Arthroscopic removal of osteochondral fragments of the cervical articular process joints in three horses
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Published on: January 23, 2018
Nicole Schulze1, Anna Ehrle1, Ina Beckmann1
1Equine Clinic, Surgery and Radiology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
Objective:
To report arthroscopic osteochondral fragment removal from the equine cervical spine articular process joints (APJs) including long-term follow-up.
Study Design:
Case series.
Animals:
Three Warmblood horses with forelimb lameness and/or reduced range of motion of the cervical spine with osteochondral fragments between the cervical vertebrae C5 /C6 or C6 /C7 .
Method:
Arthroscopy of the APJs of C5 /C6 and C6 /C7 was performed under general anesthesia. Following endoscopic evaluation of the joints, osteochondral fragments were removed using a rongeur.
Results:
All horses recovered from anesthesia with no anesthetic or minor postanesthetic complications. One horse needed a second procedure for fragment removal. Fourteen to 31 months post-surgery the horses were sound for their intended use and neurological examination revealed no abnormalities.
Conclusion:
Arthroscopic removal of osteochondral fragments can be performed safely in the equine cervical APJs of C5 /C6 and C6 /C7 resulting in a favorable long-term outcome.
Clinical Significance:
Arthroscopic removal is a valid option for horses showing clinical signs that can be attributed to osteochondral fragments in the APJs of the neck.
