The aim of this study was to determine the clinical outcomes reported in retrospective studies of proximal interphalangeal arthrodesis (PIA, or joint fusion) in horses. This was done through a meta-analysis of retrospective studies. 

The article published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science in January 2023. It was titled Proximal interphalangeal arthrodesis in horses: A meta-analysis of retrospective studies. It was authored by Anderson Fernandode Souza, Nicole FidalgoParetsis and André Luis do ValleDe Zoppa, all Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

Conclusions

“PIA (proximal interphalangeal arthrodesis) is an efficient and safe method to treat injuries in the pastern region, with high survival rates and low surgical site infection rates, besides requiring a short period of casting, regardless of the previous diagnosis. However, the rate of return to intended use was modest, and it may be even lower in cases of fractures. Given the potential for returning to activities after pastern ankylosis, investigations of more efficient interventions are needed to improve this outcome.”