The management of open joint injuries.
Abstract: The prognosis for returning horses with open joint injuries to athletic function is most closely related to the duration of the injury prior to treatment. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate therapy should yield a favorable result. Delayed diagnosis or inappropriate therapy that allow the wound to progress to an infected state makes the likelihood of return to athletic function poor. Refractory joint infection can occur despite early diagnosis and prompt appropriate therapy. The development of these infections is undoubtedly increased by tissue loss and gross contamination. Appropriate antibiotics given long term probably play the most significant role in resolving joint sepsis. When the refractory nature of the infection is accompanied by cartilage loss and bone proliferation, aggressive treatment by open drainage, synovectomy, and arthrodesis of the joint should be considered.
Publication Date: 1989-12-01 PubMed ID: 2691031DOI: 10.1016/s0749-0739(17)30575-8Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research article discusses the management of open joint injuries in horses, explaining that prompt diagnosis and treatment are key factors in determining the likelihood of a horse successfully returning to athletic function. Delayed treatment or incorrect therapy can contribute towards wounds becoming infected, making full recovery unlikely.
Overview of the Study
The research paper demonstrates an in-depth study on the proper management of open joint injuries in horses. It emphasizes the direct relationship between the time of injury and the start of treatment, and their effect on a horse’s prognosis for returning to athletic use.
Impact of Delayed Diagnosis and Inappropriate Therapy
- The research highlights that delayed diagnosis or inappropriate therapy can increase the risk of the wound progressing into an infectious state.
- When the joint wound becomes infected, it considerably decreases the chances of the horse to return to athletic function.
- Refractory joint infections (infections that are stubborn or unmanageable) can transpire even when the diagnosis is swift and therapy is administered promptly.
Role of Antibiotics in Treatments
- The administration of suitable antibiotics over a long duration can play a significant part in resolving joint sepsis (a severe infection that can spread quickly throughout the body).
- This suggests that antibiotic treatment is essential in the management of open joint injuries.
Aggressive Treatment When Accompanied by Cartilage Loss and Bone Proliferation
- If the refractory nature of the infection is accompanied by cartilage loss and bone proliferation (the abnormal increase in the volume of a tissue or organ due to the formation and growth of new normal cells), the paper suggests considering aggressive treatment methods.
- The suggested methods include open drainage, synovectomy (a surgical procedure to remove a diseased joint lining), and arthrodesis of the joint (a surgical procedure to fuse the bones of the joint together).
- This suggests that advanced or severe infections demand more intense treatment strategies.
Cite This Article
APA
Spurlock GH.
(1989).
The management of open joint injuries.
Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract, 5(3), 563-573.
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0749-0739(17)30575-8 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Leesburg.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Horses / injuries
- Joints / injuries
- Wounds, Penetrating / diagnosis
- Wounds, Penetrating / therapy
- Wounds, Penetrating / veterinary
References
This article includes 36 references
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