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Anatomia, histologia, embryologia2022; 51(2); 236-243; doi: 10.1111/ahe.12782

Anatomical position of the palmar/plantar nerves at the metacarpal/metatarsal distal level in horses: An in vivo study by means of ultrasonography.

Abstract: The neurovascular bundle of the equine distal cannon can dynamically vary with limb position, and this can affect the performance of low 4- or 6-point block. This study aims to identify and describe the anatomical position and variations of the lateral and medial palmar/plantar nerve at the metacarpal/metatarsal distal level in horses by ultrasonography. Eight mares underwent ultrasound examination on the lateral and medial palmar/plantar sides of the metacarpus/metatarsus. Images were obtained for measurements of the cross-sectional area of the nerve, distances between the nerve and the skin surface, branch of the suspensory ligament (SL), deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) and superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) with limbs supported and elevated. The distance to the skin for forelimbs was higher on the lateral side when the limb was elevated (p < 0.001). The comparisons between supported and elevated limbs on the same side showed longer distances to the skin with the limb supported on the medial side (p < 0.001). Hindlimbs showed longer distances to the skin with the limb supported on the medial face (p = 0.027). The anatomical position of palmar/plantar nerves was similar between the lateral and medial sides of the limb, generally being in contact with the dorsal edge of DDFT. The strategy of elevating the limb during the injection of the low 4- or 6-point block can lead to a higher risk of puncture of the digital sheath.
© 2022 Wiley-VCH GmbH.
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Publication Date: 2022-01-09 PubMed ID: 35000219DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12782Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This scientific research article investigates the anatomical positioning and variations of the lateral and medial palmar/plantar nerve in horses, using ultrasonography. The study explores how limb position can affect nerve block performance and describes potential risks when administering low 4- or 6-point block injections.

Study Purpose and Methodology

  • The main goal of this study was to identify and detail the anatomical positioning of the lateral and medial palmar/plantar nerve in horses’ limbs and how these positions can change with differing limb positions. The researchers aimed to improve understanding of the neurovascular bundle’s dynamics in the distal cannon of a horse – a region of the equine lower limb.
  • The study utilized ultrasonography for this purpose. Ultrasonography is a diagnosis method using high-frequency sound waves to construct an image of the body’s interior. In this study, eight mares underwent ultrasound examinations at various points around their limbs.
  • Scientists measured the cross-sectional area of the nerves, the distances between the nerves and the horse’s skin, and the distances to a variety of other anatomical markers. Additionally, they conducted these measurements with limbs both supported and elevated to account for potential positional variance.

Key Findings

  • Results showed significant changes in distance between the nerve and the skin based on the position of the limb. For forelimbs, the distance was higher on the lateral side when the limb was elevated. For elevated and supported limbs on the same side, researchers observed longer distances to the skin with the limb being supported on the medial side.
  • For hind limbs, longer distances between the nerve and the skin were found when the limb was supported on the medial face. Observations showed the same anatomical position for the palmar/plantar nerves, whether they were on the lateral or medial sides of the limb – typically in contact with the dorsal edge of the DDFT.
  • Of particular note is the finding that elevating the limb during the injection of a low 4 or 6-point block could increase the risk of puncturing the digital sheath – a structure that surrounds the digital flexor tendons in the horse’s limb.

Implications

  • This study provides insights into the dynamic nature of the neurovascular bundle in the equine distal cannon – how it can change depending on the horse’s limb position, thereby affecting the performance of nerve block procedures.
  • The findings offer important guidance for veterinarians and other professionals administering low 4- or 6-point block injections in horses. Knowing that the limb’s elevation presents higher risks of complications can help such professionals ensure greater safety during these procedures.

Cite This Article

APA
Maia BT, Vendruscolo CDP, de Souza AF, Zoppa ALDV. (2022). Anatomical position of the palmar/plantar nerves at the metacarpal/metatarsal distal level in horses: An in vivo study by means of ultrasonography. Anat Histol Embryol, 51(2), 236-243. https://doi.org/10.1111/ahe.12782

Publication

Anatomia, histologia, embryologia
ISSN: 1439-0264
NlmUniqueID: 7704218
Country: Germany
Language: English
Volume: 51
Issue: 2
Pages: 236-243

Researcher Affiliations

Maia, Beatriz Tofani
  • Universidade Anhembi Morumbi, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Vendruscolo, Cynthia do Prado
  • Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
de Souza, Anderson Fernando
  • Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Zoppa, André Luis do Valle De
  • Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Forelimb / diagnostic imaging
  • Horse Diseases
  • Horses
  • Metacarpal Bones / diagnostic imaging
  • Metatarsal Bones / diagnostic imaging
  • Metatarsus
  • Ultrasonography / veterinary

Grant Funding

  • Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientu00edfico e Tecnolu00f3gico
  • Coordenau00e7u00e3o de Aperfeiu00e7oamento de Pessoal de Nu00edvel Superior

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