Endoscopy of the navicular bursa: a new technique for the treatment of contaminated and septic bursae.

This study presents a new, less invasive technique to treat septic and contaminated navicular bursae in horses using a specialized arthroscope. Following the procedure, over half the treated horses returned to their normal function while others were still experiencing lameness, demonstrating that this endoscopically guided treatment might offer an improved treatment method.

Research Methodology

• The researchers developed a technique to examine the navicular bursa, a sac filled with fluid between a tendon and a bone, of horses. In this study, they used a 4 mm 25 degrees inclined view arthroscope, a small tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing interior parts of the body.
• The technique allowed them to examine several components of the horses’ anatomy such as the navicular bone surface, various ligaments, the bursal synovium (the tissue lining the bursa), and the deep digital flexor tendon.

Implementation and Results

• This technique was implemented on 16 horses that had punctures in their navicular bursae. The procedures facilitated by this new technique included bursal lavage (washing out of bursa), removing pannus (abnormal tissue growth), resecting the synovium, and debridement of lesions on the bone and in the deep digital flexor tendon.
• After the treatment, 10 out of 16 horses were sound condition and returned to their pre-injury state. However, 6 animals were still experiencing lameness. Through further interventions (neurectomy or retiring for use as a broodmare), some of these horses were saved except for 2.

Conclusion

• The technique reported in this study was advantageous when compared to the traditional ‘streetnail’ procedure. It is less invasive and carries simpler post-operative care.
• The success rate of this procedure was also promising. This endoscopically guided treatment, therefore, appears to be an improvement for the treatment of contaminated or septic navicular bursae in horses.