Carpal joint arthrodesis as a treatment for chronic septic carpitis in calves and cattle

Chronic septic carpitis in 72 calves and adult cattle was treated by arthrodesis of the carpus (n = 24), proximal or distal carpal row resection with arthrodesis (n = 31), or resection of both the proximal and distal carpal bones and radio-metacarpal arthrodesis (n = 17). Painfree arthrodesis permitting full weight-bearing was obtained in 69% of the cases. Arthrodesis without resection of carpal bones was successful in 87% of the cases. With resection of one carpal row, 72% of the cases were treated successfully. Radio-metacarpal arthrodesis with removal of both carpal rows resulted in fusion in 35% of the animals.