Endoscopy of the calcaneal bursa in horses.

The research discusses endoscopic procedures on the calcaneal bursa of horses, noting its clinical feasibility in diagnosing and treating infectious and noninfectious bursitis. The researchers pursue this through cadaveric analyses and real case evaluations.

Methodology

• The researchers used a two-pronged approach for their study: investigation on cadaver specimens and actual case studies in live adult horses.
• Cadaver specimens of the calcaneal bursa underwent evaluation using a rigid arthroscope and gross dissection. The primary objective was to understand the endoscopic appearance of anatomical structures located within the bursa.
• The site for placing the arthroscope and instruments was finalized after analysis from the cadaver dissection and endoscopic examination.

Results

• An ideal placement for the arthroscope was inside 1 cm dorsal to the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) and 1 cm distal to the medial or lateral aspect of the SDFT retinaculum. This placement allowed consistent examination of the tuber calcis, proximal aspect of the long plantar ligament, calcaneal tendon of the gastrocnemius muscle inserting on the tuber calcis, SDFT, and the proximal and distal reach of the bursa.
• Endoscopic examination revealed lesions including local bone necrosis of the proximoplantar aspect of the tuber calcis and damage of the origin of the long plantar ligament in one horse. In another horse, mild disruption of the superficial digital flexor tendon and long plantar ligament were observed and debrided.

Conclusions

• The researchers determined that endoscopic exploration of the calcaneal bursa could be used clinically to treat infectious and noninfectious bursitis. It could also help identify the origins of undiagnosed bursitis or lameness associated with the calcaneus, superficial digital flexor tendon, tendon of the gastrocnemius muscle, and the long plantar ligament.
• They suggested an endoscopic approach to the calcaneal bursa as a preferred way to reduce complications linked with surgery in the region and enhance the diagnosis of infectious and non-infectious calcaneal bursitis.