Endoscopically assisted annular ligament release in horses.

This research article focuses on the development and application of an endoscopically assisted technique for internally dividing the annular ligament in horses. The surgery was performed on cadaver specimens before being successfully executed on live horses. The procedure led to a significant recovery in most of the horses, with only a minority experiencing complications.

Technique Development

• The research team developed an innovative surgical procedure designed to internally divide the palmar or plantar annular ligament in horses.
• The technique was initially tested on six cadaver horse limbs to calibrate the process and assess its potential impacts.
• The researchers used a slotted cannula, inserted into the digital sheath of the horse’s limb through a small incision made proximal to the annular ligament.
• The cannula was advanced through the fetlock canal superficial to the flexor tendons and oriented towards the fibers of the annular ligament.
• The division of the annular ligament was then performed using 90-degree tipped open and guarded blades, with the process directly observed and verified through an arthroscopic view.
• The post-procedure dissection confirmed a complete split of the annular ligament without any unintended damage to neurovascular structures.

Technique Application and Results

• Following successful testing on cadavers, the procedure was carried out on two anesthetized horses to evaluate its application in a live setting.
• The technique was further utilized on seven more horses, all suffering from complex tenosynovitis conditions – an inflammation of the fluid-filled sheath that surrounds a tendon. The surgery was performed after tenoscopic examination and the removal of tendon and digital sheath adhesions, masses, and bands.
• Post-operative evaluation revealed that five out of the seven horses recovered well, becoming sound athletes without recurrent digital sheath problems.
• However, one horse had residual lameness and another was still in the process of convalescing.

Implications of Research

• This research demonstrates the potential of an endoscopically assisted technique being used to treat tenosynovitis conditions in horses.
• The high success rate indicates that this technique could be a viable option for treating such conditions among equine athletes.
• However, the small sample size and few complications highlight the need for more extensive studies before the procedure can be widely recommended.