Arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joints of a hindlimb in a heifer.
A two-year-old Braunvieh heifer was presented with a traumatic luxation of the second phalanx of the medial digit and concurrent subluxation of the second phalanx of the lateral digit of the right hindlimb. Closed reduction of both luxations was possible. Surgical arthrodesis was achieved using one narrow 4.5 mm three-hole equine locking compression plate for each joint. Placement of the bone plates resulted in stable arthrodesis of both proximal interphalangeal joints of the right hindlimb but there was persistent residual lameness. The heifer delivered a healthy calf but was slaughtered eight months after surgery because of varus deformity of the contralateral limb. Radiographs taken post-mortem revealed pronounced periosteal reactions involving both proximal interphalangeal joints and only partial bony bridging of the joint spaces.
Evelyne Muggli, Dr. med. vet., DECVS, Department of Farm Animals, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland, Phone: +41 44 635 82 13, Fax: +41 44 635 89 04, E-Mail: emuggli@vetclinics.uzh.ch.
E
E
Muggli
E
E
Weidmann
A
A
Bruderer
K
K
Nuss
D000818:Animals; D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D001858:Bone Nails / Q000662:veterinary; D001860:Bone Plates / Q000662:veterinary; D002417:Cattle / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006614:Hindlimb / Q000601:surgery; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D007596:Joints / Q000601:surgery*; D011859:Radiography
Cattle; arthrodesis; locking compression plate; luxation; proximal interphalangeal joint