Treatment of traumatic disruption of the suspensory apparatus in Thoroughbred racehorses at risk of proximal interphalangeal joint subluxation using a locking compression-distal femur plate for double arthrodesis.

The study examines the use of a particular surgical method to treat racehorse injuries that could cause joint dislocation. It found that the procedure was successful in preventing dislocation and in maintaining soundness, although it had a high rate of other complications.

Research Methodology

• The study is a retrospective analysis of medical records from multiple hospitals. It included 26 Thoroughbred racehorses that suffered traumatic disruption of the suspensory apparatus (TDSA), an injury that could make them prone to subluxation or partial dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ).
• The procedure involved two-part joint fusion or arthrodesis using a device known as a locking compression-distal femur plate (LCP-DFP). Factors considered preoperatively include the horse’s age, sex, the affected limb, and the specific injury suffered.
• The researchers also recorded all postoperative complications and long-term outcomes by reviewing the medical records and conducting telephone interviews.

Research Findings

• The study’s findings indicated that none of the treated horses developed PIPJ subluxation. However, common postoperative complications included laminitis (a debilitating condition that affects the feet of horses), drainage from surgical incisions, infection of the surgical implant, osteomyelitis (inflammation of bone caused by infection), and subluxation of the distal interphalangeal joint.
• Short-term complications occurred in 76.9% of the horses. Long-term survival without need for pain or anti-inflammatory medications (>6 months) was documented in 50% of the horses. They were reported as being “pasture sound”, a term indicating that a horse is comfortable moving around a field but not necessarily fit to return to its previous workload.

Research Conclusions

• The use of the LCP-DFP tool for double arthrodesis in treating TDSA in racehorses results in a stable construct. The procedure effectively prevents PIPJ subluxation, but high rates of other complications and the associated mortality are still prevalent factors.
• The study concludes that the LCP-DFP method adds value in the surgical treatment of racehorses by preventing PIPJ subluxation, but the overall prognosis of horses suffering from TDSA is affected by many other complications associated with the condition.