Use of a three-drill-tract technique for arthrodesis of the distal tarsal joints in horses with distal tarsal osteoarthritis: 54 cases (1990-1999).

This study reviews the long-term results of a technique to treat horses with a specific type of arthritis in their lower joints. The technique, which involves creating three drill tracts to fuse the affected joints, was successful in around 59% of the studied cases.

Background and Methodology

• The research was a retrospective study looking at 54 horses over the course of nearly a decade (1990-1999).
• The horses all suffered from distal tarsal osteoarthritis (OA), a type of arthritis that affects the lower (distal) joints in the hind legs.
• The study aimed to evaluate a treatment method known as arthrodesis, where the joint is surgically fused to alleviate pain and restore functionality. In this case, a three-drill-tract technique was used to perform the arthrodesis.
• The researchers examined medical records and relevant information about the horses such as their use, history, physical examination findings, surgical technique used, and postoperative care.
• Radiographs (X-rays) were used to determine the severity of each horse’s OA and telephone interviews with the horse owners were conducted at least 13 months post-surgery to collect follow-up information.

Findings

• Approximately 59% of the horses (32 out of 54) showed successful results, improving and becoming sound after surgery.
• About 11% (6 horses) improved, but were not completely sound following surgery, indicating that some lameness persisted after the procedure.
• The remaining 30% (16 horses) did not show improvement after surgery, suggesting the procedure wasn’t beneficial for their specific cases.
• Notably, the study found that prior use of intra-articular injections (injections administered in the joint space) was negatively associated with the outcome, indicating that such treatments could potentially complicate or undermine the effectiveness of the surgical procedure.
• There were few postoperative complications reported, suggesting the procedure is generally safe for horses with distal tarsal OA.

Conclusions

• Overall, the study suggests that the three-drill-tract technique for arthrodesis can successfully treat distal tarsal OA in horses, although the success rate depends on the severity of the OA and whether the horse has received intra-articular injections before.
• However, horses with severely advanced OA or conditions that cause lameness in the hind row have a poorer prognosis. The procedure is also of minimal benefit for horses with pre-existing ailments such as proximal intertarsal joint disease.