Second carpal bone slab fracture and subluxation of the middle carpal joint in a horse subsequent to arthrodesis of the carpometacarpal joint.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To report complications of arthrodesis of the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint using a drilling technique in an adult horse.

STUDY DESIGN:

Case report.

ANIMALS:

Horse (n = 1).

METHOD:

A 12-year-old Quarter Horse mare with CMC osteoarthritis (CMC-OA) had arthrodesis under general anesthesia in right lateral recumbency. Under fluoroscopic guidance, a 4.5 mm drill bit was inserted at 3 drilling sites 5-6 cm into the CMC joint and was fanned 30-45° in the plane of the joint and 5-10° in the long axis of the limb to destroy articular cartilage and expose the subchondral bone.

RESULTS:

The horse presented 2 weeks after surgery for severe lameness of the operated limb. A slab fracture of the 2nd carpal bone (C2) and subluxation of the middle carpal (MC) joint was diagnosed. The horse was humanely euthanatized due to poor prognosis.

CONCLUSION:

The fanning technique of arthrodesis of the CMC joint may lead to fracture of carpal bones, joint instability, and MC joint subluxation. A balance between articular surface destruction and maintenance of joint stability should be achieved when using this technique.

• Authors: Angela V MacKay, Luca Panizzi, Holly D Sparks, Spencer M Barber
• Journal: Veterinary surgery : VS (Vet Surg) Vol. 44 Issue 2 Pg. 242-5 (Feb 2015) ISSN: 1532-950X [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 25255787 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: © Copyright 2014 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Topics

• Animals
• Arthrodesis (adverse effects, veterinary)
• Carpal Joints (surgery)
• Carpometacarpal Joints (surgery)
• Carpus, Animal (surgery)
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Female
• Fractures, Bone (diagnosis, veterinary)
• Horse Diseases (diagnosis)
• Horses
• Joint Instability (diagnosis, veterinary)
• Postoperative Complications (diagnosis, veterinary)