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Open veterinary journal2023; 13(12); 1752-1759; doi: 10.5455/OVJ.2023.v13.i12.24

Navicular bone fracture and severe deep digital flexor tendinopathy after palmar digital neurectomy in two horses.

Abstract: Navicular syndrome is a common cause of forelimb lameness in horses. Beyond changes to the navicular bone itself, horses with a clinical diagnosis of navicular syndrome often have pathology associated with other components of the navicular apparatus, including the navicular bursa, deep digital flexor (DDF) tendon, collateral sesamoidean ligaments, and impar ligament. Palmar digital neurectomy (PDN) is often used as a salvage procedure for horses diagnosed with navicular syndrome that become unresponsive to medical management. There are many potential complications associated with PDN, some of which are debilitating. Unassigned: This report describes two cases of navicular bone fracture with severe DDF tendinopathy and distal interphalangeal joint subluxation/hyperextension that occurred 12 and 19 weeks after bilateral forelimb PDN. Unassigned: These two cases highlight the importance of proper patient selection before PDN due to the high incidence of undiagnosed soft tissue pathology in conjunction with radiographic evidence of navicular syndrome. Advanced imaging of the digit is recommended to identify and characterize any soft tissue pathology associated with the navicular apparatus before pursuing PDN to avoid disease progression and catastrophic injury.
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Publication Date: 2023-12-31 PubMed ID: 38292704PubMed Central: PMC10824075DOI: 10.5455/OVJ.2023.v13.i12.24Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The study delves into potential complications in horses diagnosed with navicular syndrome, a condition that causes lameness. Specifically, it highlights two cases where horses developed fractures and severe tendinopathy after undergoing a salvage procedure named Palmar Digital Neurectomy (PDN). The research suggests using advanced imaging techniques before PDN to uncover any pathological conditions that may escalate post-procedure.

Introduction

  • The study focuses on navicular syndrome, which is often responsible for lameness in a horse’s forelimb. The condition not only affects the navicular bone but also other navicular apparatus components like the DDF tendon, the impar ligament, the collateral sesamoidean ligaments, and the navicular bursa.
  • For cases unresponsive to medical treatment, Palmar Digital Neurectomy (PDN) is commonly applied as a salvage procedure. However, like any surgical procedure, PDN also carries risks and can lead to debilitating complications.

The Cases

  • The research outlines two specific cases where horses encountered navicular bone fractures and severe Deep Digital Flexor (DDF) tendinopathy 12 and 19 weeks after enrollment in bilateral forelimb PDN.
  • In addition to these complications, distal interphalangeal joint subluxation/hyperextension was also observed.

Significance

  • These case studies highlight the need for careful patient selection before performing PDN due to the high likelihood of soft tissue pathology. This can often be undiagnosed, in conjunction with visible indications of navicular syndrome.
  • The authors recommend using advanced imaging techniques to identify potential soft tissue pathology associated with a horse’s navicular apparatus before conducting the PDN surgery.
  • This preemptive diagnosis could prevent the escalation of the disease and avoid the potential catastrophic injury that might follow the PDN procedure.

Cite This Article

APA
Larsen EA, Williams MR, Schoonover MJ, Jurek KA, Young JM, Duddy HR. (2023). Navicular bone fracture and severe deep digital flexor tendinopathy after palmar digital neurectomy in two horses. Open Vet J, 13(12), 1752-1759. https://doi.org/10.5455/OVJ.2023.v13.i12.24

Publication

Open veterinary journal
ISSN: 2218-6050
NlmUniqueID: 101653182
Country: Libya
Language: English
Volume: 13
Issue: 12
Pages: 1752-1759

Researcher Affiliations

Larsen, Elizabeth A
  • Large Animal Clinical Sciences Department, University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA.
Williams, Megan R
  • Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA.
Schoonover, Mike J
  • Veterinary Clinical Sciences Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA.
Jurek, Kelsey A
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, USA.
Young, Jenna M
  • Veterinary Population Medicine Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA.
Duddy, Hugh R
  • Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Horses
  • Foot Diseases / diagnosis
  • Foot Diseases / pathology
  • Foot Diseases / veterinary
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / veterinary
  • Tarsal Bones / surgery
  • Tarsal Bones / pathology
  • Joint Diseases / veterinary
  • Fractures, Bone / surgery
  • Fractures, Bone / veterinary
  • Fractures, Bone / pathology
  • Tendinopathy / diagnosis
  • Tendinopathy / surgery
  • Tendinopathy / veterinary
  • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
  • Horse Diseases / surgery
  • Horse Diseases / pathology

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

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