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Ex-vivo articular cartilage removal from equine proximal interphalangeal joints using cannulated drill bits
Nicholas P Hall1, Kyle T Heaton1, Kelly D Farnsworth1
1Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, 205 Ott Road, Pullman, Washington 99164-7060, USA (Hall, Farnsworth, Ragle); South Valley Equine, 122 W 400 N. Saratoga Springs, Utah 84045, USA (Heaton).
Objective:
This report evaluates the use of 4.5- and 5.5-mm cannulated drill bits for articular cartilage removal from the proximal interphalangeal joints of equine cadaver limbs.
Animals:
Limbs from 8 equine cadavers, all with normal proximal interphalangeal joints.
Procedure:
Proximal interphalangeal joints of 32 limbs from 8 equine cadavers were drilled using either 4.5- or 5.5-mm cannulated drill bits. Pastern joints were then disarticulated, and intra-articular drilling was evaluated by visual inspection.
Results:
Post-drilling evaluation revealed complete intra-articular drilling occurred in all 32 joints.
Conclusion:
Canulated 4.5- and 5.5-mm drill bits resulted in consistent accurate intra-articular drilling in the proximal interphalangeal joint of horses.
Clinical Relevance:
Cannulated drill bits provided an effective and consistent modality for articular cartilage removal with potential for improved accuracy of articular drilling and applications in minimally invasive proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis.
