Analyze Diet
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2026; 16(8); 1168; doi: 10.3390/ani16081168

Standing NanoNeedle Arthroscopy of the Distal Interphalangeal Joint for Removal of Osteochondral Fragments of Distal P2 and the Extensor Process in a Horse.

Abstract: In horses, standing arthroscopy offers a valuable alternative to general anesthesia for the reduction of anesthetic-associated risks, and provides improved visualization in joints where access is facilitated by weightbearing. These techniques are particularly advantageous for patients with increased anesthetic risk or financial limitations. To the authors' knowledge, the removal of osteochondral fragments from the distal interphalangeal joint in a standing, sedated horse using small-diameter arthroscopic equipment has not been previously reported. Methods: A 7-year-old American Quarter Horse-Thoroughbred cross presented on referral for treatment of osteochondral fragmentation in the right fore distal interphalangeal joint. A standing arthroscopic approach to the distal interphalangeal joint was performed. In a weight-bearing position, debridement of the dorsal osteochondral fragments from the second and third phalanx was successfully completed, using a 2 mm NanoNeedle scope and 3.2 mm high-flow 10- degree cannula (Arthrex). At one year follow-up, the horse had returned to competition and was sound at veterinary examination. Conclusions: This case demonstrates the feasibility of standing NanoNeedle arthroscopy of the equine coffin joint with improved maneuverability, surgical ergonomics, and reduced iatrogenic injury compared to a standard rigid arthroscope. The successful execution of this technique effectively expands our collection of standing arthroscopic procedures in the equine patient.
Publication Date: 2026-04-10 PubMed ID: 42071937DOI: 10.3390/ani16081168Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
  • Case Reports
  • Journal Article

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.

Standing arthroscopy using very small scopes allows effective removal of bone and cartilage fragments from a horse’s hoof joint without needing general anesthesia. This minimally invasive approach led to a successful recovery in a horse with joint injury.

Introduction to Standing NanoNeedle Arthroscopy

  • Traditional arthroscopy in horses often requires general anesthesia, which carries inherent risks and higher costs.
  • Standing arthroscopy is an alternative procedure performed while the horse is awake and bearing weight, lowering anesthetic risk and improving access to certain joints.
  • The distal interphalangeal joint (coffin joint) is challenging to access, and small-diameter scopes allow better visualization and maneuverability during surgery.
  • This report presents the first known case of removing osteochondral fragments from this joint using a 2 mm NanoNeedle arthroscope in a standing sedated horse.

Case Presentation and Surgical Technique

  • A 7-year-old horse with osteochondral fragments in the distal interphalangeal joint was referred for treatment.
  • The surgery was conducted with the horse sedated and standing, avoiding general anesthesia.
  • A 2 mm NanoNeedle arthroscope and 3.2 mm cannula with a 10-degree viewing angle were used to access the joint.
  • The horse was weight-bearing during the procedure, allowing natural joint positioning and improved visual access.
  • Dorsal osteochondral fragments on the second and third phalanges were precisely debrided using this setup.

Advantages Observed

  • Use of the small NanoNeedle scope enhanced maneuverability inside the small joint space.
  • Ergonomics of surgery were improved compared to standard rigid arthroscopes.
  • Reduced iatrogenic injury risk due to smaller instruments and less invasive entry points.
  • The horse remained standing, lowering procedure risks and recovery time associated with anesthesia.

Outcome and Significance

  • At one year post-surgery, the horse returned to competition and was clinically sound on veterinary examination.
  • This demonstrates the clinical efficacy and safety of the standing NanoNeedle arthroscopic approach for distal interphalangeal joint procedures.
  • Expands the portfolio of minimally invasive standing arthroscopic surgeries available to equine practitioners.
  • Potentially offers a cost-effective, safer alternative for treating certain joint injuries in horses, especially those with higher anesthetic risk.

Conclusion

  • This case highlights how nano-scale arthroscopic equipment can revolutionize joint surgeries in standing horses.
  • Smaller scopes improve surgical access and patient safety while enabling effective treatment of osteochondral injuries.
  • Further adoption and study of these techniques may lead to widespread changes in equine orthopedic surgical practice.

Cite This Article

APA
Phillips NAI, Fortier LA, Cable CS, Colbath AC. (2026). Standing NanoNeedle Arthroscopy of the Distal Interphalangeal Joint for Removal of Osteochondral Fragments of Distal P2 and the Extensor Process in a Horse. Animals (Basel), 16(8), 1168. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16081168

Publication

ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 16
Issue: 8
PII: 1168

Researcher Affiliations

Phillips, Nicole A I
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Cornell University, 930 Campus Road, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
Fortier, Lisa A
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Cornell University, 930 Campus Road, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
Cable, Christina S
  • Early Winter Equine, 1420 Ridge Road, Lansing, NY 14882, USA.
Colbath, Aimee C
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Cornell University, 930 Campus Road, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.

Grant Funding

  • N/A / Arthrex (United States)

Citations

This article has been cited 0 times.