Use of an external skeletal fixation device and bone graft for arthrodesis of the metacarpophalangeal joint in horses.

The research explores the use of a new external skeletal fixation (ESF) device and autogenous bone grafts for arthrodesis of the metacarpophalangeal joint in adult horses, with varied outcomes observed across different cases.

Objective and Methodology

• The objective of the research was to evaluate the merits of a newly developed external skeletal fixation device and autogenous bone grafts for implementing arthrodesis in the metacarpophalangeal joint of horses.
• This experiment involved nine adult horses which were subjected to the surgical procedure. These procedures were assessed according to the results they yielded, including the terms ‘excellent’, ‘fair’, and ‘failed’ to describe the outcomes.

Results

• Out of the nine adult horses, four showed excellent results, in which they responded positively to the procedure.
• Two of the horses had fair results, indicating that while the procedure had worked on some level, the results were not as successful as in the previous four horses.
• In two of the horses, the procedure failed. This tells us that the use of ESF and bone graft for arthrodesis was unsuccessful and probably did not cause/facilitate any joint fusion.
• One horse experienced a fracture in the third metacarpal bone. This outlines the risks that were associated with the procedure and suggests that a more careful and patient-specific approach might be necessary.

Advantages and Complications

• The technique offered several advantages such as reduced surgical trauma to the injury site, instant rigid fixation of the metacarpophalangeal joint, and facilitated treatment of soft-tissue lesions.
• Despite these benefits, there were complications such as pin loosening and pin-track infection while the device was being used. In every case though, all pin tracks successfully healed without any complications after the device’s removal.

Conclusion

• The results of this research suggest that while the new device and technique could potentially be a powerful tool in metacarpophalangeal joint arthrodesis for horses, continued testing is necessary to ensure its effectiveness and safety in a wider range of patients.