Arthrodesis of the pastern joint in the horse

Arthrodesis of the pastern joint was performed in six horses with a history of acute trauma and in 10 horses with a history of chronic lameness of one to six months duration. Five surgical techniques were employed: curettage of the joint, lag screw compression and immobilisation in a plaster cast; curettage, compression using a T plate and immobilisation; drilling, lag screw compression and immobilisation; lag screw compression and immobilisation; and curettage and immobilisation. Pre- and postoperative clinical course are described together with significant radiographical findings. The best results were achieved by luxating the joint to curette the articular cartilage, followed by fixation and compression with either lag screws or a T plate and immobilisation in a plaster cast.