PALMAROPROXIMAL APPROACH FOR ARTHROCENTESIS OF THE PROXIMAL INTERPHALANGEAL JOINT IN HORSES

A technique was developed for arthrocentesis of the palmaroproximal po uch of the pastern joint. The landmark for percutaneous puncture is a 'V' Shaped depression formed by the palmar aspect of the proximal phal anx (P1) dorsally, an eminence associated with the attachment of the c ollateral ligaments to P1 and the middle phalanx distally and the inse rtion of the lateral branch of the superficial digital flexor tendon p almarodistally. Comparison of arthrocentesis between the palmaroproxim al approach and the traditional dorsal approach in 8 cadavers and 8 ho rses demonstrated that the palmaroproximal approach was associated wit h less needle manipulation, greater injection volume (horses) and freq uent synovial fluid flow.