Endoscopic assessment and treatment of lesions of the deep digital flexor tendon in the navicular bursae of 20 lame horses.
Abstract: Clinical lesions of the deep digital flexor tendon and navicular bone are being reported with increasing frequency. However, the role of direct visualisation by navicular bursoscopy in the diagnosis and management of such injuries has not been explored. Objective: Navicular bursoscopy: 1) corroborates information obtained from other, noninvasive imaging modalities; 2) allows direct visualisation of lesions unidentified by other diagnostic modalities; 3) provides further information on morphology of lesions; and 4) permits minimally invasive surgical access to lesions. Methods: The case records of all horses that underwent diagnostic navicular bursoscopy for the investigation of lameness admitted to 2 referral clinics (the Royal Veterinary College and Reynolds House Referrals) were evaluated retrospectively. Follow-up information was obtained by telephone questionnaire. Results: Twenty-three bursae were examined endoscopically in 20 horses. Tears of the deep digital flexor tendon were seen in all horses (22 bursae). In 8 bursae, cartilage lesions were also present and in one bursa this was the only abnormal finding. Computed tomography and low field magnetic resonance imaging predicted tendon lesions in most cases, but failed to identify cartilage damage. Greater than 6 month follow-up information was available for 15 animals of which 11 were sound and 9 had returned to preoperative levels of performance. Conclusions: Lameness localised to the foot may result from tears of the deep digital flexor tendon and/or navicular fibrocartilage loss. Navicular bursoscopy allows comprehensive evaluation of these changes and also permits appropriate lesion management. Conclusions: The diagnostic information obtained from and therapeutic options offered by bursoscopy justify its use in horses with clinical findings localising lameness to the navicular bursa.
Publication Date: 2007-01-19 PubMed ID: 17228590DOI: 10.2746/042516407x151095Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Case Reports
- Clinical Findings
- Clinical Pathology
- Clinical Symptoms
- Deep Digital Flexor Tendon
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Diagnostic Technique
- Endoscopy
- Equine Health
- Horses
- Lameness
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Navicular Bone
- Retrospective Study
- Surgery
- Treatment
- Veterinary Care
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Practice
- Veterinary Procedure
Summary
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This study investigates the use of navicular bursoscopy in diagnosing and managing lesions of the deep digital flexor tendon and navicular bone in horses. It suggests this method is beneficial for detecting these conditions, providing detailed information about lesion morphology and offering minimally invasive access for treatment.
Research Objective and Methodology
- The aim of the research was to validate the effectiveness of navicular bursoscopy in diagnosing and treating deep digital flexor tendon and navicular bone lesions in horses.
- The study analyzed the medical records of horses that underwent diagnostic navicular bursoscopy at two referral clinics, Royal Veterinary College and Reynolds House Referrals, for lameness issues.
- The follow-up information was gathered through telephone questionnaires.
Results of the Study
- Endoscopic examination was performed on 23 bursae from 20 horses.
- All horses showed tears of the deep digital flexor tendon (in 22 bursae).
- In 8 bursae, cartilage lesions were identified and in one instance, this was the only notable finding.
- Noninvasive imaging methods like computed tomography and low field magnetic resonance imaging were successful in predicting tendon lesions, but failed to recognize cartilage damage.
- Follow-up data for over 6 months was obtained for 15 horses. Out of these, 11 were sound and 9 had returned to their preoperative performance levels.
Research Conclusions
- The research underlines that lameness in horses could be a result of tears in the deep digital flexor tendon or loss of navicular fibrocartilage.
- Navicular bursoscopy not only allows for a comprehensive evaluation of these changes but also permits appropriate management of lesions in a minimally invasive manner.
- The diagnostic details and therapeutic options made available by bursoscopy underscores its importance in the clinical management of horses showing lameness linked to the navicular bursa.
Cite This Article
APA
Smith MR, Wright IM, Smith RK.
(2007).
Endoscopic assessment and treatment of lesions of the deep digital flexor tendon in the navicular bursae of 20 lame horses.
Equine Vet J, 39(1), 18-24.
https://doi.org/10.2746/042516407x151095 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Reynolds House Referrals, Greenwood Ellis and Partners, 166 High Street, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 9WS, UK.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Diagnosis, Differential
- Female
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horse Diseases / pathology
- Horse Diseases / surgery
- Horses
- Lameness, Animal / diagnosis
- Lameness, Animal / pathology
- Lameness, Animal / surgery
- Ligaments, Articular
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging / veterinary
- Male
- Prognosis
- Retrospective Studies
- Severity of Illness Index
- Tarsal Joints / pathology
- Tarsus, Animal
- Tendon Injuries / diagnosis
- Tendon Injuries / pathology
- Tendon Injuries / surgery
- Tendon Injuries / veterinary
- Treatment Outcome
Citations
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