Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Arthroscopic removal of osteochondral fragments from the proximal interphalangeal joint of the pelvic limbs in three horses.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1994
- Authors:
- Schneider, R K et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Three horses, two Standardbreds and one Thoroughbred, had small pieces of bone and cartilage causing swelling and lameness in their toe joints. The vets used a special camera technique called arthroscopy to remove these fragments. After the surgery, two of the horses were able to return to racing without any joint issues, while the third horse was still in training to race. It's important for vets to take detailed X-rays to find these fragments in horses showing signs of joint problems. Overall, the treatment was successful for most of the horses.
Abstract
Osteochondral fragments detected in the proximal interphalangeal joint in the pelvic limbs of 3 horses (2 Standardbreds and 1 Thoroughbred) caused joint enlargement and lameness. Fragments were removed by use of arthroscopy. Accurate placement of the arthroscope into the dorsal joint space was necessary to obtain an adequate view of the fragments. After surgery, 2 of the horses resumed racing without joint problems, and the third was in training to race. High-detail radiographs are necessary to detect osteochondral fragments in horses with joint enlargement or lameness localized to the proximal interphalangeal joint.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7928555/