroughbred foals, including 207 test subjects and 171 age- and sex-matched maternal siblings serving as a control group.
  • The researchers examined categorically sorted medical records of the foals from 2017 to 2020. These records contained details about the treated limb(s), location of the surgery, and any reported complications post-surgery.
  • Follow-up radiographs taken for the yearling sale were assessed for any abnormalities caused by the surgical procedure.
  • Horses were paired with maternal siblings using an online database, and the sales and racing performance data for both groups was compared.

Key Findings

  • Average age of foals at the time of surgery was 97 days. Amongst the treated limb(s), the left and right fronts were affected in different proportions, with 119 foals having both fronts treated.
  • Three horses developed calcinosis circumscripta, a specific type of lesion, adjacent to the physis, or growth plate. These were successfully removed, underlining the potential for development of such lesions with this surgical technique.
  • There were no radiographic abnormalities detected on prepurchase radiographs taken for the yearling sale, implying no visible ill-effects of the surgical procedure on the treated limbs.
  • Comparison of sales and racing performance data showed no significant differences between the treated horses and the control group. This indicates that the surgical procedure does not negatively impact a horse’s future performance or sales value.

Conclusions

  • Single-incision drilling technique for hemiepiphysiodesis is a safe and effective treatment for metacarpophalangeal varus deformities in foals.
  • The technique avoids costs, risks, and the need for a second surgery associated with an orthopedic implant.
  • Despite its benefits, surgeons should be aware of the potential for development of a calcinosis circumscripta lesion with this technique.

Cite This Article

APA
Boorman S, Rodgerson DH. (2022). Single-incision drilling technique to achieve hemiepiphysiodesis of the distal metacarpus – complications and outcome in 207 foals with metacarpophalangeal varus deformities. Vet Surg, 52(1), 26-32. https://doi.org/10.1111/vsu.13888

Publication

Veterinary surgery : VS
ISSN: 1532-950X
NlmUniqueID: 8113214
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 52
Issue: 1
Pages: 26-32

Researcher Affiliations

Boorman, Sophie
  • Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center, Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Leesburg, Virginia, USA.
Rodgerson, Dwayne H
  • Davidson Surgery Center, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Lexington, Kentucky, USA.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Horses
  • Metacarpal Bones / surgery
  • Metacarpus
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Horse Diseases / surgery

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