Use of a locking compression plate for equine proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis: 29 cases (2008-2014).

The study analyzes the results of using a locking compression plate (LCP) for the fusion of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ), a joint in a horse’s leg, on 29 horses between 2008 and 2014. The research compares the procedure’s outcomes when used as a treatment for mid-bone fractures versus other causes.

Study Design and Methods

• The research used a retrospective case series design where past data was analyzed.
• Medical records from two veterinary teaching hospitals were reviewed to find horses that had undergone PIPJ arthrodesis, to fuse a joint in a single limb.
• Various information including the specific case details, surgery-related factors, and outcomes were recorded.
• Owners were contacted 1 to 6 years after the surgery to learn about the horse’s recovery period, current use, and the owner’s overall satisfaction with the procedure.
• The study determined a successful outcome based on owners’ satisfaction and the horse’s condition for its intended use.
• The researchers then compared the recorded variables between horses who underwent the surgery due to P2 fracture and horses who had the procedure for other reasons.

Results

• Of the 29 horses, 14 had surgery due to P2 fractures, and 15 underwent the procedure because of osteoarthritis, subluxation, or osteochondrosis.
• The average recovery period after the surgery, during which no riding or unrestricted exercise was allowed, was 7 months.
• Four horses were put down; however, of the 23 remaining horses, 22 showed no lameness, and 18 returned to their former use with varied reported levels of work.
• Horses that had the procedure for reasons other than fractures were significantly more likely to return to their previous work level.
• Twenty-two out of the 24 owners who could be contacted expressed satisfaction with the procedure.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

• The surgical procedure of PIPJ arthrodesis proved successful for most of the horses in the studied population.
• However, the researchers emphasized understanding the various aspects and subtleties of the system used for fracture repair before utilizing it in practice.