The use of a polypropylene mesh for treatment of ruptured collateral ligaments of the equine metatarsophalangeal joint: a report of two cases.

The prognosis of ruptured collateral ligaments of the metacarpophalangeal or metatarsophalangeal joint in horses is usually considered to be poor, especially for future athletic performance. The main problem is the development, due to joint instability, of osteoarthritis, which may result in persistent lameness. In this paper a surgical technique is described in which joint stabilisation is realised by using a polypropylene mesh as a substitute for the ruptured ligaments, with the subsequent application of a cast for 7 weeks. The technique was successfully performed in 2 horses with ruptured lateral collateral ligaments of a metatarsophalangeal joint. Fifteen months after surgery both horses resumed exercise. Performance could be classified as fair in one case and good in the other. It is concluded that the preliminary results obtained with this surgical technique to stabilise ruptured collateral ligaments of the fetlock joint are promising.