Transfixation cast technique for arthrodesis of the distal interphalangeal joint of horses

J. L. Easter; J. Schumacher; J. P. Watkins

doi:10.3415/VCOT-09-05-0061

Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Table of Contents

Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2011; 24(01): 62-67
DOI: 10.3415/VCOT-09-05-0061

Case Report

Schattauer GmbH

Transfixation cast technique for arthrodesis of the distal interphalangeal joint of horses

Authors

J. L. Easter

¹Performance Equine Associates, Whitesboro, Texas, USA
J. Schumacher

²Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
J. P. Watkins

³Department of Large Animal Medicine & Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA

Abstract

Summary

Surgical arthrodesis of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint by transfixation casting was used to salvage a three-year-old filly and a yearling filly that were chronically lame because of infection of the DIP joint for breeding. Unlike previously described techniques for arthrodesis of the DIP joint, the technique used did not require insertion of implants across the joint, which may have contributed to the successful outcome.

Keywords

Distal interphalangeal joint - arthrodesis - osteoarthritis - infection - horse

Full Text

References

References
1 Schneider RK, Bramlage LR, Hardy J. Arthrodesis of the distal interphalangeal joint in two horses using three parallel 5.5–mm cortical screws. Vet Surg 1993; 22: 122-128.
2 Honnas C, Vacek J, Schumacher J. Arthrodesis of the distal interphalangeal joint in a horse using stainless steel baskets and transarticular 4.5–mm cortical screws. Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 1995; 8: 46-51.
3 Busschers E, Richardson DW. Arthroscopically assisted arthrodesis of the distal interphalangeal joint with transarticular screws inserted through a dorsal hoof wall approach in a horse. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2006; 228: 909-913.
4 Carnine B, Schneider EJ. Arthrodesis of the coffin joint using two 6.5–mm screws. [Thesis]. Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University 1978
5 McClure SR, Watkins JP, Ashman RB. An in vitro comparison of the effect of parallel and divergent transfixation pins on the breaking strength of the equine third metacarpal bone. Am J Vet Res 1994; 55: 1327-1330.
6 McClure SR, Watkins JP, Bronson DG. et al. In vitro comparison of the standard short limb cast and three configurations of short limb transfixation casts in equine forelimbs. Am J Vet Res 1994; 55: 1331-1334.
7 McClure SR, Honnas CM, Watkins JP. Managing equine fractures with external skeletal fixation. Compend Contin Educ Pract Vet 1995; 17: 1054-1063.
8 Anon. Guide for veterinary service and judging of equestrian events, 4^th ed Lexingtion: American Association of Equine Practitioners; 1991: 19
9 Easter JL, Watkins JP. An in vitro biomechanical investigation of two techniques for proximal interphalangeal arthrodesis in the horse. Proceedings of the 25^th Annual Conference of the Veterinary Orthopedic Society 1997. Feb 25-28 Snowmass, CO; USA: 29
10 Eastman TG, Watkins JP, Easter JL. In vitro cyclic fatigue properties of parallel screw and dorsal plate arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis in the horse. Proceedings of the 46^th Annual Convention of American Association of Equine Practitioners 2000. Nov 26-29 San Antonio, Texas; USA: 102-103.
11 Bertone AL. Infectious arthritis. In: Joint Disease in the Horse. McIlwraith CW, Trotter GW. editors. Philadelphia: WB Saunders; 1996: 397-409.
12 Nunamaker DM. Orthopedic implant failure. In: Equine Fracture Repair. Nixon AJ, editor. Philadelphia: WB Saunders; 1996: 351-352.
13 Easter JL, McClure SR, Honnas CM. et al. Transfixation cast repair of an open cannon bone fracture in a foal. Equine Pract 1994; 16: 16-23.
14 Baxter GM, Wallace CE. Modified transfixation pinning of compound radius and ulna fracture in a heifer. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1991; 198: 665-668.
15 Grossman BS, Nickels FA. Repair of metatarsal fractures with transfixation pins and plaster casts. Equine Pract 1979; 1: 13-16.
16 Hamilton GF, Tulleners EP. Transfixation pinning of proximal tibial fractures in calves. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1980; 176: 725-727.
17 Kaneps AJ, Scmotzer WB, Huber MJ. et al. Fracture repair with transfixation pins and fiberglass cast in llamas and small ruminants. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1989; 195: 1257-1261.
18 Nemeth F, Back W. The use of the walking cast to repair fractures in horses and ponies. Equine Vet J 1991; 23: 32-36.
19 Reichel EC. Treatment of fractures of the long bones in large animals. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1956; 129: 8-15.
20 St-Jean G, Clem MF, DeBowes RM. Transfixation pinning and casting of tibial fractures in calves. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1991; 198: 139-143.
21 Sullins KE, McIlwraith CW. Evaluation of two types of external skeletal fixation for repair of experimental tibial fractures in foals. Vet Surg 1987; 16: 255-264.
22 Honnas CM, Ragle CA, Meagher DM. Necrosis of the collateral cartilage of the distal phalanx in horses: 16 cases (1970–1985). J Am Vet Med Assoc 1988; 193: 1303-1307.
23 Trotter GW. Osteomyelitis. In: Equine Fracture Repair Nixon AJ. editor Philadelphia: WB Saunders; 1996: 365
24 Markel MD. Bone grafts and bone substitutes. In: Equine Fracture Repair Nixon AJ. editor Philadelphia: WB Saunders; 1996: 87-88.