Summary
Objectives: To describe a technique for surgical placement of a modified kerf-cut cylinder for
the purpose of arthrodesis across the equine centrodistal and tarsometatarsal joints.
Methods: Each horse (n = 4) underwent unilateral placement of a single kerf-cut cylinder spanning
the centrodistal and tarsometatarsal joints with the placement of an autologous cancellous
bone graft. Horses were evaluated via lameness examination and radiography postoperatively
and euthanatization of each horse was performed at four different time points up to
12 weeks post-surgery to evaluate for lameness, implant stability and success with
integration in the surrounding bone.
Results: Implants were placed successfully in three of four horses. In one horse, due to technical
error, the implant was misaligned with the joint spaces. Although the horse exhibited
minimal pain, it was euthanatized at the two week follow-up. Implant placement in
the remaining three horses was successfully achieved. At eight weeks, radiographically
there was evidence of osseous union across the joint spaces. No change in lameness
was detected at any point after surgery. At 12 weeks post-surgery, histologically
the implants were filled with mineralized osteoid and demonstrated integration with
the surrounding tissue.
Clinical significance: The surgical approach and placement of modified kerf-cut cylinders for arthrodesis
of the centrodistal and tarsometatarsal joints were successfully achieved with minimal
signs of postoperative pain and a short rehabilitation time period in normal horses.
Online Supplementary Material: Please note that online supplementary material for
this paper is available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.3415/VCOT-15-10-0167
Keywords
Horse - arthrodesis - hock - kerf-cut cylinder - osteoarthritis
