In vitro evaluation of a single injection technique for diagnostic analgesia of the proximal suspensory ligament of the equine pelvic limb.
Abstract: To examine the anatomic relationship of the deep branch of the lateral plantar nerve (DBLPN) with structures of the proximal metatarsal region, and to define the anatomic location of a solution injected using a single injection technique for diagnostic analgesia of the proximal suspensory ligament (PSL). Methods: Descriptive study. Methods: Cadaveric equine pelvic limbs (n=29). Methods: The proximal metatarsal region of both pelvic limbs (n=5 horses, 10 limbs) was dissected and measurements were made of anatomic structures relative to the head of the 4th metatarsal bone (HMT4). A single injection technique was used to inject dye 15 mm distal to the HMT4, axial to the MT4 at a depth of 25 mm in each limb from 10 equine cadavers (19 limbs). Hindlimbs were dissected and the position of the dye was recorded. Results: DBLPN branched from the lateral plantar nerve (LPN) at a mean distance of 30 mm proximal to the HMT4 and entered the PSL at a mean distance of 17 mm distal to the HMT4. A 2nd DBLPN was observed in 1 of 10 dissected limbs. Blue dye surrounded the DBLPN in 18 limbs (95%). Conclusions: A single injection technique was likely to have resulted in desensitization of the DBLPN in 18 of 19 limbs (95%). Conclusions: This technique provides a reliable method using a single needle puncture for perineural analgesia of the DBLPN for diagnosis of proximal suspensory desmitis of the pelvic limb with a minimal risk of inadvertently desensitizing structures within the tarsal sheath and the tarsometatarsal joint.
Publication Date: 2007-12-11 PubMed ID: 18067616DOI: 10.1111/j.1532-950X.2007.00333.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research article examines the anatomy of certain parts of the horse’s pelvic limb, recommending a single injection technique for addressing pain and sensitivity around the proximal suspensory ligament, a region often affected by injury in horses.
Background
- The study is focused on understanding the anatomy of the deep branch of the lateral plantar nerve (DBLPN) and related structures in horses’ pelvic limbs, particularly in the proximal metatarsal region where injuries often occur.
- The research also focuses on developing an optimal injection technique for diagnostic analgesia (pain relief) of the proximal suspensory ligament (PSL).
Methods
- The experiment involved the dissection of the proximal metatarsal region of the pelvic limbs from five horses, providing a total of 10 limbs to study.
- The researchers measured different anatomical structures relative to the head of the fourth metatarsal bone (HMT4).
- A unique single injection technique was employed by injecting a blue dye 15 mm below the HMT4, along the axis of MT4, and 25 mm deep into each limb of 10 equine cadavers, providing 19 limbs in total.
- After the injection, the hindlimbs were dissected to visualise the location of the dye.
Results
- The results showed that the DBLPN branched out from the lateral plantar nerve at an average distance of 30 mm above the HMT4, and entered the PSL approximately 17 mm below the HMT4.
- In one case, a secondary DBLPN was observed.
- The blue dye, used to track the injection, surrounded the DBLPN in 18 out of 19 limbs, indicating a success rate of 95% for the single injection technique.
Conclusion
- The single injection technique was deemed successful, as it was likely to have resulted in the desensitisation of the DBLPN in 95% of the cases.
- This method presents a reliable technique for perineural analgesia of the DBLPN, aiding diagnosis of proximal suspensory desmitis (inflammation of the ligament) in the horse’s pelvic limb.
- Importantly, the technique carries a minimal risk of unintentionally causing desensitisation within the tarsal sheath and the tarsometatarsal joint, important considerations for the health and mobility of the horse.
Cite This Article
APA
Hughes TK, Eliashar E, Smith RK.
(2007).
In vitro evaluation of a single injection technique for diagnostic analgesia of the proximal suspensory ligament of the equine pelvic limb.
Vet Surg, 36(8), 760-764.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-950X.2007.00333.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Equine Referral Hospital, Royal Veterinary College, Herts, UK. tomkhughes@hotmail.com
MeSH Terms
- Analgesia / methods
- Analgesia / veterinary
- Animals
- Cadaver
- Female
- Forelimb / innervation
- Hindlimb / innervation
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horses / physiology
- Lameness, Animal / diagnosis
- Ligaments, Articular
- Male
- Metacarpus / innervation
- Metatarsus / innervation
- Tibial Nerve / anatomy & histology
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Freeman KD, Adams MN, Salinger AE, White NA 2nd, Barrett JG. Comparison of Two Surgical Techniques for the Treatment of Equine Hindlimb Proximal Suspensory Desmopathy. Animals (Basel) 2025 Sep 4;15(17).
- Guest DJ, Birch HL, Thorpe CT. A review of the equine suspensory ligament: Injury prone yet understudied. Equine Vet J 2025 Sep;57(5):1167-1182.
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