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SummaryThe clinical signs, radiographic findings, surgical treatment, and outcome of three horses with luxation of the distal tarsal joints are reported. Two patients showed luxations of the tarsometatarsal joint whereas luxation of the proximal intertarsal joint was found in one case. Open reduction, followed by internal fixation was performed in two horses and closed reduction with a transfixation pin cast was performed in the third. The treatment in all three cases resulted in a satisfactory clinical outcome.

SummaryReasons for performing study Although an uncommon condition, cranial nuchal bursitis can affect the performance of the equine athlete. The anatomy is not well described and there are no reports of diagnostic imaging for endoscopic approaches. Objectives To describe the anatomy, ultrasonographic and magnetic resonance features of and endoscopic approach to the cranial nuchal bursa in horses. Study design Experimental cadaver study. Methods Four cranial nuchal bursae were dissected, 4 specimens were frozen to prepare anatomical sections and 2 were injected with latex to document surface landmarks and topographical anatomy and to identify the possible sites for endoscopic access. Six cadaveric specimens were used to describe the ultrasonographic and magnetic resonance features of the cranial nuchal bursa before and after intrabursal injection. Sixteen cadaver specimens were evaluated with a rigid arthroscope and gross dissection to determine the endoscopic appearance of the bursa. Results The cranial nuchal bursa could be identified consistently in all cadavers, using ultrasonographic and magnetic resonance on both pre- and post injection specimens. Cranial and caudal endoscopic approaches and instrument portals were developed for the cranial nuchal bursa. Using either approach, the entire extent of the bursa could be evaluated, but separate approaches for left and right compartments of the bursa were needed owing to the lack of manoeuvrability when examining the contralateral compartment. Conclusions The cranial nuchal bursa can be identified on ultrasonographic and magnetic resonance images. An endoscopic approach to the cranial nuchal bursa is clinically feasible and offered an easy, repeatable entry into the cranial nuchal bursa, which allowed adequate observation of the structures within the bursa. This may be of help for diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the cranial nuchal bursa in horses.

SummaryObjective: To determine if the mechanical properties (strength and stiffness) of a new prototype 4.5 mm broad locking plate (NP-LP) are comparable with those of a traditional 4.5 mm broad limited-contact self compression plate (LC-SCP), and to compare the bending and torsional properties of the NP-LP and LCSCP when used in osteotomized equine third metacarpal bones (MC3).Methods: The plates alone were tested in four-point bending single cycle to failure. The MC3-plate constructs were created with middiaphyseal osteotomies with a 1 cm gap. Constructs were tested in four-point bending single cycle to failure, four-point bending cyclic fatigue, and torsion single cycle to failure.Results: There were not any significant differences in bending strength and stiffness found between the two implants. The MC3-NP-LP construct was significantly stiffer than the MC3-LC-SCP in bending. No other biomechanical differences were found in bending, yield load in torsion, or mean composite rigidity. Mean cycles to failure for bending fatigue testing were similar for both constructs.Clinical significance: The NP-LP was comparable to the LC-SCP in intrinsic, as well as structural properties. The NP-LP construct was more rigid than the LC-SCP construct under four-point bending, and both constructs behaved similarly under four-point bending cyclic fatigue testing and torsion single cycle to failure. The new NP-LP implant fixation is biomechanically comparable to the LC-SCP in a simulated MC3 fracture.