Standing Needle Arthroscopy of the Metacarpophalangeal and Metatarsophalangeal Joint for Removal of Dorsal Osteochondral Fragmentation in 21 Horses.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to report the technique, experience and outcome of standing arthroscopic removal of dorsal osteochondral fragmentation of the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joint using a 1.2-mm needle arthroscope. Methods: This was a prospective clinical study. Methods: All horses referred for standing arthroscopic removal of dorsoproximal first phalanx fragments or fragments embedded in the distal aspect of the synovial plica were included. Relevant information from the cases was recorded. Follow-up was obtained by a telephone questionnaire. Results: Twenty-one horses with a mean age of 4.5 years old were included. Osteochondral fragments removed were from the proximal margin of first phalanx in 18 horses (24 joints), in the synovial plica in 2 horses (2 joints) or free-floating fragment in 1 horse (1 joint). Fifteen out of twenty-one horses were unilaterally affected and 6/21 bilaterally. Fifteen out of twenty-seven affected joints were forelimbs and 12/27 hindlimbs. All articular structures within the dorsal recess of the joint were visible. The arthroscope was deemed easy to use and manoeuvre. Only minor complications occurred during the procedure. Surgery time was 15 to 20 minutes for most patients. Conclusions: All fragments were successfully removed and needle arthroscopy allowed a thorough evaluation of the dorsal aspect of the joint. The technique offers an alternative for standing fetlock arthroscopy for surgeons concerned about equipment damage or portability.
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.
Publication Date: 2019-05-24 PubMed ID: 31127597DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1688984Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Arthroscopy
- Case Reports
- Clinical Findings
- Clinical Pathology
- Clinical Study
- Diagnostic Technique
- Disease Treatment
- Equine Health
- Follow-Up Studies
- Horses
- Joint Health
- Metacarpophalangeal Joint
- Metatarsophalangeal Joint
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Observational Study
- Osteochondrosis
- Surgery
- Veterinary Care
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Procedure
Summary
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The study discusses the use of a 1.2-mm needle arthroscope for the standing removal of specific bone fragments in horses. It emphasises the efficiency of the procedure and its potential benefits over conventional surgical methods.
Objective and Research Methodology
- The researchers aimed to share their technique, experience, and outcomes of using a 1.2-mm needle arthroscope for a specific type of arthroscopic surgery in horses, specifically standing arthroscopic removal of dorsal osteochondral fragmentation of the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints.
- This was a prospective clinical study, where the researchers documented relevant information from each case as they happened. The follow-up was conducted through a telephonic questionnaire.
Results of the Study
- A total of 21 horses, with a mean age of 4.5 years, were included in the study. These horses had osteochondral fragments located at different parts of their joints that required removal for different reasons.
- Unilateral effects were seen in 15 horses, and bilateral effects were seen in 6 horses. Of the affected limbs, 15 were forelimbs and 12 were hindlimbs. It confirms the scope of the study beyond the bilateral distribution of the effects which were seen in both types of limbs.
- 20 minutes was the average time taken for the surgery and the arthroscope was found to be easy to use and maneuver. This shows the efficiency of the method.
- Only minor complications emerged during the procedure. This suggests the relative safety of the method in comparison to more invasive techniques.
Conclusions Drawn from the Study
- All fragments were effectively removed and the needle arthroscopy provided a comprehensive evaluation of the dorsal aspect of the joint, suggesting the success of the technique.
- The method provides an alternate method for standing fetlock arthroscopy and helps surgeons concerned about the potential damage to equipment, or capability of moving the equipment, as the needle arthroscope is small, portable and easy to manoeuvre.
Cite This Article
APA
Bonilla AG.
(2019).
Standing Needle Arthroscopy of the Metacarpophalangeal and Metatarsophalangeal Joint for Removal of Dorsal Osteochondral Fragmentation in 21 Horses.
Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol, 32(5), 420-426.
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0039-1688984 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Saint Hyacinthe, Q, Canada.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Arthroscopy / methods
- Arthroscopy / veterinary
- Bone and Bones / surgery
- Female
- Foot Joints / surgery
- Horses / injuries
- Horses / surgery
- Lameness, Animal / surgery
- Male
- Posture
- Prospective Studies
- Treatment Outcome
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare no financial or other conflicts related to Biovision or this study.
Citations
This article has been cited 5 times.- Carmalt JL, Pimentel KL. The Equine Temporomandibular Joint: Comparisons Between Standard and Needle Arthroscopic Examination of Cadaver Specimens and Standing Horses. Front Vet Sci 2022;9:876041.
- von Pfeil DJF, Megliola S, Horstman C, Tan D, Glassman M. Comparison of classic and needle arthroscopy to diagnose canine medial shoulder instability: 31 cases. Can Vet J 2021 May;62(5):461-468.
- Kerbert MP, Delling U, Verhaar N. Gross anatomy, computed tomographic contrast tenography, and needle endoscopy of the equine medial digital flexor tendon sheath. Vet Surg 2025 Aug;54(6):1133-1144.
- Breen LJ, Stack JD, Gillen AM, Baldwin CM. Needle tenoscopy of the digital flexor tendon sheath in a standing equine cadaver model using a novel approach and guided palmar/plantar annular ligament desmotomy. Vet Surg 2025 Apr;54(3):524-533.
- Terlinden A, Jacquet S, Manivong S, Cullier A, Cassé F, Legendre F, Garcia AA, Roullin G, Moldovan F, Sirois P, Banquy X, Galéra P, Audigié F, Demoor M, Bertoni L. Double-blinded, randomized tolerance study of a biologically enhanced Nanogel with endothelin-1 and bradykinin receptor antagonist peptides via intra-articular injection for osteoarthritis treatment in horses. BMC Vet Res 2024 Dec 4;20(1):547.
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