ArticleVeterinary surgery : VS2026
Outcomes of diode laser-facilitated ankylosis of the distal tarsal joints in horses: A retrospective study of 64 cases.
Article in Veterinary surgery : VS, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
objectiveTo evaluate the outcomes of diode laser-facilitated (DLF) ankylosis using different surgical techniques to treat distal tarsal osteoarthritis (OA) in horses. STUDY
designRetrospective cohort study. ANIMALS: A total of 64 client-owned horses with distal tarsal OA treated with DLF ankylosis between 2011 and 2021 in a referral hospital were included.
methodsDLF ankylosis techniques included: intra-articular diode laser (L), diode laser with periarticular drilling (L + D) and diode laser with cuboidal bone fenestration (L + F). Horses requiring a second surgery formed a fourth group (T). Outcome was assessed through client telephone surveys. Preoperative variables and surgical technique were assessed using logistical regression and OR models.
resultsA total of 64 horses met the inclusion criteria, and data was collected at a median follow-up time of 5 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 3-8 years). Improvement in lameness was observed in 83% (53/64) of horses, with 64% (39/61) returning to their previous level of athleticism. Sex significantly influenced outcome with males more likely to return to athleticism (p = .03, OR: 4.25). The return to previous level of athleticism for L, L + D and L + F was 67.9%, 50% and 66.7%, respectively. A smaller proportion of horses treated with L + D and L + F required additional surgical intervention compared to L (0%, 0%, and 20.8%, respectively).
conclusionDLF ankylosis offered a reliable treatment for distal tarsal OA in horses. Incorporating cuboidal bone fenestration provided good athletic outcomes while reducing the need for reintervention. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: DLF ankylosis offers a less invasive alternative to treat distal tarsal OA in horses with good athletic outcomes.
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