The management of open joint injuries

The prognosis for returning horses with open joint injuries to athletic function is most closely related to the duration of the injury prior to treatment. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate therapy should yield a favorable result. Delayed diagnosis or inappropriate therapy that allow the wound to progress to an infected state makes the likelihood of return to athletic function poor. Refractory joint infection can occur despite early diagnosis and prompt appropriate therapy. The development of these infections is undoubtedly increased by tissue loss and gross contamination. Appropriate antibiotics given long term probably play the most significant role in resolving joint sepsis. When the refractory nature of the infection is accompanied by cartilage loss and bone proliferation, aggressive treatment by open drainage, synovectomy, and arthrodesis of the joint should be considered.