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Veterinary surgery : VS2025; doi: 10.1111/vsu.14213

Needle tenoscopy of the digital flexor tendon sheath in a standing equine cadaver model using a novel approach and guided palmar/plantar annular ligament desmotomy.

Abstract: (1) To evaluate the feasibility of needle tenoscopy of the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS) using basisesamoid (BS) and proximolateral (PL) approaches in a standing equine cadaver model. (2) To report visualization of intrathecal DFTS anatomy via both approaches. (3) To determine the efficacy of needle scope-guided palmar/plantar annular ligament (PAL) desmotomy. (4) To report any iatrogenic damage associated with the procedure. Methods: Ex vivo experimental. Methods: Ten equine cadaver limbs. Methods: Limbs were placed in a Kimzey leg-saver splint and needle tenoscopy was performed using the BS and PL approaches. Two European College of Veterinary Surgeons (ECVS) Diplomates assessed and categorized intrathecal site visualization as poor, partial, or excellent. Needle scope-guided PAL desmotomy was performed after DFTS exploratory needle tenoscopy. Limbs were dissected and examined for the presence of iatrogenic damage and completeness of PAL desmotomy. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare visualization scores for both approaches. Results: Needle tenoscopy of the DFTS in a standing model was feasible from both BS and PL approaches. Excellent visualization of clinically significant intrathecal anatomy within the fetlock canal was achieved from both approaches (p ≤ .001), with minimal iatrogenic damage. The PL approach allowed more structures to be visualized than the BS approach (p = .025). All PAL desmotomies were completed without associated iatrogenic damage. Conclusions: Needle tenoscopy of the DFTS in a standing model provided excellent visualization of intrathecal sites within the fetlock canal. It facilitated complete PAL desmotomy. Conclusions: Needle ten0oscopy can be used to assess the DFTS and to guide PAL desmotomy in a standing horse.
© 2025 The Author(s). Veterinary Surgery published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American College of Veterinary Surgeons.
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Publication Date: 2025-02-06 PubMed ID: 39911071DOI: 10.1111/vsu.14213Google 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 research paper evaluates the practicality of using needle tenoscopy—a minimally invasive procedure—to study the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS) in standing equine cadaver limbs. It also assesses the effectiveness of the procedure in performing guided surgeries and reports on related damages.

Research objective and methodology

In this experimental study, the scientists focused on the following objectives:

  • To evaluate the feasibility of needle tenoscopy using two unique approaches—basisesamoid (BS) and proximolateral (PL)—for analyzing the DFTS.
  • To report on the visualization of intrathecal DFTS anatomy achieved through both approaches.
  • To determine the efficacy of needle scope-guided palmar/plantar annular ligament (PAL) desmotomy, a surgical procedure for tendon issues.
  • To document any iatrogenic (caused by the treatment process itself) damage linked with the procedure.

The scientists used ten equine cadaver limbs in this study. They placed the limbs in a Kimzey leg-saver splint and the procedure was performed using the BS and PL approaches. Following the exploratory needle tenoscopy, a needle scope-guided PAL desmotomy was performed. The limbs were then dissected and checked for the presence of iatrogenic damage and completeness of the PAL desmotomy.

Key findings

The researchers found that:

  • Performing needle tenoscopy of the DFTS on a standing model is viable from both the BS and PL approaches.
  • Excellent visualization of vital intrathecal anatomy within the fetlock canal was achieved through both approaches (p ≤ .001) with minimal iatrogenic damage.
  • The PL approach allowed for the visualization of more structures compared to the BS approach (p = .025).
  • All the PAL desmotomies were successfully completed, with no associated iatrogenic damage.

Conclusions

The study concluded that needle tenoscopy of the DFTS in a standing model yielded excellent visualization of the intrathecal sites within the fetlock canal and enabled a complete PAL desmotomy. The method can therefore be used to assess the DFTS and guide PAL desmotomy in a standing horse.

Cite This Article

APA
Breen LJ, Stack JD, Gillen AM, Baldwin CM. (2025). Needle tenoscopy of the digital flexor tendon sheath in a standing equine cadaver model using a novel approach and guided palmar/plantar annular ligament desmotomy. Vet Surg. https://doi.org/10.1111/vsu.14213

Publication

Veterinary surgery : VS
ISSN: 1532-950X
NlmUniqueID: 8113214
Country: United States
Language: English

Researcher Affiliations

Breen, Louise J
  • The Philip Leverhulme Equine Hospital, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
Stack, John D
  • The Philip Leverhulme Equine Hospital, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
Gillen, Alex M
  • The Philip Leverhulme Equine Hospital, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
Baldwin, Chris M
  • The Philip Leverhulme Equine Hospital, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.

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