Outcome of palmar/plantar digital neurectomy in horses with foot pain evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging: 50 cases (2005-2011).

This research article outlines a study exploring the outcomes of a surgical procedure, palmar/plantar digital neurectomy (PDN), for treating horses with chronic foot pain. The study also identifies some influential factors in the surgery’s outcome and suggests that certain foot lesions can influence its success or failure.

Overview of the Research

• The study is a multi-centre retrospective review of medical records from 50 horses that had undergone PDN due to chronic foot pain.
• The variables analysed across this dataset included age, breed, sex, athletic activity, duration of lameness, affected limb(s), response to anaesthesia of the palmar/plantar digital nerves, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, surgical technique, and follow-up data.
• The goal was to identify any factors that were significantly correlated with the long-term outcomes of the surgery.

Results of the Study

• A total of 92% of horses showed a positive response to PDN surgery, and 80% were able to return to their previous athletic use for a median time of 20 months, with a range from 12 to 72 months.
• However, 18 horses (36%) developed post-operative complications. These complications encompassed issues like residual lameness, painful neuromas, or early recurrence of lameness.
• Among these complications, horses with pre-existing core or linear lesions on the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) had significantly shorter periods of lameness resolution post-surgery as compared to horses with dorsal border lesions or other foot lesions.

Conclusions of the Study

• The researchers conclude that PDN surgery can be beneficial to horses suffering from chronic foot pain, especially when the pain is unresponsive to medical therapy. The surgery generally does not lead to serious post-operative complications.
• However, the study suggests that horses with core or linear lesions on the DDFT may not be suitable candidates for this surgery, as these horses typically experience residual or early recurrent lameness post-surgery. MRI can be used effectively to identify these horses prior to recommending surgery.