Proximal interphalangeal joint instability in the dog

A prospective study into the use of transarticular external skeletal fixation in the treatment of proximal interphalangeal instability was undertaken. Only dogs with soft tissue injuries were included. All the dogs except one were greyhounds or related breeds. A hypothesis was proposed that if the articular surfaces were held in normal congruency for a period of time then the development of periarticular fibrosis would alone give sufficient joint support. Joint congruency was maintained by the application of a unilateral external skeletal fixator for approximately three weeks. Complications were common and were due to frame impingement on the neighbouring digit, pin tract infection and pin loosening, and all resolved following frame removal and antibiotic therapy. Careful pin placement and prophylactic antibiotic treatment prevented complications in subsequent cases. All dogs returned to normal function with no lameness, with the exception of one racing greyhound which had a recurrence of the instability.