Treatment of subchondral lucencies in the medial proximal radius with a bone screw in 8 horses.

This research aims to investigate the impact of screw placement through subchondral lucencies (SCL) of the proximal radius in treating lameness in horses. The study found that 7 out of 8 horses saw a reduction or resolution in lameness post-surgery, suggesting this method can be effective especially when a swift return to activity is needed or conservative treatments have failed.

Methods

• The researchers conducted a retrospective clinical study on 8 horses with cubital subchondral lucencies that were causing lameness. The chosen horses ranged in age from 1 to 20 years old.
• Lameness cases that had been intermittently severe were exclusively found in half of the horse population studied.
• To corroborate that the lameness was indeed isolated to the cubital joint, intra-articular anesthesia was applied to 5 horses and all 8 were diagnosed radiographically.
• All horses underwent surgery where a 4.5 mm cortical bone screw was inserted from the medial to the lateral (6 lag, 2 neutral) across the SCL. This surgical process was guided by fluoroscopic or radiographic control.

Postoperative Care and Monitoring

• After the surgery, postoperative care was given to the horses, which included confinement in a stall with hand walking for 30-60 days. Then, additional 30-60 days of pasture turnout followed.
• In order to assess the success of the surgery, follow-up checks were performed 3-4 months after the operation through radiographic examinations. These checks aimed to monitor the healing of the SCL, specifically looking for a reduction in its size.

Results

• The post-operative analysis revealed healing in all horses post-surgery. This healing process was defined by a notable shrinkage in the size of the SCL.
• In a span of 6 months post-surgery, 7 of the 8 horses (or 87.5%) were able to return to their intended tasks (4 for performance, 3 for pasture turn-out).
• Despite initial improvement, the remaining horse experienced a recurrence of lameness symptoms.

Conclusions

• The study concluded that inserting a screw through the SCL of the proximal-medial radius to treat lameness presents a valid and effective solution to this condition in horses.
• The method proved successful for 88% of cases, making it a recommended approach particularly where a quick recuperation and return to activity is required or when more conservative treatment methods have proven ineffective.