Facilitated ankylosis of a juvenile, flexurally deformed, open, luxated and infected metacarpophalangeal joint using an alternative approach

A 4-day-old Arabian filly was referred for severe lameness due to a flexurally deformed, open, luxated and infected metacarpophalangeal joint. Arthrodesis was indicated as progressive cartilage destruction and osteomyelitis developed. An alternative arthrodesis technique was employed, which consisted of a loop of cerclage wire running through predrilled holes in a lateromedial direction and dorsal to the central axis of the third metacarpal bone and proximal phalanx, in combination with external coaptation using a half-limb transfixation cast. Ankylosis was radiographically confirmed after 4 weeks. The foal was discharged from the hospital with a grade 1 out of 5 lameness and a 6–7° valgus deviation of the ankylosed metacarpophalangeal joint. At telephone follow-up after 18 months, the owner reported persistence of the valgus deviation, soundness at walk, and a slight gait irregularity at trot. The described cerclage wire arthrodesis technique is a relatively simple method for attaining ankylosis that could be considered in similar cases.