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Long‐Term Outcome after Arthroscopic Debridement of Distal Phalanx Extensor Process Fragmentation in 13 Horses
Author(s) -
CROWE OLIVER M.,
HEPBURN RICHARD J.,
KOLD SVEND E.,
SMITH ROGER K.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
veterinary surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.652
H-Index - 79
eISSN - 1532-950X
pISSN - 0161-3499
DOI - 10.1111/j.1532-950x.2009.00608.x
Subject(s) - medicine , debridement (dental) , proximal phalanx , phalanx , surgery , fragmentation (computing) , term (time) , physics , quantum mechanics , computer science , operating system
Objective— To report long‐term outcome after arthroscopic removal of fragmentation of the extensor process of the distal phalanx in horses. Study Design— Case series. Animals— Adult horses (n=13). Methods— Medical records (2003–2004) of horses that had arthroscopic debridement of fragmentation of the extensor process of the distal phalanx were reviewed. Inclusion criteria included: lameness localized to the foot, fragmentation of the extensor process of the distal phalanx debrided arthroscopically, and a follow‐up period of ≥4 years. Results— Of the 13 horses, lameness was resolved in 11 (85%) initially but distal interphalangeal joint pain recurred in 2 (15%) within 1 year of surgery. Three (23%) other horses were retired because of lameness at other sites during the follow‐up period resulting in 46% (6/13) being not lame and in full work after 4 years. Substantial changes were identified at surgery in the contralateral joint of 7 horses, even when fragments were only present unilaterally. Conclusions— Arthroscopic debridement of fragmentation of the extensor process of the forelimb distal phalanx has a good short‐term prognosis for resolution of lameness and return to work but a more guarded prognosis for long‐term soundness. Clinical Relevance— These results allow for more accurate prognostication preoperatively and may support early debridement of fragmentation of the extensor process of the distal phalanx.