TOTAL REPLACEMENT OF THE METATARSOPHALANGEAL JOINT IN THE HORSE - A SINGLE PILOT-STUDY

In this paper the successful replacement of an equine metatarsophalang eal joint by a human total condylar knee prosthesis is reported. In th e period of observation following implantation of the endoprosthesis t he experimental animal showed almost no lameness when exercised at wal k, bearing weight on the operated limb. Flexion and extension of the j oint were markedly reduced, The clinical and histological observations clearly support further investigation into the equine metatarsophalan geal joint replacement by an endoprosthesis.