Surgical treatment of distal tarsal joint luxations in three horses

Abstract

The clinical signs, radiographic findings, surgical treatment, and outcome of three horses with luxation of the distal tarsal joints are reported. Two patients showed luxations of the tarsometatarsal joint whereas luxation of the proximal intertarsal joint was found in one case. Open reduction, followed by internal fixation was performed in two horses and closed reduction with a transfixation pin cast was performed in the third. The treatment in all three cases resulted in a satisfactory clinical outcome.

Reduction and external coaptation as successful treatment for tarsocrural joint luxation in an Arabian mare

“…) or open reduction and internal fixation, usually accompanied by a full limb cast initially (Abuja et al . ; Keller et al . ).…”

“…Most tarsal luxations occur at the distal tarsal joints (Dyson and Ross ; Auer ; Abuja et al . ). These are low motion joints and luxations of these joints can be managed successfully with horses returning to light riding, by closed reduction and external coaptation (Moll et al .…”

Tarsal luxation in the horse: Management options and challenges

“…; Abuja et al . ). Clinical signs associated with this injury include severe nonweightbearing lameness, soft tissue swelling, palpable instability, crepitus and angular deviations of the limb (Nixon ; Bolt et al .…”

“…The use of the transfixation pins allowed for a successful reduction of the luxation, resulting in adequate healing and minimal residual lameness (Abuja et al . ). Although the case described in that report was only 105 kg, the use of a transfixation cast in full size horses can be considered if financial limitations exist that would preclude internal fixation, taking into consideration the potential risks of transfixation pins in the tibia and third metatarsal bone in mature large breed horses.…”

“…In full size horses, the use of internal fixation for these luxations appears to offer the best chance at a successful outcome for pasture soundness and potential return to light athletic work (Abuja et al . ; McCormick and Watkins ). In cases where plate fixation is elected, the placement of a locking compression plate, limited contact dynamic compression plate or a dynamic compression plate in the plantarolateral aspect of the tarsus, using the entire length of the calcaneus provides a very strong and stable construct (Abuja et al .…”