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Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J / Neurovascular variations in the proximal plantar metatarsal ...
Equine veterinary journal2021; doi: 10.1111/evj.13507

Neurovascular variations in the proximal plantar metatarsal region of the horse.

Abstract: Neurovascular variation may be relevant when performing surgical techniques to the proximal plantar metatarsal region. Objective: To document variations in the neurovascular anatomy of the proximal plantar metatarsal region and study the relationship of the neurovascular components to each other and other structures located in this area. Methods: Descriptive anatomical study. Methods: Paired cadaver hind limbs from 15 horses were dissected from the distal tibia to the metatarsophalangeal joint. Deep branch of the lateral plantar nerve (DBLPN) length, location of its origin from the lateral plantar nerve (LPN), individual DBLPN ramifications into the suspensory ligament (SL) and relationship of the DBLPN to the plantar arch and accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (ALDDFT) were recorded. Results: Mean DBLPN length was 5.8 ± 1.7 cm with the nerve arising 3.7 ± 1.5 cm proximal to the head of the fourth metatarsal bone (MTIV). There was a median of three individual DBLPN ramifications (range 2-6) entering the SL. There were no significant left/right differences. In 57% (CI 39%-74%; n = 17) limbs, the deep plantar arch was superficial to the DBLPN, whereas in 33% (CI 16%-50%; n = 10) limbs, the DBLPN passed between the venous and arterial components of the arch. In 10% (CI 1%-20%; n = 3) limbs, the deep plantar arch was deep to the DBLPN. In 67% (CI 50%-84%; n = 20) limbs, the DBLPN was superficial to the ALDDFT, whereas in 33% (CI 16%-50%; n = 10) limbs, the nerve ran deep to the ALDDFT. An additional branch from the LPN was noted in one limb. Conclusions: Limbs were used from horses with unknown clinical history. Conclusions: Anatomical variation, in particular the relationship of the DBLPN and deep metatarsal fascia to the deep plantar arch and the ALDDFT is an important consideration when undertaking surgical approaches to the proximal plantar metatarsal region.
© 2021 EVJ Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2021-09-27 PubMed ID: 34569652DOI: 10.1111/evj.13507Google 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 article focuses on the variations in the neurovascular anatomy of the proximal plantar metatarsal region of a horse, highlighting its implications in surgical procedures.

Study Scope and Methodology

  • The study aims to document variations in the neurovascular anatomy of the proximal plantar metatarsal region, focusing on their position relative to different physical structures within this area.
  • It employs a methodical approach by conducting a descriptive anatomical study that examines paired cadaver hind limbs from 15 horses. These are dissected from the distal tibia to the metatarsophalangeal joint to ascertain the neurovascular structures.
  • Specific measurements taken include the length of the deep branch of the lateral plantar nerve (DBLPN), its origin point from the lateral plantar nerve (LPN), the DBLPN ramifications into the suspensory ligament (SL), and the relation of the DBLPN to the plantar arch and accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon (ALDDFT).

Study Outcome and Interpretation

  • The mean DBLPN length was found to be 5.8 ± 1.7 cm, originating 3.7 ± 1.5 cm proximal to the head of the fourth metatarsal bone (MTIV).
  • The study recorded a median of three individual DBLPN ramifications (range 2-6) entering the SL.
  • No significant left/right differences were observed in the limbs.
  • In terms of the relationship between the deep plantar arch and DBLPN, in 57% of limbs, the deep plantar arch was situated above the DBLPN; in 33% of limbs, the DBLPN rested between the venous and arterial components of the arch; and in 10% of limbs, the deep plantar arch was located deeper as compared to the DBLPN.
  • Further, in 67% of limbs, the DBLPN was above the ALDDFT whereas in 33% of limbs, it was situated below the ALDDFT.
  • An additional branch from the LPN was also identified in one limb.

Recommendations and Conclusions

  • The study concludes that the anatomical variations, particularly the relationship between the DBLPN and deep metatarsal fascia to the deep plantar arch and the ALDDFT, should be a crucial factor to consider when performing surgical procedures in the proximal plantar metatarsal region.
  • It’s important to note that the horses used had an unknown clinical history, potentially making the findings less generalizable to specific populations of horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Milner PI, Dimmock O, Barnes K. (2021). Neurovascular variations in the proximal plantar metatarsal region of the horse. Equine Vet J. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.13507

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English

Researcher Affiliations

Milner, Peter I
  • Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, Leahurst Campus, University of Liverpool, Neston, Cheshire, UK.
Dimmock, Oliver
  • Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, Leahurst Campus, University of Liverpool, Neston, Cheshire, UK.
Barnes, Kate
  • Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, Leahurst Campus, University of Liverpool, Neston, Cheshire, UK.

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