The Tarsus

Plate fixation for management of plantar instability of the distal tarsus/proximal metatarsus in 5 horses

“…Partial loss of reduction and instability are common complications of managing axially unstable distal limb injuries by cast immobilization alone. At least 6 weeks of cast immobilization is necessary, increasing the likelihood of complications associated with prolonged cast use …”

“…Axially unstable injuries of the distal tarsal/proximal metatarsal region can occur from fractures of the small tarsal bones or proximal metatarsus and from disruption of the plantar ligamentous support structures of the intertarsal joints or tarsometatarsal joint. Injuries can result from a direct blow or occur as a result of entrapment . Various injury configurations can occur depending on the cause of injury and structures affected.…”

The centrodistal joint interosseous ligament region in the tarsus of the horse: Normal appearance, abnormalities and possible association with other tarsal lesions, including osteoarthritis

“…We cannot predict if and when such radiological abnormalities may become clinically significant. It is commonly observed that at the time of acute onset of hindlimb lameness associated with osteoarthritis of the distal tarsal joints, advanced radiological abnormalities are identified, which clearly predate the development of recognisable lameness . The mechanisms causing pain are poorly understood.…”

“…The mechanisms causing pain are poorly understood. Fused centrodistal joints may be asymptomatic, but altered biomechanical forces may predispose to the development of osteoarthritis of the talocalcaneal‐centroquartal or tarsometatarsal joints .…”

“…The centrodistal and tarsometatarsal joints are common sites of osteoarthritis, which often occurs bilaterally and is a common cause of hindlimb lameness in the horse . However, there is great variability in the radiological abnormalities, which may include periarticular osteophytes, periosteal new bone, subchondral bone lysis and/or increased radiopacity of the subchondral bone, generalised increased opacity of the trabecular bone, decreased demarcation between the subchondral or compact bone and trabecular bone, osseous cyst‐like lesions, and narrowing or loss of the joint space(s) .…”