Ex-vivo articular cartilage removal from equine proximal interphalangeal joints using cannulated drill bits.

Objective: This report evaluates the use of 4.5- and 5.5-mm cannulated drill bits for articular cartilage removal from the proximal interphalangeal joints of equine cadaver limbs. Animals: Limbs from 8 equine cadavers, all with normal proximal interphalangeal joints. Procedure: Proximal interphalangeal joints of 32 limbs from 8 equine cadavers were drilled using either 4.5- or 5.5-mm cannulated drill bits. Pastern joints were then disarticulated, and intra-articular drilling was evaluated by visual inspection. Results: Post-drilling evaluation revealed complete intra-articular drilling occurred in all 32 joints. Conclusion: Canulated 4.5- and 5.5-mm drill bits resulted in consistent accurate intra-articular drilling in the proximal interphalangeal joint of horses. Clinical relevance: Cannulated drill bits provided an effective and consistent modality for articular cartilage removal with potential for improved accuracy of articular drilling and applications in minimally invasive proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis.

Objectif: Ce rapport évalue l'utilisation de forets canulés de 4,5 et 5,5 mm pour l'élimination du cartilage articulaire des articulations interphalangiennes proximales des membres de cadavres équins. Animaux: Membres provenant de huit cadavres équins, tous avec des articulations interphalangiennes proximales normales. Procédure: Les articulations interphalangiennes proximales de 32 membres de huit cadavres équins ont été percées à l'aide de forets canulées de 4,5 ou 5,5 mm. Les articulations du paturon ont ensuite été désarticulées et le forage intraarticulaire a été évalué par inspection visuelle. Résultats: L'évaluation post-forage a révélé qu'un forage intra-articulaire complet s'était produit dans les 32 articulations. Conclusion: Les forets canulés de 4,5 et 5,5 mm ont permis un forage intra-articulaire précis et constant dans l'articulation interphalangienne proximale des chevaux. Pertinence clinique: Les forets canulés ont fourni une modalité efficace et constante pour l'élimination du cartilage articulaire avec un potentiel d'amélioration de la précision du forage articulaire et des applications dans l'arthrodèse de l'articulation interphalangienne proximale de manière minimalement invasive.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

The Use of Pneumatic Impact Lithotripsy in a Laparoscopic Retrieval Pouch for Removal of Large Cystoliths in Two Female Horses.

Two mares, aged 15 and 21 years, were examined because of urinary incontinence, intermittent hematuria, and urine scalding. On admission of both horses, physical parameters were within normal limits and urine scalding of the skin at the ventral perineum was noted. Transrectal palpation and cystoscopy revealed a large type I cystolith (>10 cm) with associated hyperemia and focal ulceration of the bladder mucosa. In horse 1, hemogram, serum biochemical analysis, and renal ultrasound were not performed because of owner finances. In horse 2, results from hematological and serum biochemical analysis were unremarkable and renal ultrasonography did not reveal any abnormalities. Pneumatic impact lithotripsy in a laparoscopic retrieval pouch was performed under cystoscopic guidance after caudal epidural anesthesia, with the horses standing and under sedation. A laparoscopic retrieval device was passed alongside a flexible endoscope into the urinary bladder and the cystolith was manipulated into the pouch. A customized single stainless-steel rod scaler attached to an air compressor was used for fragmentation of the cystolith contained within the retrieval pouch. Lithotripsy time was 42 minutes for horse 1 and 31 minutes for horse 2. Both horses were released from hospital the day of surgery. Both horses were continent and voided normal streams of urine for the duration of the follow-up periods of 27 and 19 months for horse 1 and horse 2, respectively. Pneumatic impact lithotripsy in a laparoscopic retrieval pouch provided a time-efficient and minimally invasive surgical treatment option for removal of large cystoliths in mares.

A Standing Percutaneous Technique for Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Arthrodesis in Twelve Horses (2014-2017).

OBJECTIVES: This report describes the use of a minimally invasive standing pastern arthrodesis technique for the treatment of osteoarthritis in horses and documents its clinical outcome in 12 horses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records and radiographs of horses diagnosed with proximal interphalangeal joint osteoarthritis that underwent standing pastern arthrodesis using transarticular screws were reviewed. Follow-up information for determination of outcome was obtained via phone interview with the owners. RESULTS: Twelve horses (15 limbs) were included in the study. Radiographical findings revealed severe osteoarthritis in 12/15 limbs and moderate osteoarthritis in 3/15 limbs. Follow-up information was available for 11/12 cases (13/15 limbs). Phone surveys with the owners revealed that 8/11 horses were performing at their previous activity level or higher. Two horses remained lame. One horse developed a surgical site infection and was euthanatized. The average time for horses to return to their previous level of activity was 6.5 months (range: 1-18 months). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Stabilization of the proximal interphalangeal joint in horses with moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis can be performed using this minimally invasive standing technique. This procedure can be performed safely and provides a similar outcome when compared with other described techniques.