Summary Reasons for performing study: Anecdotal reports suggest that laser‐facilitated arthrodesis of the distal tarsal joints improves the prognosis compared with intra‐articular drilling but no objective comparisons have been performed. Objectives: To evaluate intra‐articular drilling and laser‐facilitated arthrodesis using in situ and in vivo techniques. Methods: Fourteen cadaver limbs were evaluated in situ for chondrocyte viability after both surgical techniques. In vivo, one randomly selected limb was subjected to laser‐facilitated arthrodesis and the other underwent intra‐articular drilling in 6 normal horses. Clinical examinations were performed at 1, 3 and 5 months. Two horses were subjected to euthanasia at 1, 3 and 5 months. Results: Significantly more chondrocyte death was observed with laser‐facilitated arthrodesis compared to drilling, but the overall degree suggested only a focal effect. In vivo, both groups demonstrated minimal post operative morbidity. There was more evidence of arthrodesis seen at all time points with intra‐articular drilling. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that changes associated with ultimate arthrodesis occur earlier after intra‐articular drilling of the distal tarsal joints than laser‐facilitated arthrodesis, although clinically affected horses may respond differently. Potential relevance: Intra‐articular drilling may provide earlier arthrodesis of the distal tarsal joints, but not necessarily a better long‐term result.

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