Surgical Treatment of an Osseous Cyst-Like Lesion in the Middle Phalanx Communicating With the Distal Interphalangeal Joint of a Horse.

This study discusses the successful surgical treatment of an uncommon bone cyst-like condition in the middle phalanx of a horse, which was not successfully managed with medical treatments.

Research Aim and Context

• This research report aimed to describe the diagnosis, treatment, and successful surgical intervention of an osseous cyst-like lesion in a horse, a condition not commonly found in equids.
• When such osseous lesions communicate with the distal interphalangeal joint, they can cause significant lameness in the animal and often resist improvement with only medical management.

Case Description

• The case being examined was of a four-year-old mixed breed gelding horse suffering from a chronic osseous cyst-like lesion located in its middle phalanx.
• The lesion was in communication with the distal interphalangeal joint, and medical management strategies had failed to improve the condition.
• This made surgery a necessary course of action, which was expected to help better manage the condition and improve the horse’s quality of life.

Surgical Process and Results

• The surgical process involved cyst debridement, a cleaning procedure to remove infected tissue, and the packing of the cleaned area with tricalcium phosphate, a bone graft substitute material, intended to stimulate new bone growth.
• Besides, the team introduced a bone marrow aspirate and platelet-rich plasma into the treated area to further aid in the healing and regenerative process.
• Post this surgical intervention, a successful outcome was reported, highlighting the effectiveness of such treatment for osseous cyst-like lesions in horses that do not respond to conventional medical management.