Facilitated ankylosis of a juvenile,flexurally deformed,open, luxated and infected metacarpophalangeal joint using an alternative approach |
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| Authors: | H Brommer S Weisler A J Tatz |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Equine Sciences, Utrecht University, The Netherlands;2. and Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel. |
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| Abstract: | A 4‐day‐old Arabian filly was referred for severe lameness due to a flexurally deformed, open, luxated and infected metacarpophalangeal joint. Arthrodesis was indicated as progressive cartilage destruction and osteomyelitis developed. An alternative arthrodesis technique was employed, which consisted of a loop of cerclage wire running through predrilled holes in a lateromedial direction and dorsal to the central axis of the third metacarpal bone and proximal phalanx, in combination with external coaptation using a half‐limb transfixation cast. Ankylosis was radiographically confirmed after 4 weeks. The foal was discharged from the hospital with a grade 1 out of 5 lameness and a 6–7° valgus deviation of the ankylosed metacarpophalangeal joint. At telephone follow‐up after 18 months, the owner reported persistence of the valgus deviation, soundness at walk, and a slight gait irregularity at trot. The described cerclage wire arthrodesis technique is a relatively simple method for attaining ankylosis that could be considered in similar cases. |
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| Keywords: | horse ankylosis metacarpophalangeal joint flexural deformity luxation foal infection |
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